Amanda Colosimo : Geo 106 Course Information sheet

The web page for the textbook contains practice quizzes, chapter summaries and additional resources for topics discussed in the course. The address is: http://www.mhhe.com/sverdrup5.

Course Description

This course begins with a brief look at the origin of the science of oceanography, the study of the oceans. The remainder of the course concentrates on the different components of the sub-disciplines of oceanography (physical, chemical, geological, biological and engineering). This is a science course that does not have a laboratory section; therefore experiments, in-class assignments and videos have been incorporated into the lecture meetings.

Course Objectives

Students will gain specific knowledge of each of the sub-disciplines of oceanography. The students will learn how these sub-disciplines interact, each one directly or indirectly affecting the others. Students will also become aware of how our actions affect the oceans and overall environmental conditions of the Earth.

Course Requirements

3 exams* (100 pts each) = 300 points

Final exam (1/3 cumulative) = 150 points

Paper OR Field Trip = 50 points

Quizzes/In-class work/HW = 100 points (approx.)

Total = 600 points (approx.)

Grading Scale

The total number of points earned divided by the total possible points determines the course letter grade. Classroom participation and attendance may be used to evaluate borderline grades.

A 93-100 C+ 77-79 D- 60-62

A- 90-92 C 73-76 F <60

B+ 87-89 C- 70-72

B 83-86 D+ 67-69

B- 80-82 D 63-66

Course Policies

Attendance will be taken daily, per college requirements. Students should contact their instructor via phone or email when absences are anticipated (transportation problems, scheduling, illness, etc). Three late arrivals or early departures will count as one absence. You may be withdrawn from the course if you exceed six absences throughout the semester. However, course withdrawal is your responsibility. See your student handbook for procedures for withdrawing without penalty (W), for health reasons (WH) and for obtaining an incomplete (I).

If you miss an exam, you have 48 hours to contact your instructor for a makeup. After this period expires, you are ineligible for a makeup exam. Makeup exams may not be in the same format as the exam given in class and may consist of a series of essay questions.

Homework submitted via email will be penalized 10% and late assignments will be penalized 25% per class. Academic Honesty

Actions will be taken against any student found conducting himself/herself dishonestly; defined by acts such as cheating or plagiarism. Actions may include loss of points, permanent removal from class and assignment of an F for the course. Cheating is defined as the unauthorized use or exchange of information by students or others for the purpose of achieving unfair advantage in the classroom or examining process. Plagiarism is defined as offering the work of someone else as one’s own. Any student who fails to give credit for ideas or materials that are taken from another, verbatim or in paraphrase, is guilty of plagiarism. A more detailed description of academic honesty can be found in the student handbook.

Student Professionalism

Respect for self and others in words and deeds

Responsibility for one’s own success through personal accountabilityReality of the expectations and standards in a college environment

If you come to class AFTER a quiz is distributed, you are ineligible to take the quiz! Students should avoid being disruptive to others by turning off cell phones prior to class and refraining from personal discussions until class has ended. Distractions caused by cell phones may result in a pop quiz!

Learning Center Information

MCC has many learning centers where students may go for extra assistance for any course being taken during the semester. Learning centers are staffed with instructional personnel and may be equipped with computers to assist students. It is recommended that students use these Learning Centers to get additional assistance with concepts learned in the classroom and with their homework. Information on learning centers can be found in the Brighton Electronic Learning Center (11-106).

* The Natural Science Education Center (NSEC - located in 9-129) is a learning center that is staffed with instructors of the various sciences (Geology, Geography, Biology and Chemistry).

Students with Special Needs

The college provides appropriate accommodations for students who have documented disabilities, such as visual or hearing impairments, orthopedic or mobility problems, emotional problems, chronic health problems, and learning disabilities. Services may include special testing arrangements, note takers, assistive technology, sign language, etc. Students who request accommodations must indicate on their college applications that they have a disability. Students must be able to document any disability for which the College provides assistance. (From MCC Catalog & Student Handbook)

Emergency Closings

If MCC is closed due to inclement weather or some other emergency, all Rochester area radio and television stations will be notified no later than 5:30 AM. In addition, the homepage on the MCC website (www.monroecc.edu) will display a message indicating the College is closed. Please do not call the College to avoid overloading the telephone lines.

Class Cancellation

For daily info on cancelled classes go to www.monroecc.edu, then to "Quick Links" and then click on "Class Cancellations" OR call 292-2066 (press "1" for Brighton Campus or "2" for Damon Campus)Course Material

Much course material will be available on the school’s M-drive from any on-campus computer. A convenient place to access this network drive is from the Electronic Learning Center (on the first floor of Building 11, room 106) Sign in to the learning center with your student ID or social security number, find a computer, and open the Courses folder on the desktop. Navigate to the GEO folder, then Geo 106- Colosimo. In this folder, you will find copies of the course information sheet as well as powerpoints shown in class.

Additional resources are available at the instructor’s website, http://web.monroecc.edu/acolosimo, including a copy of this form.These policies are subject to change at the discretion of the instructor. Your continued attendance in this course implies your acceptance of the policies outlined above.

Important Dates to Remember:

Last day to drop: February 11, 2008

Last day to withdraw: April 25, 2008

Last day of classes: May 16, 2008

Exam period ends: May 22, 2008

Winter Break February 18- 22, 2008

Spring Break April 14-18, 2008

Geo 106 Introduction to Oceanography

Spring 2008

Reading List and Tentative Schedule

Week 1: Ch. 1 Introduction and History of Oceanography

Week 2: Ch. 2 and 3 Introduction to Earth and Plate Tectonics

Week 3: Ch. 3 Plate Tectonics

Week 4: Ch. 4 The Seafloor and Exam 1Week 5: Ch 5 Water (Physical)

Winter Break Feb. 18^{th -22nd}

Week 6: Ch. 5 Water (Chemical)

Week 7: Ch. 6 and Ch. 7 (1st half) Atmosphere/ocean interactions and circulation

Week 8: Exam 2 and Ch. 7 (2nd half) Ocean Currents

Week 9: Ch. 7 and 8 Ocean currents and waves

Week 10: Ch. 8 Ocean waves and Tides

Week 11: Ch. 8 Tides and Exam 3

Spring Break April 14th-18th

Week 12: Ch. 9 and 10 Coastlines and Productivity

Week 13: Ch. 11 Life in the Water

Week 14: Ch. 11 and 12 Life in the Water and on the Seafloor

Week 15: Ch. 9 Current environmental issues and Final Review