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. 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. 2 (syllabus continues next page) 3 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. 4