DESCRIPTION

The course focuses on the marine environment as a unique feature of the planet earth and investigates areas of intense scientific and public concern; the pervasiveness of the ocean and its effect on the earth's weather; its stunning physical size and diversity of contained life forms; its contributions to the physical and historical development of man; its impact on geopolitical and economic matters; the impact of oceanic pollutants and the potential exploitation of marine resources.

INSTITUTIONAL LEARNING GOALS

The following IVCC institutional learning goals will be addressed in this course:

• Communication - to communicate effectively.
• Inquiry - to apply critical, logical, creative, aesthetic, or quantitative analytical reasoning to formulate a judgement or conclusion.

COURSE OUTCOMES

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

1. Understand how science works and the characteristics of oceanography.
2. Understand the physical processes that shape the surface of the earth, and, specifically, the ocean basins and the coasts.
3. Understand some of the current theories concerning the origin of the planet and the waters that cover its surface.
4. Understand the basic physical and chemical properties of the ocean in terms of the special properties of water, dissolved salts, and dissolved gases.
5. Understand the motions of the seas--including currents, waves (wind, tides, seiches, and tsunamis), and storm surges.
6. Understand the basic concepts of weather and climate.
7. Understand the basic nature of life in the ocean.
8. Understand the resources of the sea in terms of minerals, energy, and food.
9. Understand the interactions between humans and the ocean.