Ocean Lecture
OCEANO 001: Los Angeles Pierce College
Heather Kokorowski
Greetings scholars!
My name is Heather Kokorowski, and I am excited to serve as your online instructor for Oceanography. Please take 1 minute to view my video, then explore the rest of this public Welcome Syllabus to learn more about our course before it starts! Tabs are found at the top of the page, or by selecting the menu icon (three lines) in the upper-left of the screen on mobile devices.
If you need a physical science lab credit, you might consider Ocean Lab!
Prof. Kokorowski
Course Details
Catalog Description
This course introduces the student to the geological, chemical, physical, and biological aspects of Earth’s oceans.
Topics include how ocean basins are made and destroyed through plate tectonics, the physiography of ocean basins and continental margins, the chemical and physical aspects of seawater, ocean-atmosphere interactions, ocean circulation, waves, tides, and shorelines, with some emphasis on human impacts on marine ecosystems including climate change and pollution.
How This Course Works
This is a 5-week (winter/summer), 8-week (some spring/fall sections), or 16-week (some spring/fall sections) fully online course. Hybrid sections may also be available, with one 2-hour in-person class meeting a week taking the place of online discussions and Mastering Oceanography assignments.
You will learn in a community with your peers. This is not a self-paced course. We are in this together!
This class does not meet in Zoom. We use Zoom only for optional tutoring and office hours. Weekly deadlines and reminders will help you stay on track.
This class is organized into 16 modules. During 5-week sessions, you will complete 3 modules per week. During 8-week sessions, you will complete 2 modules per week. During 16-week sessions, you will complete 1 module per week.
Online sections only:
By the Thursday of Week 1, you will be expected to log in to our course in Canvas and complete the Course Check-in to signal your intent to complete this course.
You will need to purchase access to Mastering Oceanography for $49.99 through Canvas. This includes access to the optional eText. Details are provided in the Course Orientation Module in Canvas.
Our Pact
What you can expect from me:
I will provide you with a clear, organized course that is designed to ensure you meet our course outcomes in a meaningful manner.
I will provide a variety of assignments to ensure your learning needs are met.
I will be actively present in your learning.
I will provide a supportive and safe environment for you to share and discuss ideas with your peers.
I will reach out to you when I sense that you need support.
I will treat you with dignity and respect and be flexible to support your individual needs while guiding and encouraging you to stay on track.
I won't be perfect. I am human and will make mistakes at times. I will view mistakes as an opportunity to learn and grow.
Is there anything else you would like to add to this list? If so, you will have the opportunity to make a suggestion in our Course Orientation Module.
What I will expect from you:
You strive to be an active participant in this course and strive to meet due dates.
You will maintain an open line of communication with me so I understand how to support you.
You will contact me, ahead of the deadline if at all possible, if you have a concern with meeting a due date.
You strive to regularly contribute to collaborative activities to ensure other members of the community have ample opportunity to read/listen, reflect, and respond to your ideas.
You will treat your peers with dignity and respect. We are all here to learn!
You will do your best to have patience with technology. There will be hiccups, expect them. We will get through them together.
You will give yourself grace. Expect to make mistakes. You are human and you are stressed.
Is there anything else you would like to add to this list? If so, you will have the opportunity to make a suggestion in our Course Orientation Module.
How to Get Your Questions Answered
How to Contact Me
My preferred contact method is through the Canvas Inbox. If you contact me Monday-Friday, I will respond within 24 hours (usually much sooner!).
How to Get your General Questions Answered
If you have a general question about the course, please use the "Ask Here for Help" discussion forum that is posted at the top of each module. Your question will be seen by your peers (and our tutor) and anyone is welcome to answer!