PHS 109 - General Oceanography

3 credit hours - Three hours weekly; one term.
This course meets the Biological and Physical Sciences General Education Requirement.

Survey the physical, chemical, meteorological, biological, and geological aspects of the oceans. Topics include waves, currents, tides and the chemistry of seawater, ecosystems and life in oceans and estuaries, plate tectonics, and marine sediments. Discuss environmental trends and problems.

Prerequisite(s): Eligibility for ENG 101 /ENG 101A .

Crosslisted: Also offered as PHS 109H . Credit is not given for both PHS 109 and PHS 109H .

Note: This course does not satisfy the curricular requirements for a laboratory science course. Typically offered at MC and OL; fall, spring, and summer terms.

Course Outcomes:

Explain how the Earth System, including the atmosphere and oceans, formed.
Describe the geologic processes, provinces and sediments in the marine environment.
Discuss the physical and chemical properties of water and seawater.
Describe atmosphere and ocean interactions for various phenomena.
Explain ocean motion at different scales.
Describe the features and processes along ocean coasts.
Describe how life in the ocean is influenced by physical, chemical, and environmental factors.
Explain current environmental issues in oceanography using course concepts.