Liberty PHSC 311 Oceanography Entire Class
Course Description
Covers the four main disciplines of oceanography: marine geology, marine chemistry, physical oceanography (i.e., circulation), and marine biology.
For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.
Rationale
The purpose of this course is to introduce the student to the study of the ocean. The course will reveal the complex inter-relatedness of the four main disciplines of oceanography. Particular attention will be paid to current issues and dilemmas facing the ocean and the associated impact on humankind. In the end, this course is designed to broaden the student’s understanding of the ocean.
Measurable Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Understand the basic chemical, geological, physical and biological features and processes of the ocean.
- Learn about past and current research on the ocean and associated life.
- Conceptualize principles of ocean science and use them to think critically about ocean-related issues.
- Establish and grow recognition and gratitude for the diversity of ocean life.
- Relate ocean conditions to Earth’s climate system.
- Understand the issues facing the world’s ocean and the efforts made to counter these issues.
Please consult Liberty University for details on the requirements for this course.
Course Assignment
Textbook readings and lecture presentations/notes
In each module, the student will be assigned to read from the text. Specific main points and important ideas for each chapter have been highlighted within SmartBook, which includes questions to help ensure the student’s understanding of the material. In addition, the student will be assigned lecture presentations, videos, and other resources to expand on the textbook readings.
Course Requirements Checklist
After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.
Discussions (2)
Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student is required to create a thread in response to the provided promptly for each discussion. Each thread must be at least 350 words and demonstrate course-related knowledge. In addition to the thread, the student is to reply to at least 2 other classmates threads. Each reply must be at least 100 words and add substantially to the conversation. All posts must adhere to the current APA format.
Homework Assignments (8)
After reading the assigned textbook chapter, the student will complete a short assignment to reinforce key components developed in the reading. The assignment will be composed of 15 matching, labeling, and sequencing questions.
Exploration Research Assignment
The student will create a cohesive video response to the given prompt, addressing the history, future, and benefits of ocean exploration. The video should be 2-4 minutes long.
Ocean Properties Research Assignment
The student will compose a video response to questions regarding ocean properties. The video should be 2-4 minutes long.
Tsunami Research Assignment
The student will compose a response to questions regarding tsunamis. The response should be 200-300 words and should be broken into paragraphs. Research is required using scholarly sources Two recommended sources are the required textbook and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute. Sources should be properly referenced in APA format.
Aquarium Visit Assignment
The student will visit an aquarium and compose a PowerPoint Presentation that highlights the overall experience and connects the findings of the aquarium to the science of oceanography. The PowerPoint must include at least 2 scholarly sources in addition to the aquarium’s website
or pamphlet. PowerPoint must be 9-12 slides.
Quizzes — Research (2)
The student will have 2 research quizzes based on the content found in the course Watch items. The Watch items are found in the Learn section for that Module.
Spiritual Assessment Quizzes (2)
The student will have the opportunity to offer a self-assessment of his/her spiritual health twice during the course. The student can share personal concerns, prayer requests, and praises with the professor.
Quizzes (8)
The student will have 8 quizzes that cover the Learn material for the assigned module. Each quiz will be open-book/open-notes, containing 25 multiple-choice and true/false questions. Quizzes have a 1-hour time limit.
