Mar 29, 2024  
2017-2018 Official General Catalog 
    
2017-2018 Official General Catalog [Archived Catalog]

PHS 226 - Oceanography


Oceanography is the study of fundamental principles of ocean science.  A wide range of subjects will be presented including marine organisms, ocean currents, waves, geophysical fluid dynamics, plate tectonics, the geology of the ocean floor, tides, coastal processes, and the biology of diverse ecosystems such as deep sea vents, coral reefs, and estuaries.

Prerequisite- Corequisite
Prerequisites:  PHS 111 Earth Investigations; or PHS 114 Meteorology; or PHS 115 The Dynamic Earth; or PHS 116 Global Warming: Energy and the Environment; or CHM 126 Marine Chemistry: An Introduction to Chemical Oceanography

Credits: 4
Hours
3 Class Hours, 3 Laboratory Hours
Course Profile
Learning Outcomes of the Course:

Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

1.  Explain the geologic history of the oceans.
2.  Describe the fundamental physical properties of seawater, and explain the temporal and spatial variation in these properties.
3.  Describe the major water currents and circulation of ocean waters with these currents.
4.  Explain the formation of waves and understand the differences between the major wave types.
5.  Explain why coastal waters are biological, highly productive and diverse.
6.  Explain why the future productivity of such coastal water regions is uncertain.
7.  Explain how the ocean influences life on land and the role it plays in global climate.