Catalog Description:

• OCG 3002: Oceanography.
  Nature of seawater; trace and major constituents; the ocean carbon, phosphorous, and nitrogen cycles; basins, continental shelf, deep-ocean floor; thermal vents, manganese nodules, marine sediments; marine life; plate tectonics; estuaries and mixing processes; pollution; corrosion and bio-fouling; winds, waves, tides, currents, and ocean circulation processes; energy (heat, light, sound); depth, temperature, salinity and other physical effects.

Textbook (required):

• Introductory Oceanography, 10th Edition, 2005, by Thurman, H. V. and Burton, E. A., Prentice Hall.

Instructor:

Dr. Jay P. Muza, Department of Ocean Engineering.
jmuza@fau.edu

Objectives:

• Provide a comprehensive, semi-quantitative introduction to the geologic, chemical, physical, and biological aspects of the marine environment, with particular emphasis on geologic, chemical and physical oceanographic processes.

Course Topics:

1. Global Plate Tectonics
2. Marine Provinces
3. Marine Sediments
4. Physical Properties of Water and Seawater
5. Marine Chemistry
6. Air/Sea Interaction
7. Ocean Circulation (Geostrophic and Thermohaline)
8. Waves
9. Tides
10. TidesCoastal Waters and Shoreline Processes
11. Marine Environment (Pelagic and Benthic)
12. Biological Processes

Computer Projects:

• World wide web searches of numerous oceanography topics.

Laboratory Projects:

• Ocean/atmosphere circulation models and/or thermocline model (lab report required).

Gradings:

1. Laboratory report (12.5%).
2. Presentation (12.5%).
3. Three equally-weighted exams (75%).
4. The standard FAU grading scale will be used to assign grades.

Tests:

1. Three tests, equally weighted.
2. Test Schedule: Test dates will be announced in class at least one week in advance.

Course Outcomes:

• Acquire a basic knowledge of the important chemical, physical, geological, and biological processes of the marine environment necessary for advancement to higher level marine science/engineering related coursework.

Additional Information:

1. We will use the information delivery system available at https://myfau.fau.edu, my courses, for messaging, course material dissemination, announcements, etc. You are responsible for all course material delivered by this method. You should access this site daily for important announcement regarding your class.
   
   
2. The Florida Atlantic University Honor Code will be strictly adhered to in this class. Violation of the honor code will result in an “F” in this class. Please review the definitions of cheating and plagiarism in the most recent FAU College Catalog and Bulletin.
   
   
3. Students with documented disabilities should visit the campus disabilities office so that appropriate accommodations can be made.
   
   
4. Office hours will be made available.
   
   
5. My email address is jmuza@fau.edu. E-mail is the best way to get in touch with me regarding classroom activities. My office phone number is 954-201-6771.
   
   
6. This syllabus is subject to revision to allow for successful completion of the class.