University of San Diego
Department of Marine Science and Environmental Studies
Fall 2006

MARS 120
INTRODUCTION TO PHYSICAL OCEANOGRAPHY

Lecture                                               1:25 - 2:20 PM    MWF    ST 129      Sturz
Laboratory section 050 preceptorial  2:30 - 5:20 PM      W       ST 175      Sturz
   Laboratory section 001                      2:30 - 5:20 PM      Th       ST 175      Gorga
 
Instructors:
Dr. Anne Sturz  ST 274           extension 4096            email  asturz@sandiego.edu
Dr. Joseph Gorga  ST 269      extension  6817           email  gorga@sandiego.edu

In MARS 120 we will study of the physical aspects of the ocean.  The study of the oceans is interdisciplinary and utilizes knowledge of all the natural sciences, including geology, chemistry, physics and biology.  During this course, we will focus the water of the oceans and on the solid earth that makes up the ocean basins.   This course fulfills the Core Curriculum requirement for  Physical Science with Laboratory.  This course can be applied to lower division preparation for the Marine Science major and the Environmental Studies minor.

Grading
I expect the average grade for the class will be C.   Final grades will include a lecture portion (~ 2/3) and a lab portion (~ 1/3).  You must earn a passing grade (>60%) in both the lecture and lab portions to receive a passing grade in the course.  Lecture grades will be based on 4 exams @ 100 points each.  Lecture exams will include basic body of knowledge components (material you need to remember and repeat) and thought components (ideas you need to integrate and summarize from material learned in lecture, lab and field trips).  Important concepts from lab will be included on lecture exams.  Important concepts from lecture will be illustrated in lab and included on lab quizzes.   Pre-lab assignments are due at the beginning of lab.  Late pre-lab assignments will not be accepted for grading.  Some of the pre-lab assignments require that you gather data or information from the world wide web.  Remember that world wide web sites are intermittently inaccessible.  Don't wait until the night before they are due!!  If you have trouble accessing a site, come to my office for help.

Policies
Attendance and participation in all lectures, labs and field trips are required.  You will not be able to succeed in this class if you do not attend regularly.  Make ups for exams, quizzes, lab exercises will only be considered under extreme circumstances and are not likely to be approved.  There will be NO opportunities to make up field trips.  Be punctual.  All events will start promptly.  If you are late, you will miss important components, information and opportunities.

Always wear close toed shoes to lab! 

Communication with instructors is important.  We are here to help you succeed.  If you are having problems that are affecting your attendance or performance in class, please talk to us, email us or phone us.

Academic Integrity is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY.  You are responsible for reading and understanding the USD Academic Integrity Policy. 
           Link to USD Academic Integrity Policy
           Link to an essay by Professor F.  L. Wilson, Science and Human Values

Attitude.  This course will be challenging and rewarding.  The study of the oceans can be a lot of fun and you can learn a lot.  However, how much you get out of this course depends on your attitude. We will have a number of group activities, especially during labs and field trips.  Group dynamics has an important influence on the success of group activities.  Positive attitude about the course in general and about a specific activity is critical for the success of all students.  Whining or negative attitude by even a single individual can negatively impact the entire group. 

Text:  Introductory Oceanography   Thurman and Trujillo   10th edition           
       Link to on-line dictionary
Note:  It is your responsibility to read and understand the concepts and information in the text.

Week Date
 Reading
 Topic
 notes
1
 Sept 8
 Ch 1,2
 General introduction; academic integrtity & truth in science;
the Scientific Method; tools for studying the oceans
2
 Sept 11 -15
 Ch 3,4
 Plate tectonics and marine provinces
3
 Sept  18 - 22
 Ch 5
 Marine sediments

 Snorkeling trip
Sat  9/23
4
 Sept 25 - 29
 Ch 6
 Physical properties of seawater
link to study guide exam 1
 Exam 1
  Mon Sept 25
5
 Oct 2 - 6
Chemical composition of seawter
link to study guide exam 2
6
 Oct 9 - 13
 Ch 7
 Solar radiation and the global heat budget
 Exam 2 
Fri Oct 13
7
 Oct 16 - 20
Air sea interaction
8
 Oct 23 - 27
 Ch 8
 Geostrophy, surface currents, upwelling, downwelling; convergence and divergence
9
 Oct 30 - Nov 3
 Ch 9
Thermohaline circulation, deep currents; Waves
  link to study guide exam 3
10
 Nov 6 - 10
 Ch 10
 Tides
 Exam 3
Mon Nov 6
11
 Nov 13 - 17
 Ch 11, 17
 Beaches and shore line processes; Law of the Sea
12
 Nov 20 - 22
 Ch 12
 Estuaries and coastal wetlands
 no class
Nov 24
13
 Nov 27 - Dec 1
Paleoceanography
link to Paleo link page
14
 Dec 4 - 8
Paleoceanography
15
 Dec 11 - 15
Catch up and review for final exam
  link to study guide exam 4

Dec 22
Final Exam  2 - 4 PM
 Final Exam