Outcomes:

After completing this class, students should be able to:

• Enumerate and describe key milestones in the development of the science of oceanography.
• Differentiate and describe the four main disciplines that comprise oceanography (geological, chemical, physical, and biological oceanography).
• Explain the origin of the ocean floor and relate that to the concepts of global plate tectonics.
• Describe the origin and properties of marine sediments.
• Describe the processes that have shaped, and continue to shape, coastlines and beaches.
• List the key chemical constituents of seawater, and discuss the basic bio-geochemical cycles that control the concentrations of these constituents.
• Define the terms temperature, salinity, and density, and diagram the normal vertical profiles of these variables in the ocean.
• Summarize the major forces that produce ocean currents, waves, and tides.
• Identify and explain the most important features of ocean circulation.
• Summarize the concepts of energy and matter flow through marine ecosystems, including trophic pyramids and food webs.
• Define primary productivity and list the major groups of primary producers in the ocean.
• List the main functional groupings of marine animals, and give some examples of each.
• Explain the concept of the marine biological community, and describe the types of species interactions that take place in such communities (e.g., predation, symbiosis, competition).
• Analyze the impact of human activities, historically and currently, on ocean ecosystems.
• Demonstrate thoroughness and attention to detail in documenting laboratory work.