Oceanography 101: Introduction to Oceanography Spring 2015
GENERAL INFO:
Lecture: Room 10-8 MW 8:30a-10:20a
Lab: Room 15-223L F 8:30a-10:20a
Required Reading:
1) Introduction to the World’s Oceans, Sverdrup and Armbrust, McGraw-Hill, Pearson Create
Edition *(this exactly equivalent to the 10th edition)
* A used 10th edition will be exactly the same book.
** In addition, using the 9th edition works fine for this class too, if you can find a used one. The
only problem here is that if you do use the 9th edition then the page numbers in the reading
assignments in this syllabus won’t correspond precisely with the pages in the 9 th edition. You’ll
need to download a separate document from my webpage (see address below) that has the reading
assignments for the 9th.
2) Spring 2015 Oceanography 101 Course Materials
This booklet, available in the TCC bookstore, has all of the lab material you will need for the
course, including fieldtrip information.
Instructor: Ralph Hitz
Office: Building 15-234
Office Hours: MW 1:30-3:30, or by appointment
Office Phone: 566-5299
e-mail: rhitz@tacomacc.edu
website: http://www.tacomacc.edu/home/rhitz
NOTE: The details in this syllabus are subject to change or error. I will notify you in class about any changes or
corrections.
THE COURSE:
Oceanography is a science that encompasses everything to do with the oceans. There are biological oceanographers who
study organisms living in the oceans and there are coastal oceanographers who study how the ocean affects coastlines, and
there is every discipline in between. The oceans cover a huge portion of the earth and affect our lives continuously. To gain
a working knowledge of how the oceans function is to understand for the most part how the global environment works.
WEB-ENHANCED:
This is a web-enhanced course that uses TCC Canvas. We will use Canvas to complete multiple homework assignments.
1) If you’re new to Canvas, TCC has many support services to get you started, including a link to tutorials published by
Canvas. Follow this link for introductory tutorials.
http://www.tacomacc.edu/areasofstudy/learningoptions/elearning/onlineclasses/gettingstarted/weekzero/
2) Follow this link to reach TCC e-learning support for help with Canvas issues. There is a phone number here and an email
address and the hours during which they can help you.
http://www.tacomacc.edu/onlineclasses/
3) Alternatively, and sometimes this is faster than emailing the e-learning staff, or trying to reach them by phone, here is a
link to where you can submit a help “ticket” to which they’ll respond as quickly as they can.
http://tcclearn.tacomacc.edu/ics/support/default.asp?deptID=16061&task=ticket
4) Lastly, TCC e-learning maintains a “Knowledge base” of answers to common questions. You can always peruse this
resource. Open the Technology directory on the left and click on Canvas.
http://tcclearn.tacomacc.edu/ics/support/default.asp?deptID=16061
For content-related issues (for example, an assignment file is missing) contact the instructor.
COURSE OUTCOMES:
These are the specific outcomes for Oceanography 101. PLO represents Program Learning Outcomes for the Science
disciplines, which may be found in the TCC catalog at this location: http://www.tacomacc.edu/catalog/11-12catalog/.
Each outcome may or may not relate to one or more of the Science PLOs.
1. Demonstrate through map use, basic cartography and map symbolization as it relates to oceanographic maps. PLO: 1
2. Describe the structure of the earth and explain how seismic evidence supports these ideas. PLO: 3
3. Explain how the interior structure of the earth relates to the process of plate tectonics. PLO: 3
4. Use plate tectonic theory to explain seafloor features and the origin of ocean basins. PLO: 3
5. Describe the distribution of seafloor sediments and explain the causes of these patterns. PLO: 3
6. Describe the fundamentals of coastal processes. Critique coastal land-use patterns with respect to the physical stability of
our coasts and their ecological integrity. PLO: 1, 3
7. Describe the origin of the major solutes in seawater and their residence times. Prepare solutions similar to seawater,
applying and interpreting appropriate terms for solute concentrations. PLO: 3
8. Explain the interaction of the atmospheric gases and the oceans and how that controls the pH of seawater. PLO: 3
9. Describe the distribution of water masses in the oceans and explain the pattern. Use experiments to demonstrate the
distribution of water masses in the oceans. PLO: 3
10. Describe the patterns of atmospheric circulation and explain the causes. PLO: 3
11. Describe the patterns of oceanic circulation and explain the causes and carry out experiments to model these patterns.
