Syllabus GEOL 340 the Ocean Fall 2023
Syllabus GEOL 340 the Ocean Fall 2023
COURSE INFORMATION
SECTIONS:
GEOL 340-01 (2053), GEOL 340-02 (2054) and GEOL 340-03 (2055)
COURSE DISCRIPTION:
Prerequisites: Completion of GE Areas A1, A2, A3 and B4 with grade C- (CR) or better.
Cross-listed: ENSC 340
An exploration of the interaction of oceans with the earth’s geosphere, atmosphere, and
biosphere. Topics include seafloor morphology, coastlines, seawater chemistry, the role the
oceans play in controlling weather and climate, marine ecosystems, human impacts and
dependence on the oceans.
1
in a specific scientific field, using appropriate vocabulary and referencing appropriate
concepts (such as models, uncertainties, hypotheses, theories, and technologies).
3. demonstrate understanding of the nature of science and scientific inquiry and the
experimental and empirical methodologies used in science to investigate a scientific
question or issue.
4. explain how individual and societal choices affect prospects for sustainability at the
local, regional, and/or global levels.
2
REQUIRED MATERIALS
TEXTBOOK REQUIREMENTS:
American Meteorological Society (AMS) Oceans Studies textbook 4th edition. Textbook only!
Editors: Douglas A. Segar, Stacy W. Kish, Elizabeth W. Mills, Kira A. Nugnes, Managing Editor
ISBN-13 978-1-944970-09-3
You can order the required textbook directly from the AMS bookstore website or the CSUEB
campus bookstore. The campus bookstore takes a bit longer.
There are three options: Online ePub, ePub Download, and Softcover
The Online ePub is a rental option for an online version of the textbook. The ePub Download
can be downloaded to your computer, and the softcover takes a few days to be delivered.
See the AMS textbook order page for more information.
https://edubooks.ametsoc.org/OCTX-Ed4
You may also download GoogleEarth (not required). This program is CPU intensive, however,
will be very useful for viewing and manipulating images of Earth and the Ocean in 3-D.
https://earth.google.com/web/
3
Note: We will be talking about a lot of different places on the planet and in the Ocean, If you
have GoogleEarth download on your computer you can “fly” to places which interest you!
CONTACT INFORMATION
The fastest way to contact me is via text or phone, followed by email through the Canvas
course page. Campus emails are more likely to get “lost in digital space” or simply buried in
my inbox.
3) Weekly Zoom Office Hours are scheduled for Mondays 7:00 pm Pacific Time.
Secondary Contact:
4
EXAMS AND ASSIGNMENTS
Exams (1, 2, and 3) will be available on the dates indicated on the course Calendar, In Weekly
Assignment Summaries in Announcement, in the course Syllabus and on your To Do list in
Canvas. No exam make-ups will be allowed unless the instructor is notified, and arrangements
have been made before the last day of the exam period.
Exams are online through the Canvas website link (see Exams). All the exams will be open
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, midnight to midnight (i.e., all day, all three days.)
The three exams are open-book and timed (1.25 hours), Students should have no additional
access to the Internet during the exam, besides the online AMS textbook. You may use any
personal notes and/or course materials. You should have a command of the course content
because you will not have time to look up more than a few answers. Students are expected to
complete the exam on their own without outside help. Anyone suspected of cheating,
including plagiarism, on the exams will be dismissed from the course immediately with a final
grade of zero. This includes responses to extra credit questions!
Note: In all assignments and exams, cutting and pasting answers from the textbook,
Instructor’s Notes or online, does not demonstrate you understand either the question or the
answer. You need to demonstrate your knowledge in your own words.
Make-up Exams: An opportunity to take a makeup examination will be offered to those who
make prior contact before the exam due date with the instructor. If an exam is missed without
contacting the instructor, it can be made up within 48 hours (two days) of the exam due date,
for a maximum score of 80%, no extra credit. As it is unfair to students that completed the
exam within the allotted exam period, further extension beyond the 48-hour late window will
be made at my discretion base on accommodations, illness, or hardship.
Internet Problems (IP’s), and the Marine Policy Project (MPP) assignments are due on or
before Saturday nights before midnight. IP and MPP assignments can be submitted up to one
well late for a maximum grade of 80%. Under no circumstances will late MPP assignments, or
Internet Problems, be eligible for credit after one week following the due date unless you
contact me for permission before the final late due date, or a student has specific
accommodation. All further extensions will be at my discretion.
