Oceanography: Physics and Geology of the Ocean Basins

DESCRIPTION: 
Principles of oceanography with emphasis on geological and physical processes: history of oceanography as a modern scientific field, the formation of Earth and the solar system, ocean floor topography, continental drifting, plate tectonics, sediments, atmospheric processes, ocean currents, waves and tides.

RATIONALE: 
Oceanography is a science course with laboratories that fulfils the general education requirement in science. It is designed for students with little background in the natural or physical sciences and aims at giving them an understanding of the scientific study of seas and oceans. Recent developments in the field of geological and physical oceanography are discussed, such as the plate tectonics theory and the origin of earthquakes, hydrothermal vents, deep ocean floor exploration, surface currents like the gulf Stream and deep currents like the Great Conveyor Belt, waves and tides.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:
As a result of taking this course, the student should be able to:
1. Acquire a foundation in the science of Oceanography. (Knowledge)
2. Demonstrate knowledge of the scientific method, core oceanography concepts and principles. (Knowledge)
3. Acquire knowledge on plate tectonics (Knowledge, Analysis, Evaluation)
4. Understand scientific issues and concerns as they apply to students, their environment, society and health, and to understand how to use their knowledge responsibly. (Knowledge, Analysis, Evaluation, Application)
5. Demonstrate detailed understanding of the various ocean basins and the distribution and classification of marine sediments (Knowledge, Analysis, Evaluation, Key transferable skills)
6. Develop the necessary analytical tools to understand the nature of scientific inquiry by practicing inquiry in the laboratory and in the field and by addressing the right questions and applying the appropriate methodology. (Key transferable skills, Practical skills)

METHOD OF TEACHING AND LEARNING: 
In congruence with the learning and teaching strategy of the college, the following tools are used:
- Class lectures, interactive learning (class discussions, group work) film and video presentations
- Exercises and primary source documents are assigned as homework, the solutions of which are reviewed in class
- Class discussion of selected topics.
- Research through the Internet
- CD-ROMs and physical models.
- Laboratory experiments and/or demonstrations, reports.
- Field trips and/or visits.
- Information Course Center-Course Link: http://highered.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/0073376701/
- Office hours: students are encouraged to make full use of the office hours of their instructor, where they can ask questions, see their exam paper, and/or go over lecture/lab material.
- Use of a blackboard site, where instructors post lecture notes, assignment instructions, timely announcements, as well as additional resources.