WAYLAND BAPTIST UNIVERISTY
____________ CAMPUS
SCHOOL OF MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCES
WAYLAND MISSION STATEMENT: Wayland Baptist University exists to educate students in
an academically challenging, learning-focused and distinctively Christian environment for
professional success and service to God and humankind
COURSE NUMBER AND TITLE: GEOL 4407-Section; Oceanography
TERM:
NAME OF INSTRUCTOR:
OFFICE PHONE NO. AND WBU EMAIL ADDRESS:
OFFICE HOURS, BUILDING, AND LOCATION:
CATALOG DESCRIPTION A study of ocean currents, waves, chemistry, beaches and seafloor,
and life in the oceans with applications on how these life forms are used to trace currents,
temperatures, and origins of the water. Lecture three hours, laboratory three hours. May be used
in meeting biology major requirements. Field trips may be included as one of the instructional
tools. $90 fee. Other fees may apply for field trips.
PREREQUISITE: GEOL 1401 or consent of instructor.
TEXTBOOK: *choose from approved textbook list
LAB BOOK:
COURSE OUTCOME COMPETENCIES: Upon completion of the course the student will
1. know the geologic features of the ocean floor, and relate them to our current understanding of
plate tectonics theory.
2. understand the unique thermal, physical, and chemical properties of ocean water.
3. understand ocean circulation patterns, especially those relevant to global heat transfer.
4. know the mechanics behind familiar oceanic phenomena, such as waves and tides.
5. be familiar with shoreline geological processes, including deposition/erosion of sediments.
6. have knowledge of the various ecosystems residing in the oceans.
7. be aware of how human populations affect and use/abuse oceanic environments.
ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS: The university expects students to make class attendance a
priority.
(Place additional attendance requirements here.)
STATEMENT ON PLAGIARISM AND ACADEMIC DISHONESTY:
Wayland Baptist University observes a zero tolerance policy regarding academic dishonesty. Per
university policy as described in the academic catalog, all cases of academic dishonesty will be
reported and second offenses will result in suspension from the university.
DISABILITY STATEMENT: In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
(ADA), it is the policy of Wayland Baptist University that no otherwise qualified person with a
disability be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject to
discrimination under any educational program or activity in the university. The Coordinator of
Counseling Services serves as the coordinator of students with a disability and should be
contacted concerning accommodation requests at (806) 291-3765. Documentation of a disability
must accompany any request for accommodations.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND GRADING CRITERIA: Students will be evaluated by
examinations, quizzes and lab activities, etc. as described in this syllabus under the heading
“Evaluation”.
University Grading System: A=90-100, B=80-89, C=70-79, D=60-69, F=below 60.
The final class grade will be based on the average of grades that are earned as listed below.
(Place test/quiz/lab grade values used and schedule here.)
Students shall have protection through orderly procedures against prejudices or capricious
academic evaluation. A student who believes that he or she has not been held to realistic
academic standards, just evaluation procedures, or appropriate grading, may appeal the final
grade given in the course by using the student grade appeal process described in the Academic
Catalog. Appeals may not be made for advanced placement examinations or course
bypass examinations. Appeals are limited to the final course grade, which may be upheld, raised,
or lowered at any stage of the appeal process. Any recommendation to lower a course grade must
be submitted through the Executive Vice President/Provost to the Faculty Assembly Grade
Appeals Committee for review and approval. The Faculty Assembly Grade Appeals Committee
may instruct that the course grade be upheld, raised, or lowered to a more proper evaluation.
TENTATIVE COURSE OUTLINE:
(Actual dates & book chapters may be included. This schedule includes student presentations
which may be omitted.)
______Subject
1
Introduction
2
Formation of Earth and its oceans
3
Plate Tectonics
4
Marine sediments
5
Seawater
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
Air-Sea interactions
Ocean circulation
Waves
Tides
Student Presentations
Coastal Geology
Oceanic ecosystems-Pelagic
Oceanic ecosystems- Benthic
Ocean Resources
This outline and other syllabus items are subject to change at university or instructor discretion.
Last Revised 03/18/15