Note. Not being able to access the website on a given day is not an excuse for submitting late
work for full credit. My point is, getting the required assignments done earlier in the assignment
week avoids the possibility of the website not being available. If you start early, you will have
time to revisit the website.
5
Note: Before you submit any assignment, review your work, and ask yourself if you understand
both the questions and the answers, and if you have clearly and concisely articulated your
knowledge in your own words.
EVALUATION:
Exams: 3 during the semester; each exam is worth 20% of the final grade = 60%
Marine Policy Project (MPP): completed throughout the semester in 4 parts = 20%
Extra Credit Opportunities: will be identified throughout the semester. Also, see Extra Credit
Opportunities in Course Information.
Ten extra credit points will raise the final numerical grade 1 full percentage point. 50 points
of extra credit are the maximum possible.
For example, if a student completes the 50 points of extra credit allowed, and their final
average of the Exams, Investigations, and MPP is 85, their final grade in this class will be 90%,
A. Note: This extra credit is separate for the exam and MPP extra credit.)
Note: your final grade in this class is not a straight average of total points.
6
Your Final Grade is % Of
Points
Determined by The Details Final
(if applicable)
Following Grade
Total: 100%
Final grades will be determined by calculating the average of the above assignments. The grading
scale is:
7
Disclaimer: Be aware that this online course may have students from other section(s)
participating at the same time through course mergers. You might see other students’ names
from different section(s) and might be able to message or email each other within this course.
Contact me if you have any questions or concerns.
STUDENT SERVICES:
To access student services offered at Cal State East Bay, click on the MY Compass icon to get
you to your one-stop online student support hub for information on academic advising,
tutoring, financial aid, the library, the health center, technology support, career counseling,
campus life, equity programs, and more.
8
510-845-7273. For more information about policies and resources or reporting options, please
visit the following websites.
Risk Management- Register a Complaint
CSUEB Title IX Information
If you wish to appeal your course grade at the end of the semester or have other academic
concerns related to a course, please visit the Grade Appeals and Academic Grievances (GAAG)
section of the catalog, which explains the process. URL:
https://catalog.csueastbay.edu/content.php?catoid=31&navoid=26604&hl=%22grade+appea
l%22&returnto=search
EMERGENCY STATEMENT:
California State University, East Bay is committed to being a safe and caring community. Your
appropriate response in the event of an emergency can help save lives. Information on what
to do in an emergency situation (earthquake, electrical outage, fire, extreme heat, severe
storm, hazardous materials, terrorist attack) may be found at Risk Management. Please be
familiar with these procedures. Information on this page is updated as required. Please review
the information on a regular basis.
STUDENT CONDUCT:
The University is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy living and learning
environment for students, faculty, and staff. Each member of the campus community should
choose behaviors that contribute toward this end. More information about community
expectations for student conduct can be found at CSUEB Student Conduct.
OUTSIDE READING
You are encouraged to share with the class any pertinent newspaper or periodical articles.
Web-based articles can be posted on in Discussions.
9
GEOL 340 The Ocean- Fall 2023 Course Schedule
This schedule is solid, but is subject to change due to major weather events, earthquakes etc. If
small or larger changes are made, they will be communicated and posted in Canvas
Announcements. Also, all assignment and exam dates are on the course Calendar. Any issues,
contact me.
Week 1
Welcome, Introductions, Course Overview and In Canvas See: Modules - Course Information (*Start
August
Chapter 1: Ocean and the Earth System Here*) and Modules - Unit 1 -Chapter 1
22 - 26
https://www.csueastbay.edu/online/CanvasLogin/
The First Day of Class is Tuesday, August 2022 I look forward to working with you!
Order the required
The required AMS Ocean Studies Textbook 4th edition
AMS Ocean Studies Textbook
can be purchased through the CSUEB Campus
4th edition Bookstore or directly for the AMS Bookstore Note:
https://edubooks.ametsoc.org/OCTX-Ed4This is an
https://edubooks.ametsoc.org/OCTX-Ed4
eBook, hardcopies are available but take a bit longer
to get, due to shipping,
Announcement
Become familiar with the Canvas course page Unit - Modules
Discussions
Calendar
Assignments: IP’s and MPP
Exams
10
Week Number Activities and Assignment Additional Notes
Required
In Canvas See: Modules - Unit 1- Chapter 1 to view the
Read:
Instructor’s Notes and Presentations
Chapter 1 Ocean and the Earth System
(Instructor’s Notes are Required, Presentations* are
and the associated the
Optional in place of Instructor’s Notes)
Instructor’s Notes and/or Presentations*
*Presentations are more like a traditional classroom
lecture.
