Oceanography Course Syllabus
Colony High School 2015-2016
Instructor: John Hill
Contact Information:
 Email: john.hill@matsuk12.us
 Classroom Phone: 861-5467
 Office Hours: 7:15-7:45am and 2:15pm – 2:45pm
Course Prerequisites: None
Course Description:
This is an exploratory science elective course. Oceanography deals with aspects of geology, chemistry,
physics, and biology as they apply to oceans. The goal is to understand oceanography in a social context and to
give students the foundation needed to be intelligent participants in important societal discussions that involve
environmental issues touching on oceans, climate and coastal zones.
Major topics covered include:
 Geography and physical characteristics of ocean basins and seas
 Evolution of ocean basins (plate tectonics)
 Oceanic sediment and sediment transport mechanisms
 Chemical and physical characteristics of ocean water
 Origin and description of currents, waves, and tides
 Marine organisms and their classification
 Marine ecology and ecosystem description
 Oceanic resources (physical, chemical and biological)
 Pollution of the oceans (environmental issues)
Course Textbooks:
LIFE ON AN OCEAN PLANET. Current Publishing. 2010.
Supplies needed:
 Notebook with dividers/folders for handouts
 Pencils/Pens
 Text Book (Will be checked out from the Library)
Grading: Points will accumulate throughout the semester from daily assignments, labs, projects, reading
quizzes, and tests. Each student’s goal should be to accumulate as many points as possible.
Grading Scale:
90% or Higher
80% - 89%
70% - 79%
60% - 69%
=A
=B
=C
=D
Exams: A comprehensive exam will be given at the end of each unit. There will be no retakes. Unit tests will
be averaged together and will receive the same weight. A cumulative final will be given at the end of the
semester. This test will be averaged in with unit tests and will carry approximately twice the weight of a unit
test.
Classroom Expectations:
 Follow all safety rules (see MSBSD Science Safety Contract)
 Come prepared with organized notebook, paper, pencils
 No food or drink.
 No electronic devices (cell phones, iPods, etc.)
 Ask questions
 Show respect to everyone - R.E.S.P.E.C.T
 Positive attitude
Bathroom Passes:
 You may not leave the room during the first 5 or last 5 minutes of class.
 If you are asking to leave class too often, your parents will be notified of your excessive absence
from class.
Absences:
If you are going to be absent, your parent or guardian must notify the school at 861-5500. On return
to class you are responsible to make up for lost work. This includes getting copies of lectures or
discussions you missed from another student in the class.
Late work:
No late work will be accepted on homework assignments. All late work on larger projects will be
reduced by 50% for each day late. Exceptions would include absences for a school-related activity
with prior notice and approval.
Academic Honesty: Colony High School Honor Code
 “It is expected that all academic work reflect a student’s individual efforts.”
 Cheating in any form will result in a zero and a disciplinary referral