STANDARD COMPETENCIES:

 

 I.      Demonstrate effective listening, speaking, reading and writing.

 II.     Demonstrate the skills necessary for creative problem solving, critical thinking, and analysis of values.

 III.    Recognize terminology, experimental methodologies, and general concepts related to oceanography.

 IV.     Collect, record and analyze field data.

 V.      Recognize and demonstrate an understanding of the energy exchange relationships between the oceans and atmosphere and their influence on global and local weather and climate patterns.

 VI.     Analyze the causes for El Nino cycles and identify El Nino¿s relationship to upwelling and downwelling patterns.

 VII.    Recognize ocean flow differences between the northern and southern hemisphere and location of the main circulatory gyres.

 VIII.   Discuss the role of upper surface currents, gyres, and deep water currents on heat energy transfer, and global climate.

 IX.     Demonstrate an understanding of the chemical and physical properties of pure and salt water.

 X       Recognize the differences in chemistry between the main oceans and the implication to ocean life.

 XI.     Describe the interrelationship between geological processes and their effects on ocean water chemistry.

 XII.    Discuss the basic lines of evidence for continental drift, sea floor spreading, and plate tectonics and how these have an effect on ocean geomorphology.

 XIII.   Demonstrate an understanding of the physical processes responsible for the formation of waves and tides.

 XIV.    Classify the geomorphology and structure of the ocean floors.

 XV.     Recognize the immensity of life and ecosystems found in the world¿s oceans.

 XVI.    Recognize the importance of the oceans as a source of natural resources.

 XVII.   Evaluate the sources of pollutants to the oceans and their adverse effects to both water quality and life.

 XVIII.  Demonstrate an understanding of the life cycles, biological evolution, and food chain of the oceans.

 TOPICAL OUTLINE:

 

 I.      History of the science of Oceanography and Introduction to the scientific method as a tool of discovery

 II.     Geomorphological structure of the Oceans and plate tectonics

         A.      Trenches

         B.      Mid Ocean Ridges

         C.      Abyssal Plains

         D.      Guyots

 III.    Continental margins and ocean basins

 IV.     Geology of the ocean floors

         A.      Igneous rocks

         B.      Deep ocean sediments

         C.      Hydrothermal vents

 V.      Ocean chemistry

         A.      Pure water vs. sea water

         B.      Dissolved gases

         C.      Solubility and saturation

 VI.     The atmosphere

         A.      Heat and energy distribution

         B.      Climate

         C.      Severe weather

 VII.    Ocean circulation

         A.      Surface currents

         B.      Waves

         C.      Tides

 VIII.   Coastal processes

         A.      Barrier islands

         B.      Terrace formation

         C.      Coastal erosion

 IX.     Life in the oceans

         A.      Evolution of life

         B.      Plankton, algae, and plants

         C.      Marine animals

         D.      Marine communities

 X       Environmental concerns

         A.      Non-point vs. source point pollution

         B.      Over-exploitation of resources

         C.      Destruction of marine habitats

 XI.     Marine resources

         A.      Mineral resources

         B.      Energy resources