SYLLABUS – READ CAREFULLY & SAVE !!!
(Refer also to the separate handout for the schedule)
Introduction to Geology: Oceanography (Geology 20E)
Pomona College - Fall 2008
Instructor: Dr. Hilary Lackey
e.mail: hilary.lackey@pomona.edu
Office: Edmunds 256 Office phone: (909) 607-4554
Office hours: Wed. 1-3 p.m. or by appointment (feel free to stop by anytime)
Course website: http://pages.pomona.edu/~hsl04747/Oceanography/index.html
Class Meetings: Tues./Thurs. 1:15 – 2:30, Edmunds 130 (This course includes a mandatory field
trip on Sat. Nov. 8: see Course Requirements for details)
Course Objectives:
Earth is the only planet in our solar system known to possess liquid water, and oceans
cover over 70% of its surface. In fact, Earth is nicknamed the “blue planet” because its oceans
appear as a vast expanse of blue from space. Not surprisingly, study of the ocean attracts many
people. Oceanography is a highly interdisciplinary field with aspects that include geology,
chemistry, meteorology, and biology. In this course, we will investigate the geologic origin and
physical dynamics of ocean basins, waves and coastal processes, the chemistry of seawater, and
how biological activity affects the oceans. As we learn the basics of oceanography, we will
explore the effects of human activity and global warming on ocean circulation, sea level and the
world’s climate. At the end of the course, you should be able to:
• explain the role of plate tectonics in forming ocean basin landforms
• describe the chemistry of seawater and understand simple chemical reactions that occur in
the ocean
• explain relationship of ocean circulation to atmospheric circulation, and the impact of the
oceans on weather and climate
• apply your knowledge about the structure of the oceans to predict distribution
of sediments and biota
• discuss a current environmental issue relating to the oceans, explaining the science involved
and using your knowledge to recommend solutions
Course Requirements:
Required reading:
• Text: A.P. Trujillo and H.V. Thurman, Essentials of Oceanography, 9th
Ed., Pearson/Prentice Hall
• Other Reading: Selected articles available through Sakai.
Attendance: ..is expected. Because of the quizzes and in-class activities
(most of which may not be made up) it is essential that you come to class
if you want to succeed in the course.
Attendance, cont’
Student athletes: Absences due to athletic obligations are not automatically
considered excused absences. Please talk to me about schedule conflicts as early
in the semester as possible.
Illness: I realize that the stress and close-quarters of college life leads to
the occasional bout of strep throat, bronchitis, etc. If you are ill and must
miss class, please notify me by phone or e.mail before class (ideally) or as
soon as you can. It will be your responsibility to get the notes, handouts and
assignments that you miss. Try to stay healthy – eat those veggies and get
enough sleep!
Field Trip: You are required to attend the following class field trip:
Saturday November 8: Exploring coastal processes and tidepool
organisms at an Orange County beach. Depart 9:00 am, return no later than
6:00 pm (depends on traffic).
Exams: You will have two in-class midterm exams and a final exam. The final
is cumulative, but will emphasize material covered since the 2nd midterm.
MIDTERM 1: Thursday, Oct. 2, in class
MIDTERM 2: Thursday, Oct. 30, in class
FINAL EXAM: Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2:00 p.m.
Quizzes: We will have approx. 5 short, 15 min. quizzes. These will be
announced ahead of time. No quiz makeups!!, but I drop your lowest score.
Reading Questions: For most non-textbook reading, you will be given
questions ahead of time to answer and bring to class ready to discuss (and
hand in). In a few instances, you will have questions to answer about
textbook chapters as well. Refer to separate handouts for the reading
schedule and instructions for using Sakai.
In-class activities and homework assignments: Sometimes we will have inclass activities such as an exploration of rock and fossil samples or a
problem set. Usually these will include something that you hand in to be
graded or checked for participation. Occasionally, an in-class activity
will be continued as a homework assignment.
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In general, in-class activities may not be made up. With documented
illness or emergency, some assignments may be made up within a
reasonable time at the discretion of the professor.
Work handed in late (with permission) will receive a 10% reduction in
grade per calendar day (not class meeting).
If you miss a class, it is your responsibility to ask the professor
or another student if there was a homework assignment.
Group project: You and a group of fellow students will investigate a
current environmental issue related to oceanography. At the end of the
semester, you will present your findings to the class in the form of a Web
page, poster, pamphlet, video, or PowerPoint show (or other – share your
ideas with me). The project includes an individual written component,
which will be graded in addition to the presentation.
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Grading Breakdown:
Midterms: 30%
Final: 20%
Quizzes: 10%
In-class and homework exercises: 10%
Reading Questions: 10%
Group Project: 15%
Field Trip: 5%
Exact letter grades will depend on the frequency distribution of the entire
class, but follow the general rule of 92-100% A, 89-91 B+ or A-, 83-88 B, 79-82
C+ or B-, 70-78 C, 60-69 D, <60 F.
Other:
Web and e.mail: I will occasionally send important
e.mail, so you should maintain and regularly check
account (the one assigned to you by your college).
course website weekly for announcements, important
links.
course announcements by
your campus e.mail
You should check the
dates and course-related
Special Needs: I am committed to providing all students with equal access
to learning. In order for me to provide accommodation for a documented
disability, you must register with the Office of Student Affairs (x18017)
and bring me notification as early in the semester as possible. If you have
any special concerns about your ability to succeed in this course, please
don’t hesitate to consult me.
This syllabus contains important information on policies and grading for Oceanography.
Please also refer to the separate handout with the schedule of topics, reading
assignments, deadlines, etc.
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