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 create 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 tsunami. Students also consider the effects of human activities on marine ecosystems, including pollution and climate change. 

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 course materials will be distributed through Canvas. 

High-speed Internet Access

• This course is fully online, so appropriate Internet access is required. Computer devices used to access this course must have audio and video streaming capabilities. They must have an up-to-date browser and operating system. This includes desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. Google Chrome is the recommended browser for Canvas.

• You will need to use Microsoft Excel (one activity) and Google Earth (multiple activities). MS Office is available for free to all LACCD students. Details will be provided where applicable.

Basic Office and Household Supplies

• You will need a metric ruler, a simple calculator, pencils/colored pencils, and scratch paper. If you don't have pencils/colored pencils, you can use a digital drawing program. Details will be provided where applicable.

• For our temperature-salinity-density experiments, you will need table salt, tap water, measuring spoons and cups, a shot glass (1 oz) or small (2 tbsp) container, a few drops of food dye, a tall clear glass, vase, jar, or pitcher, and one or two small glasses to mix solutions in.  Examples are provided where applicable.

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

1. Computer skills (word processing, software installation, and file management – upload, download, save, name, copy, move, backup, delete, and organize folders).

2. Internet skills (connect, access, and browse the learning management system, search engines, and library databases).

3. Online communication skills (read, search, create, send, receive, reply, follow threads, email, chat, message, and post).

Don't feel quite ready? Don't worry, there are lots of resources to help support you! 

• Course content and assignments are organized into Modules in Canvas.

• This is a 1-credit lab course. As such, each module is designed to take approximately 3 to 4 hours to complete. This allows 1 hour for the lab introduction (graded video quiz) and 2 to 3 hours to complete all parts of the lab activity (including any discussions).

• During a 16-week term, you will complete 1 module per week. During our 8-week term, you will complete two modules per week.