Go to: https://www.mapsofworld.com/world-ocean-
map.htm and become familiar with the names and Optional but Recommended
locations of major ocean basins and seas. Are there 4 or 5 major ocean basins?
Read Chapter 2 in the AMS Textbook and the In Canvas See: Modules - Unit 1 - Chapter 2
associated Instructor’s Notes and/or Presentations* (Instructor’s Notes or Presentations are required.
Required
Optional
Complete Chapter 2 Survey See: Chapter 2 FAQs to see my responses to former
student questions
11
Week Number Activities and Assignment Additional Notes
Week 3
In Canvas See: Modules - Unit 1 - Chapter 3
September Chapter 3: Properties of Ocean Water
https://www.csueastbay.edu/online/CanvasLogin/
3-9
Due Required
Internet Problem 3
Saturday, In Canvas See: Modules- Internet Problems or
Geography, Weather and Climate
September 16 Modules - Unit 1 - Chapter 4
Participate in Week 4 Discussion Solar Energy and
Optional
The Ocean
Optional
Complete Chapter 4 Survey In Canvas See: Chapter 4 FAQs to see my responses to
former student questions
12
Week Number Activities and Assignment Additional Notes
September 12 Last Day to Change Grade Type Important Date
Week 5
In Canvas See: Modules - Unit 1 - Chapter 5
September Chapter 5: Ocean Currents
https://www.csueastbay.edu/online/CanvasLogin/
17 - 23
Read Chapter 5 in the AMS Textbook and the
In Canvas See: Modules - Unit 1 - Chapter 5
associated Instructor’s Notes and/or Presentations
Available
Friday – Exam 1 is timed 1 hour and 15 minutes. It has 50
Sunday Exam 1 – Over Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 multiple choice questions with one 10 point “big
September Check out the optional Exam 1 “Fair Game” Sheet in issue” extra credit question. See: Exams for access and
22 – 24 Content -Exams Course Information for more information on Chapter
(24 hours all Exams layout and grading.
three days)
Participate in Week 5 and 6 Discussion
Optional
Tidal and Wave Energy
In Canvas See: Chapter 5 FAQs to see my responses to
Complete Chapter 5 Survey
former student questions
Week 6
In Canvas See: Modules - Unit 2 - Chapter 6
September Chapter 6: Ocean Waves and Tides
https://www.csueastbay.edu/online/CanvasLogin/
24 - 30
Due Required
Saturday, Internet Problem 4 Coastal and Tidal Currents In Canvas See: Modules- Internet Problems or
September 30 Modules - Unit 2 - Chapter 6
Participate in Week 5 and 6 Discussion
Optional
Tidal and Wave Energy
Optional
Complete Chapter 6 Survey See: Chapter 6 FAQs to see my responses to former
student questions
Week 7
In Canvas See: Modules - Unit 2 - Chapter 7
October Chapter 7: The Dynamic Coastline
https://www.csueastbay.edu/online/CanvasLogin/
1-7
Read Chapter 7 in the AMS Textbook and the
In Canvas See: Modules- Unit 2 - Chapter 7
associated Instructor’s Notes and/or Presentations
13
Week Number Activities and Assignment Additional Notes
Due Required
Saturday, Internet Problem 5 Local and Global Tides In Canvas See: Modules- Internet Problems or
October 7 Modules - Unit 2 - Chapter 7
Due Required
Saturday Marine Policy Project Part 2 In Canvas See: Modules - Marine Policy Project or
October 14 Modules – Unit 2 - Chapter 8
Due Required
Internet Problem 6
Saturday In Canvas See: Modules - Internet Problems or
Hurricane Related Coastal Erosion
October 14 Modules - Unit 2 - Chapter 8
Participate in Week 7-9 Discussion the BP Oil Spill in
Optional
the Gulf of Mexico
Optional
Complete Chapter 8 Survey In Canvas See: Chapter 8 FAQs to see my responses to
former student questions
Week 9
October In Canvas See: Modules - Unit 2 - Chapter 9
Chapter 9: Life in the Ocean
15 - 21 https://www.csueastbay.edu/online/CanvasLogin/
14
Week Number Activities and Assignment Additional Notes
In Canvas See: Chapter 9 FAQs to see my responses to
Complete Chapter 9 Survey
former student questions
Week 10
Chapter 10: The Ocean Atmosphere In Canvas See: Modules - Unit 2 - Chapter 10
October
and Climate Variables https://www.csueastbay.edu/online/CanvasLogin/
22 - 28
Available
Friday -Sunday Exam 2 is timed 1 hour and 15 minutes. It has 50
Exam 2 – Over Chapters 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 multiple choice questions with one 10 point “big
October
Check out the optional Exam 1 “Fair Game” Sheet in issue” extra credit question. See: Modules- Exams for
27 - 29 Modules -Exams access, and Course Information for more information
on Exams layout and grading.