PLO: 2, 3, 4
12. Describe the attributes of different kinds of waves (including tides). Explain ocean wave theory and predict the behavior
of different types of waves. Carry out experiments to demonstrate wave behavior and visualize wave attributes. PLO: 2, 3, 4
13. Explain how physical factors control primary productivity in the oceans. PLO: 3
14. Explain the organization of trophic levels in the oceans. PLO: 3
15. Describe in broad terms biological diversity on the oceans. PLO: 3
16. Explain the organization of marine food webs. PLO: 3
17. Make observations of marine organisms and their ecology. PLO: 3
18. Demonstrate an understanding of the concept of sustainability and explain how many current issues in ocean science can
be viewed within the paradigm of sustainability.
GRADING:
Grading will be based on the criteria below. The course grade will be determined by adding the percentages from each
of the categories below. A simple, straight percentage scale will then be used to assign course grade: 100%-92.5% is an A,
92.5%-90.0% is an A-, 90.0%-87.5% is a B+, 87.5%-82.5% is a B, 82.5%-80.0% is a B-, 80.0%0-77.5% is a C+, 77.5%72.5% is a C, 72.5%-70.0% is a C-, 70.0%-67.5% is a D+, 67.5%-60.0% is a D, less than 60% is an E.
Exam I
Exam II
Exam III (comprehensive)
Labs and fieldtrips (9)
Symposium
Canvas modules
In-class exercises
13%
13%
16%
30%
8%
17% (% varies by module)
3%
Exams:
The exams will cover both lecture and reading material. They will be multiple choice exams and will include a variety
of question formats such as diagrams, matching, true/false, and the standard multiple choice questions. No make-up exams
will be given unless you discuss it with me beforehand.
Labs:
The lab grade will be based on completed lab work. Labs include in-class exercises and experiments and fieldtrips.
Symposium:
One of the lab activities will consist of student groups of four to five giving a presentation to the rest of the lab section
on the topic of plastics in the oceans. Each lab section will be divided into five groups of four to five students and each group
will be assigned to address one aspect of plastics in the oceans. The group will be responsible for researching the topic and
then during the presentation part, summarizing the topic for the other student groups in the lab section. The presentation
needs to include:
1) a well-organized oral discussion of the topic presentation
2) a PowerPoint slide show to help illustrate the discussion
3) a printed list of references (for the instructor only)
Grading will be based on the quality of the presentation and PowerPoint as determined by the instructor. I will also
solicit feedback from each audience group about the quality of each presentation and from each research group member about
the degree of participation of the other group members, and this information will be considered when determining the grade.
The topic for this quarter will be plastics in the oceans. I will assign specific aspects of the topic to individual research
groups to address. See symposium assignment details in the course materials booklet.
Canvas modules:
We have multiple exercises to work through in Canvas. These involve reading the text, viewing videos, and accessing
other resources and then progressing through several quizzes. These exercises are designed to provide the student with
background on how the topic of sustainability relates to the oceans.
In-class exercises:
These are short exercises that we will do in lecture from time to time, schedule to be determined, which are also due
in lecture the day we complete them. The topics vary but the goal is for students to work with concepts that we cover in
lecture in order to better understand the material. We will complete about 12-15 different in-class exercises. No credit is
granted unless the student is present in class and turns in the exercise at that class meeting.
CLASS POLICIES:
Assignments
Late work will have 25% of the score deducted per class meeting until there is nothing left. No late work will be
accepted if I have already graded and returned the assignment to the rest of the class. Please understand that I must act on
behalf of the students in the class who complete their assignments on time. No in-class exercises will be accepted late;
they’re due in class the day we complete them.
Attendance
There is a high correlation between lecture attendance and course performance. If you do not regularly attend lecture it
is very unlikely that you will do well in the course. The opportunity for personal interaction with the instructor is invaluable.
Oceanography is not always intuitive and topics often require repeated exposure for full comprehension. In addition,
important announcements are made in lecture that are not made available elsewhere. I’ll use an attendance sign in sheet. A
record of two missed classes will earn an extra 1% for your course grade. A record of one or fewer missed classes will
earn you a 1.5% on your total course grade.
Lab attendance is mandatory. In order for you to receive credit for a lab you must attend. There are no make-up
labs. Because the labs are an integral part of the class, more than three unexcused, missed labs will result in a failing
grade for the entire course. Further, punctuality is required. I want you to come to the lab but you have to be on time. The
doors to the lab room will be locked about 3-5 minutes after the lab meeting begins. If you come after this time, I will let you
in but I will deduct 50% of your lab points from that day’s assignment.
Field trips
Several of the labs will involve local field trips. Dress appropriately and wear sturdy shoes. Also bring note-taking
materials. See the Course Materials booklet for more information about the fieldtrips.
Withdrawals and Incompletes
May 22nd is the last day to withdraw from the course with a grade of “W.” Under appropriate circumstances
students may obtain an incomplete for the course. This option requires that the student fulfill the remaining requirements
within a designated amount of time.
