Syllabus: Ocean 10

This course is designed to be a broad, but rigorous, overview of the complexities of the global oceans. We will not only look at the intertwining physical, chemical, meteorological, biological, and geological aspects of the oceans, but will also critically evaluate the oceans' role in our lives and our role in the health of the oceans. Along the way, we will discuss the history of the oceans and will focus on how the ocean affects our life here in Humboldt County.

The course will try to follow the schedule posted below. The class meets from 8:00-9:30 a.m., Tuesday and Thursday in room PS111. Keep in mind that new developments in both our understanding of the oceans and how the oceans affect our lives happen constantly so the course material may shift to accommodate relevant information.

Week	Topic	Chapter
Jan. 12-14	Introduction / History of the Science	1,2
Jan. 19-21	Origin of the Oceans and Plate Tectonics	3,4
Jan. 26-28	Origin of the Oceans and Plate Tectonics	3,4
Feb. 2-4	Sediments	5
Feb. 9-11	Sea Water Chemistry and Ocean Physics	6,7
Feb. 16-18	Meteorology	8
Feb. 23-25	Circulation	9
March 2-4	Waves	10,11
March 9-11	Coasts	12
March 16-18	Mid-Term Exam and begin Ocean Life	13
March 23-25	Primary Productivity	14
March 30-April 1	Larger Organisms	15
April 6-8	SPRING BREAK!!!
April 13-15	Marine Communities	16
April 20-22	Environmental Concerns	18,19
April 27-29	Environmental Concerns	18,19
May 4-6	History of the Oceans
May 11-13	Poster Presentations and Review
May 18	Final Exam from 8-10 a.m.

The required text for this course is "Oceanography 3rd Edition" by Tom Garrison. In addition to the text, you will also be provided with additional readings and handouts. You will be required to use the world wide web for getting information relevant to the lecture material.
My office hours are Tuesday, 1-2:30 and Thursday, 10-11:30 in PS 122 (across the hall from PS 111). In addition, I will probably be in the office most of Tuesday and Thursday and can be interrupted at any time. My office phone number is 476-4210 x4983. I can also be reached via e-mail at: russell-shapiro@eureka.redwoods.cc.ca.us

Your grade will be determined from your scores on bi-weekly quizzes (1/3 of the final grade), a cumulative midterm and final (1/2 of the final grade), and a collaborative group project (1/6 of the final grade). The grades will be based on a 100 point scale; that is, 90-100=A, 80-89=B, 70-79=C, 60-69=D, 0-59=F. Therefore, it is possible for everyone to get an A (or an F!). Study groups are encouraged.
The quizzes and exams will be based on a mix of true/false, multiple choice, short answer, and essay questions. Sample test questions will be available. The collaborative group project will result in a poster presentation to the class on an approved aspect of oceanography. Finally, attendance is very important and multiple absences will reflect negatively on your final grade. Tardiness is also very disruptive so please come to class on time.