3 Credits 45 Contact Hours (Lecture)

This course is intended for non-science majors as an introduction to the scientific study of the oceans, their boundaries and their contents. It covers geological, chemical, physical, and biological oceanography in addition to marine management. Topics include history and tools of oceanography, plate tectonics, bathymetry and sediments, seawater characteristics and properties, the distribution of gases and nutrients, the transmission of energy through seawater, major ocean circulation patterns and currents, characteristics of deep and shallow water waves, tides, interaction of the atmosphere with the oceans, marine organisms and adaptations, marine habitats, marine trophic structures, ocean resources, exploitation and politics. The course includes field experiences in marine habitats, experience using oceanographic tools, identification of marine organisms, constructing an artificial reef, routine survey of the health of a coral reef within a marine park.

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will possess the knowledge and ability to...

• Identify the major ocean basins and features of the coastline
• Know the field techniques and tools of oceanography
• Explain the theories of continental drift and plate tectonics
• Understand the types and origins of marine sediments and the overall structure of the ocean basins
• Describe the chemical properties and characteristics of seawater
• Determine the salinity and dissolved oxygen of seawater
• Understand the distribution of gases and nutrients in seawater
• Explain how light, sound and heat are transmitted through seawater
• Describe the major ocean circulation patterns and currents
• Identify basic characteristics of deep and shallow water waves
• Have a basic understanding of the formation of tides
• Describe basic interactions of the atmosphere with the oceans
• Describe the major biological habitats of the oceans
• Recognize and identify organisms of all phyla common to the reefs of the Caribbean and understand the types of adaptations used by marine organisms
• Understand the importance and global distribution of phyto- and zooplankton and the flow of energy through the marine trophic levels
• Discuss the biological and mineral resources of the sea and the problem with their exploitation
• Understand the importance of legislation and treaties affecting the marine environment
• Demonstrate an understanding of how the scientific method works

For the complete course syllabus and overview, please download the Sea|mester Student Handbook.