The information below may not constitute the complete course syllabus.  A complete syllabus with all course policies and other information will be available on the first class day, Monday, September 23, on the online orientation, and on Blackboard. The scheduling of topics is also subject to change.  Any changes will be announced via email and  Blackboard.

This is a ZTC (Zero Textbook Cost) section. In place of required textbooks, all textbook materials needed for the class will be available online to students free of charge. Students may print copies of the resources but will be responsible for printing costs. Course materials may be Open Educational Resources (OER), see syllabus for specifics.

Required Course Materials
Introduction to Oceanography by Paul Webb, Roger Williams University,Open Educational Resource (OER) free online textbook:
https://rwu.pressbooks.pub/webboceanography/

Course description:

The study of the oceanic environment and its influence on human physical and historical development, its impact on geopolitical and economic systems, and the interrelationships between people and the marine environment including oceanic pollutants and the development and exploitation of marine resources. Only one of the following may counts toward graduation: GEOL 1345 or GEOL 1445. Skill(s): B- Reading and math, Course Type: T                

Credit hours: 3; Classroom Contact Hours per week:  All DIL. There is no class meetings during the week.

Welcome to this course!  If you work hard and are always prepared, I have no doubt you will excel in this class

This is a long and detailed syllabus.  You should read it carefully.

These instructions in the syllabus are for those new to this method of instruction and those with experience with Distance Learning courses. 

• • This is a challenging course both in content and comprehension.
  • You must be well organized with your time and follow all study guidelines to learn the material and pass the exams. There is a significant writing component in this class.
  • Plan to do something every day on this class, as if you were attending lecture or lab. If you work efficiently and keep up with all of the material, you will excel in this class and enjoy it.
  • Carefully review a) the schedule for this course; and b) “How to be successful in this course.”  

• Course objectives:

This course is designed to give a basic understanding of the science of oceanography, and to provide a greater appreciation of oceanic processes and their impact on the global environment.   Students are also encouraged to develop the critical thinking skills that are necessary for a literate citizenry.

Student Learning Outcomes.  Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

Identify basic chemical, geological, and physical processes of the world oceans Identify basic physical features of the world ocean basins and coastlines Use the metric system to accurately calculate simple mathematical formulas Analyze issues and apply logic and critical thinking skills for topic discussion Describe the diversity and importance of life in the oceans Summarize how oceanic processes affect the global environment Evaluate the effects of modern society and culture on the world ocean

This course is taught as a DIL course. Students are required to have access to a computer and internet service.  There are no meetings for this course.  

Course rationale:

To understand the basic chemical, geological, and physical features and processes of the oceans.

To learn how ocean waters are studied.

To develop an appreciation for the diversity and importance of life in the oceans.

To understand how oceanic processes affect the global environment.

Course Requirements:
Mandatory Orientation
A)            The mandatory orientation requires you to complete two items on Blackboard ("tests").
1. Orientation/Syllabus Quiz: Go to the “Start Here” menu folder on Blackboard and read the Course Syllabus carefully. Then, take the Orientation/Syllabus Quiz as many times as necessary to get all questions correct. You must get 100% on this quiz.
2. Student Information Survey: Complete this simple questionnaire for special. Information needed by the instructor.
WARNING: The instructor will drop any student from the class if the Orientation/Syllabus
quiz is not completed by the orientation deadline..

B)            Exams and Assignments:  The course grade will come from the following required elements:

                                                                                                                Percentage of Grade           

Orientation Quiz & Info sheet                                                                          2%

Five (5) Multiple Choice Exams @ 10% each                                                 49%

Assignment from 5 Modules                                                                         49%

Total                                                                                                         100%

Extra Credit 5%                                                                                           5%

Letter grades for the course will be determined as follows:
A:         89.5 – 100 %
B:         79.5 – 89.4 %
C:         69.5 – 79.4 %
D:        59.5 – 69.4 %
F:         <59.5 %

Course Rationale

This course is designed to give a basic understanding of the science of oceanography, and to provide a greater appreciation of oceanic processes and their impact on the global environment.   Students are also encouraged to develop the critical thinking skills that are necessary for a literate citizenry.

Course Objectives

• To understand the basic chemical, geological, physical and biological features and processes of the oceans.
• To learn how ocean waters are studied.
• To develop an appreciation for the diversity and importance of life in the oceans.
• To understand how oceanic processes affect the global environment.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES 

Course-Level Student Learning Outcomes 

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: 

• describe the scientific method and apply it in a geological context 
• describe Earth’s major systems and explain how they interact 
• construct and interpret geologic and topographic maps, cross-sections, and topographic profiles
• explain the theory of plate tectonics and its relationship to earth processes, features, and landforms 

Program-Level Student Learning Outcomes 

The course-level outcomes align with and support the student learning outcomes whose achievement is  expected of those who graduate with a degree in geology. Graduating majors in geology will be able to: 

• identify common rocks and minerals 
• identify common fossils 
• construct and interpret geologic and topographic maps, cross-sections, and topographic profiles 
• describe and explain processes operating on the surface of the Earth and the resulting landforms and features 
• describe and explain processes and features within the Earth, particularly with regard to plate tectonics  and the resulting geologic structures 
• describe the physical and biological evolution of the Earth 

General Education Student Learning Outcomes 

As a Core Curriculum course, students completing this course will demonstrate competence in: 

• Critical Thinking 

Gathering, analyzing, synthesizing, evaluating and applying information. 

• Interpersonal Skills 

Interacting collaboratively to achieve common goals.2 

• Quantitative and Empirical Reasoning 

Applying mathematical, logical and scientific principles and methods. 

• Written, Oral and Visual Communication 

Communicating effectively, adapting to purpose, structure, audience, and medium. 

DISTANCE EDUCATION

Students will use the Blackboard learning management system for assignment instructions, submitting  assignments, and collaboration.

Many students may be new to online learning.  You should be aware about the differences between online and  traditional face-to-face learning, in particular time management and study skills required to  be a successful online student.

Students new to distance education should review the ACC Distance  Education General Information available at https://online.austincc.edu/faq/

TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT SERVICES 

• In response to COVID-19-related campus closures, Austin Community College now provides free, secure  drive-up WiFi to students and employees in the parking lots of all campus locations. WiFi can be accessed  seven days a week, 7 am to 11 pm. Additional details are available at  https://www.austincc.edu/coronavirus/drive-up-wifi

• Students who submit the Student Technology Access Form and indicate they need help accessing their  online learning environment to successfully complete their courses are eligible to check out an ACC iPad for  use during the semester. You must be registered for a credit course, Adult Education, or Continuing Education  course.

• ACC now has a specialized Student Tech Support team that can help with equipment issues.

Please contact this group for technical difficulties:  connecting to class, microphone not working. On the URL below,  scroll down to Help and Support.

To request phone support from a technology specialists, students contact the Student Help Desk at 512-223-INFO (4636) and select option 8.

https://www.austincc.edu/students/student-technololgy-services