Oceanography Instructor: Lori Bettison-Varga

Blackboard Pilot Project: We will be using Blackboard during this course. The sysstem will enable us to communicate effectively, and allow you to be able to check your grades as you desire. Please go to Blackboard to get your password and to learn about the system.

Oceanography is fundamentally an interdisciplinary subject; therefore, the course will cover introductory principles in chemistry, biology, geology, and physics. This course stresses physical oceanography; we will touch on life in the oceans for only a brief period during the semester. This course covers a core of geological concepts and principles that are necessary for students wanting to continue on in Geology 200 in subsequent semesters.

Textbook: Trujillo, A. and Thurman, H., 2005, Essentials of Oceanography, 8th Ed., Prentice Hall. Companion book: Abel, D. and McConnell, R., 2002, Environmental Issues in Oceanography, 2nd Ed., Prentice Hall.

Other readings: Please check the on-line syllabus or our Blackboard site the day before each class in order to keep to date with required readings. I will add links to readings as the course continues.

Course Goals: The primary goals of Geology 103 are for students to:

1. Understand the nature of scientific exploration and how science relates to other disciplines (Learning Across the Disciplines, A Wooster Education).

Specifically, you will be able to: explain the scientific method, describe how science is different from other disciplines, and provide examples of the interplay between science and society.

2. Understand how Earth's ocean basins are formed and how they have changed with time.

Learning objectives: Students will be able to: recognize ocean basin landforms, discuss how the Earth's composition results in plate tectonics, and explain the role of plate tectonics in forming those features and causing sea-level change.

 

3. Understand the structure of seawater and ocean circulation, and the affect of those on life in the oceans and Earth's climate.

Learning objectives: Students will be able to: explain seawater chemistry, apply your knowledge about the structure of the oceans to predict distribution and lifestyles of oceanic organisms, describe the relationship of ocean circulation to atmospherice circulation, and discuss the impact of ocean currents on weather and climate.

 

4. Enhance critical thinking and writing skills through research in a specific area of oceanography.

Learning objectives. Students will be able to: research an area of interest, describe the significance of that particular research, write a compelling research proposal for a broad readership, and critically evaluate colleagues' proposals.

Exams, quizzes, and homework: Three exams are scheduled during class time. Note the exam dates now and let me know ASAP if you have conflicts. Announced quizzes will be given during the semester (lowest score will be dropped). The exams and the quizzes will be short essay format.

Homework Assignments: We will be using the companion book, Environmental Issues in Oceanography, and the associated website (EIO) at Prentice Hall, for a few homework assignments throughout the semester. The syllabus indicates the specific questions to be answered for the assignment. Please bring your typed responses to class on the day requested; we will discuss these and other questions on the assigned day.

Teaching Apprentice: Wade Martin, wmartin@wooster.edu

Proposal Project: For more information, click here! This is a major assignment in the course.

Office Hours: Please see me if you have any questions about the course material and/or the proposal project. I have a sign-up sheet posted outside my door that shows when I will be available for the week. Please sign-up to see me for any reason in the unshaded 1/2 hour time slots on the calender outside of my office, Room 118, Scovel Hall. There are usually plenty of slots available, but if you cannot find a time that works for you, send me an e-mail and we'll set something up.

Student Conduct: Students are expected to observe the rules of academic conduct outlined in Scot's Key. In particular, I ask that you review the information provided on the Writing Center web site (see Composition and Grammar) regarding plagiarism. If you are found to have cheated during an exam, or plagiarized your final project, you will almost certainly FAIL this course.

Penalty for Late Assignments: Assignments will receive a deduction of 10% for each day that they are late. I will not accept assignments more than 4 days late.