(24 hours all
three days)
Due Required
Internet Problem: 8
Saturday In Canvas See: Modules- Internet Problems or
El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO)
October 28 Modules - Unit 2 - Chapter 10
Week 11
October 29 – In Canvas See: Modules - Unit 3 - Chapter 11
Chapter 11: Ocean Sediments
November 4 https://www.csueastbay.edu/online/CanvasLogin/
Due Required
Internet Problem 9
Saturday In Canvas See: Modules - Internet Problems or
Ocean Sediments
November 4 Modules - Unit 3 - Chapter 11
15
Week Number Activities and Assignment Additional Notes
Week 12
In Canvas See: Modules - Unit 3 - Chapter 12
November Chapter 12: The Ocean and Climate Change
https://www.csueastbay.edu/online/CanvasLogin/
5 - 11
Read Chapter 12 in the AMS Textbook and the
In Canvas See: Modules - Unit 3 - Chapter 12
associated Instructor’s Notes and/or Presentations
Participate in Week 10-12 Discussion Carbon
Optional
Sequestering in the Ocean
FRIDAY
Veterans Day Campus Closed
NOVEMBER 10
Week 13
In Canvas See: Modules - Unit 3 - Chapter 13
November Chapter 13: Ocean Exploration: Past and Present
https://www.csueastbay.edu/online/CanvasLogin/
12 - 18
Monday
Last Day to Withdraw from Class
November 13
Read Chapter 13 in the AMS Textbook and the
In Canvas See: Unit 3 - Chapter 13
associated Instructor’s Notes and/or Presentations
Due Required
Saturday Marine Policy Project Part 4 In Canvas See: Modules- Marine Policy Project or
November 18 Modules - Unit 3 - Chapter 13
November
Fall Recess! Campus Closed
20 -24
Week 14
In Canvas See: Modules - Unit 1 - Chapter 14
November 26 Chapter 14: Ocean Stewardship
https://www.csueastbay.edu/online/CanvasLogin/
- December 2
Required
Read Chapter 14 in the AMS Textbook and the
In Canvas See: Modules- Internet Problems or
associated Instructor’s Notes and/or Presentations
Modules - Unit 3 - Chapter 14
Due Required
Internet Problem 10
Saturday, Sea Ice In Canvas See: Modules- Internet Problems or
December 2 Modules - Unit 3- Chapter 14
16
Week Number Activities and Assignment Additional Notes
Participate in Week 13-15
End of Semester Discussion Climate Change
Week 15
In Canvas See: Modules - Unit 3 - Chapter 15
December Chapter 15: Ocean Climate Policy
https://www.csueastbay.edu/online/CanvasLogin/
3-9
Read Chapter 15 in the AMS Textbook and the
In Canvas See: Modules - Unit 3 - Chapter 15
associated Instructor’s Notes
Available
Friday -Sunday Exam 3 is timed 1 hour and 15 minutes. It has 50
Exam 3 – Over Chapters 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 multiple choice questions with one 10 point “big
December 8-
11 Check out the optional Exam 1 “Fair Game” Sheet in issue” extra credit question. See: Modules- Exams for
Modules -Exams for access access, and Course Information for more information
(24 hours, all on Exams layout and grading.
four days)
Optional
Tuesday
Last Day to Submit Extra Credit Submit online via email through D2L or campus email
December 12,
[email protected]
Thursday,
Final Grades Submitted!
December 14
Tuesday,
Official Grades will be posted at MyCSUEB
January 2
17