GS 108 Oceanography

Surveys basic geological, physical, chemical, and biological processes of oceans, including geology, plate tectonics, seawater properties, waves, currents, tides, ocean life, biodiversity, marine resources and pollution. Lab included.

Credits

4

General Education Requirements

Sci/Math/CS-Lab

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

1. Apply the theory of plate tectonics to explain processes that form ocean basins and shape the seafloor

2. Describe seawater properties, marine sediments, sediment transport dynamics, and ocean technologies

3. Explain processes involving interactions of the oceans, Earth’s energy balance, and the carbon cycle

4. Explain the structure and function of marine ecosystems, including pelagic and benthic communities

5. Explain why seawater moves ocean currents, waves, and tides and its effects on coasts and coastal biological and human communities

6. Use marine sediments to evaluate past marine environments and climate changes through principles of paleoceanography

7. Describe interactions between humans and the marine environment: hazards, environmental harm, pollution, and marine geological and biological resources