Course Essentials

In this course, students examine oceanographic data, maps, and charts to describe the geological, chemical, physical, and biological aspects of Earth’s ocean, and interpret processes responsible. 

Students investigate topics that include how the movement of tectonic plates creates seafloor features, how changes in the ocean and atmosphere create phases of El Niño Southern Oscillation, and how density stratification of the water column affects seasonal phytoplankton blooms. Students inspect and describe marine sediments and explore the causes and effects of tsunamis. Students also consider the effects of human activities on marine ecosystems, including pollution and climate change. 

Students may enroll in OCEANO 10 concurrently with OCEAN 1 or at any time after completing OCEAN 1 with a minimum grade of C. 

Student Learning Outcomes

Student Learning Outcomes are the goals you are aiming to achieve by the end of this course. Upon successful completion of this course, the Student Learning Outcomes state that you will be able to:   

1. use seafloor features to interpret motion of the tectonic plates; 

2. use oceanographic data to identify and interpret anomalous conditions such as those that occur during hurricanes, El Nino Southern Oscillation, and tsunami events; and 

3. describe some of the effects that human activity has on marine ecosystems, including marine pollution and climate change.

Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC)

• There is no textbook or lab manual for this course. All materials are instructor-generated and provided through Canvas at no cost.

Technology Requirements

• Reliable high-speed internet access capable of supporting audio and video streaming.

• A computer or mobile device with an up-to-date browser and operating system. Google Chrome is the recommended browser for Canvas.

• Microsoft Excel, which is available for free to all LACCD students. Details will be provided where applicable.

• A digital camera or Smartphone to submit screenshots and photos demonstrating your work. Advance notice will be provided when photos are required. Images are protected under FERPA and used for course-related purposes only.

• Access to a printer and colored pencils, pens, or fine-tip markers for annotating images. Digital annotation using a free drawing program is fully acceptable instead of printing.

Basic Office and Household Supplies

• You will need a ruler, a simple calculator, pencils, and paper. 

• For our Temperature-Salinity-Density Experiments (Lab 5), you will need a few drops of food dye, table salt, tap water (hot and cold), measuring spoons and cups, a shot glass (1 oz) or small (2 tbsp) container, one or two small glasses to mix solutions in, and a tall, clear glass, vase, jar, or pitcher.

As a fully online class, you'll use the following skills:

• Basic computer skills such as word processing and file management, including uploading, downloading, saving, naming, copying, and organizing files and folders.

• Internet skills, including logging in, navigating Canvas, accessing course modules, using interactive tools like Google Earth, running online searches, and viewing external links within the course.

• Online communication skills such as reading and posting in Canvas discussions, sending and receiving messages, and following conversation threads. 

If you do not feel fully confident with these skills, do not worry. Pierce College offers many resources to help you build them.

Students often underestimate the amount of time an online course requires, so it is important to establish expectations from the beginning. Online courses follow the same state and college standards as face-to-face classes in determining the amount of required coursework each week.

As a 1-credit physical science lab, this course is designed to require approximately 3 to 4 hours of work per week. Please do not underestimate this time commitment.

This time typically includes:

• About 1 hour for the Lab Introduction and graded video quiz

• About 2 to 3 hours to complete the weekly lab activity and any related discussions

I strongly encourage you to schedule regular time each week to complete your lab work and avoid falling behind.