Cheating
Cheating on an assignment or exam will result in zero credit for that item and appropriate action as outlined in the TCC
catalog. Plagiarism is likewise unacceptable. See the TCC Students Bill of Rights and Responsibilities for more information
about cheating and plagiarism.
Students with Special Needs
All students are responsible for all requirements of the class, but the way they meet these requirements may vary. If you
need specific auxiliary aids or services due to a disability, please contact the Access Services office in Building 7 (253-5665328). They will require you to present formal, written documentation of your disability from an appropriate professional.
When this step has been completed, arrangements will be made for you to receive reasonable auxiliary aids or services. The
disability accommodation documentation prepared by Access Services must be given to me before the accommodation is
needed so that appropriate arrangements can be made.
Classroom disputes
If you have questions or concerns about this class or me, please come to talk with me about your concerns. If we are
unable to resolve the issue the next step would be to talk to the Science and Engineering Department Chair, Katie Gulliford.
CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR
General
I expect basic courtesy: no conversations with neighbors during lectures, no leaving in the middle of lecture, and
punctual arrival to class and fieldtrips.
Electronic devices
Cell phones will turned off or silenced in class and in the field while class is in session (unless arranged with me
beforehand). No texting. Computers may be used for note taking or topic research during class. If a student uses a computer
for other functions I will ban them from using it in class for the duration of the course.
If a student persists in rude behavior, counter to what I outlined in the two sections above, I will take appropriate
measures, contacting administrative officials if necessary.
CALENDAR:
The reading should be completed before we cover the topics (after the first week of the course). That way you are
exposed to the information and ideas twice and have the opportunity to iron out any difficulties. Although I expect the
lectures to follow the calendar fairly closely there will be times when we stray. It is up to you to make sure that you are
keeping up on the appropriate reading assignments, but if you are unsure just ask me.
The labs will meet almost every week- see schedule. The calendar is subject to change. Be sure to pay attention to any
announcements regarding changes.
Week
Topic
Sverdrup and Armbrust
1 3/30-4/3
Introduction to oceanography
Origin of the earth and oceans
p. 12-25 (sec. 1.6-1.10)
p. 27-33 (sec. 2.1)
p. 44-49 (sec.2.6)
p. 51-56 (sec. 3.1-3.2)
Earth structure
LAB 1: Maps and the Seafloor
2 4/6-4/10
Plate tectonics
LAB 2: Plate Tectonics
p. 56-88 (sec. 3.3-3.7)
3 4/13-4/17
Ocean basins
LAB 3: Turbidity Currents
Review for exam
4/15: Exam 1 in lecture
p. 91-103 (sec. 4.1-4.2)
4 4/20-4/23
Ocean physics
p. 125-132 (sec. 5.1-5.7)
p. 140-145 (sec. 5.9, “Sea Ice” and
“Icebergs” only)
p. 201-204 (sec. 8.1)
p. 149-161 (sec. 6.1-6.3)
Sea water chemistry
(NO DAY CLASSES 4/23)
5 4/27-5/1
Sea water chemistry (cont.)
Atmospheric circulation
LAB 4: Physical Behavior of Water
In the Oceans
p. 149-161 (sec. 6.1-6.3)
p. 168-183 (sec. 7.1-7.6- through
seasonal changes)
p. 188-194 (sec. 7.7-7.8)
6 5/4-5/8
Surface ocean circulation
LAB 5: Currents
(NO DAY CLASSES 5/7)
p. 219-225 (sec. 9.1-9.4)
7 5/11-5/15
Deep ocean circulation
Review for exam
LAB: Plastics Symposium
 5/13: Exam 2 in lecture
p. 204-210 (sec. 8.2-8.3)
8 5/18-5/22
Beaches
Waves
LAB 6: Waves
p. 296-306 (sec. 12.3-12.6)
p. 240-263 (sec. 10.1-10.11)
9 5/26-5/29
Waves (cont.)
Tides
Fieldtrip 1: Owen Beach
(NO CLASSES 5/25)
p. 240-263 (sec. 10.1-10.11)
p. 271-286 (sec. 11.1-11.8)
10 6/1-6/5
Tides (cont.)
Marine ecology
p. 271-286 (sec. 11.1-11.8)
p. 344-352 (sec. 14.1-14.4 to
“Salinity”)
p. 360-372 (sec. 15.1-15.5)
p. 378-396 (sec. 16.1-16.7)
LAB 7: Puget Sound plankton
Fieldtrip 2: Point Defiance Zoo and
Aquarium
11 6/8
Marine ecology (cont.)
NO LAB THIS WEEK
 Tues 6/9, 8:30-10:30, 10-8,
Review and Exam 3
(comprehensive)