Fall 2025: Sep. 2 - Dec. 17
Tues/Thurs 10:45 am - 12:10 pm
Ticket #1954
Catalog Statement: OCEAN 116 is an introduction to the common laboratory practices and exercises on the physiochemical and geological aspects of oceanography.
Prerequisite: OCEAN 115. (OCEAN 115 may be taken concurrently.)
Transfer Credit: CSU, UC, USC
Course Objectives
After taking this course, you will:
be able to discuss the ocean as a major influence on weather and climate.
be able to demonstrate understanding of the physiography and formation of the ocean basins.
be able to discuss the factors that affect the coastal habitat.
become familiar with the basic methods and techniques of data collection and analyses in physical oceanography.
You are invited to join me on a virtual learning voyage into the depths.
We will visit not only ocean depths, but also the depths of our minds as we practice metacognition to learn how to grow in our capacity to learn.
You will be invited to engage with your lab mates to apply what you learn in Ocean 115 to solve problems and grow your capacity to understand the interconnectedness of our planet.
Email: rridgway@glendale.edu
Phone (Call or text): (657) 667-3423
Open Office Hours for Students:
To be determined based on Student Preference
Or by appointment through Zoom
On-campus office: BV 324 (Link to GCC campus map)
Zoom room: To be provided on Canvas or by request
Blog: All Who Wander the Earth
Social Media: Facebook GoodReads Twitter Instagram Pinterest Tik Tok
Every week I set aside a certain amount of time to visit with students one-on-one or in small groups via Zoom (link available through Canvas). This is YOUR time, not mine. There are lots of good reasons to come to office hours. Here are just a few:
If you are confused or stuck, I can help guide you toward clarity.\
If you are curious about a topic and want to know more, we can find out together.
If you are anxious about your performance, I can help you develop an action plan to help you achieve the goals you've set.
If you’re not sure how to study or what’s expected from an assignment, please come see me.
All are welcome! Canvas will help us navigate through our learning journey together.
Aboard our learning vessel, we all have responsibilities to maintain the ship and stay the course so that no one gets lost at sea. As Captain of this ship, I assure you that we are lucky to have a fine First Mate, our very own Embedded Tutor who will serve as a trusted mentor as we navigate toward success.
Let us recognize that we all come to this class with diverse experiences and background knowledge. Everyone is welcome in this on this voyage wherever they are in their learning journey.
Each voice in the classroom has something of value to contribute. Let us take care to respect the different experiences, beliefs and values expressed by those aboard this ship.
What does it take to make it on this voyage? Show up and be willing to keep tackling tough questions.
I encourage each of you to evaluate your prior experiences and current attitudes about math and science, and the beliefs that arise therefrom.
Whether you consider yourself “good” or “bad” in these subjects, the fact is – these are just stories we tell ourselves.
YOU are the author of your life. You get to tell the story. You CAN succeed at anything you set out to accomplish.
Set your goals high. It will require a lot of hard work, but it is worth it.
Know this: I am one of many who support your efforts.
This journey consists of 15 weeks to work together with your lab mates. During class you will collaborate with your lab mates to complete the assigned lab. At the end of each lab, you and each of your teammates will individually reflect on your learning in a written metacognitive log.
In addition to our weekly labs, you will have two Capstone Projects that you will complete with your team. There will also be two practical lab exams. You are also expected to write a Field Report, which can be completed virtually or by attending an optional field trip.
In lieu of a Final Exam, you and your teammates will deliver a final presentation with appropriate visual aids.
Please come to class prepared to research and solve problems.
Each class, students will work with their group to complete the assigned Lab Exercise.
You active participation includes asking questions and seeking answers.
Out of 100%: A ≥ 90, B ≥ 80, C ≥ 65, D ≥ 55, F <55
Curve may be applied at Captain's discretion. Lowest scores will be dropped (as indicated by * in the table below)
Group Lab Exercises: Each member of the lab group will earn the same grade for the group lab assignment.
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Individual Metacognitive Logs: Each student will submit their own individual metacognitive reflections.
The lowest lab score will be dropped, so only 12 out of the 13 labs will count toward your final grade.
Each Lab Exercise is weighted equally, worth 30 points.
Likewise, individual metacognitive logs are each worth 20 points.
For credit, you and your lab mates are expected to leave your work area clean and tidy.
Late work is not accepted, except under extenuating circumstances w/ instructor permission.
Feedback on graded lab work provided the week after it is due.
Capstone Projects will be completed in class.
Field Report worth 100 points.
Final presentations will be prepared in class and delivered on our Final Exam day/time.
·Academic Honesty: You are expected to uphold Glendale College's standards of student conduct. Students who cheat or plagiarize will earn no points for that test or assignment and may be referred to the dean for disciplinary action.
Attendance: You are expected to attend all legs of each voyage. That said, it is understood that some absences may occur. Missing 5 class meetings can cause an F in the course at the instructor’s discretion.
Classroom community: Everyone has a shared responsibility to ensure that the classroom is a safe place to support learning. This includes the virtual classroom in Canvas. All online communication must abide by the rules of netiquette.
·Communication: Students are always welcome to reach out to me. I will respond to electronic communication within 24 hours during weekdays and up to 48 hours during weekends. If you do not hear back, then chances are the message was not delivered and you should verify my email address and re-send . Confidential information such as grades can only be communicated through your official student email account. Please use this account for confidential correspondence.
Disability Accommodations: Any students with disabilities are encouraged to contact me. Assistance is available on campus to facilitate reasonable accommodations through the Center for Students with Disabilities. They can be reached at (818) 240-1000, ext. 5905
Drop Policy: Instructor will not drop students from the class for non-attendance or non-participation. If a student no longer wishes to be enrolled, it is the student’s responsibility to drop the class.