Time Schedule:
Richard M. Strickland
OCEAN 101
Seattle Campus
Holistic view of fundamental principles of ocean science; the geography and geology of ocean basins; chemistry of sea water; physical dynamics of currents, waves, and tides; coastal processes; and the biology of diverse ecosystems such as deep sea vents, coral reefs, and estuaries. Intended for nonmajors.
Class description
We will focus on case studies of oceanography that or newsworthy or relevant to the average student, such as earthquakes and tsunamis in the Northwest, waves and tides and boating safety; coastal erosion; ocean currents, El Niņo and climate; and the biology of ocean food webs.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
I will lecture 4 days a week and Thursdays will be discussion exercises & review. The lectures will be in slide-show format and will be posted online. The lectures will be podcast for the online section. A daily log of class activities & announcements will also be posted. Homework assignments will be due for both sections approximately every other week. Online homeworks will use Catalyst online tools.
Recommended preparation
Students in both sections should expect to keep up with daily classroom activities. The lecture section is "full-serve," with full interaction with the instructor and TA. Lecture students should expect to prepare in advance for participatory discussion exercises at which attendance is essential. The online section is "self-serve," with attendance required only at exams and contact with the instructor and TA only electronically, or in person at office hours or by appointment. If you wish the full access to course materials and full assistance of the instructor and TA, please enroll in the lecture section.
Class assignments and grading
Exams will be mark-sense and based on understanding more than memorization of the material. Written homework assignments will have some review of material but will also include thinking questions designed to deepen your understanding.
Exams will count for about 75% of the grade and homework for about 25%. The exams and homeworks together will be worth 500 points, and you will divide you point total at the end of the course by 100 to calculate your grade.
