MSCI 111

Introduction to Marine Science

Fall 2016 , TTH format

Instructor: XXXX

XXXX

XXXX

Office Hours: XXX

Webpage: We have a class Moodle page via the Moodle course management system. You are also encouraged to use the student website from the textbook publisher which is located at: XXXX

Text: XXXX

Catalog Description:

MSCI 111 Introduction to Marine Science. (3) (Prereq or Coreq: Completion of, or concurrent enrollment in, MATH 131 or higher, OR an SAT math score of 550 or higher, OR an ACT math score of 24 or higher; Coreq: MSCI 111L) An introduction to the general theory and principles of marine science covering the physical, biological, geological, and chemical characteristics of seawater and sediments. Three lecture hours per week. F, S.

Course Objectives:

Marine Science is a multi-disciplinary field which includes marine biology, marine chemistry, physical oceanography, marine geology, and atmospheric studies. To be a marine scientist, you must have a basic understanding of each of these disciplines and their influence on each other. You should finish this class with a fundamental understanding of the basic principles of marine science and a solid foundation on which to pursue your upper level courses. You should be able to relate these basic principles to current issues and recent discoveries, both scientific and social. In addition, this course should provide a clear definition of marine science so that you can make an informed decision about pursuing a major and/or a career in this field. MSCI 111 will concentrate on the interdisciplinary foundations of marine science. The second semester of the introductory marine science sequence, MSCI 112, will continue to explore the interdisciplinary nature of marine systems and will introduce additional geological and physical aspects of the field.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of the first year marine science sequence (MSCI 111 & 112) , a student should be able to:

1.  Identify the steps in the scientific method and apply the principles of scientific inquiry. Distinguish between a scientific hypothesis and a scientific theory. Analyze evidence using scientific methods and perform a critique of scientific results, demonstrating the ability to identify well-supported science results.

2.  Describe the processes by which the Earth formed, including its layers, atmosphere, oceans, and organisms. Explain how earth systems (biogeochemical and physical cycles and processes) have changed and modified throughout Earth’s history.

3.  Explain the Plate Tectonic Theory, including supporting evidence for plate tectonics, the different types of plate boundaries, the driving forces, the resulting landforms, and the ocean basin cycle.

4.  Describe the rock cycle and identify major types of rocks and minerals and their association with oceanic and continental crust. Describe weathering of rocks and the erosion and transport of sediments and salts to ocean basins. Describe how patterns of deposition, circulation, and biogeochemical processes influence the types and distribution abundance of marine sediments. Explain how stratigraphy is used to determine and date past depositional environments.

5.  Distinguish between atoms, ions, and molecules, the major subatomic particles, and ionic vs. covalent bonding. Explain the molecular structure of water and hydrogen bonding. Describe the properties of water, including phase changes and latent heat, heat capacity, solvent properties, surface tension and cohesion, and density. Explain the impacts of these properties on Earth systems.

6.  Describe the chemical composition of seawater, including dissolved salts, nutrients, trace elements, gasses, and their related biogeochemical cycles.

7.  From first principles of density, pressure, and Coriolis, describe Earth’s atmospheric circulation and the wind-driven and density-driven circulation of the oceans. Explain how both the atmospheric and oceanic circulation affect weather and climate patterns.

8.  Describe how sea levels change, including momentary (wave), daily (tidal), and long-term (tectonic, climate) changes. Explain the controlling factors for the formation and behavior of waves and tides, and how each of these processes affects the coastline (coastal processes) and coastal habitats.

9.  Distinguish between the different categories of marine life and how each is adapted to survive in its environment. Describe the patterns of and controls on primary production, trophic dynamics, food webs, and community structure in major marine and estuarine systems.

10.  Describe human interactions with the marine environment, the many resources available from the ocean, and impacts of human activities on the ocean.

11.  Describe issues and areas of active marine science research.

MSCI 111 emphasizes sections on SLO’s 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 while MSCI 112 emphasizes sections on SLO’s 2, 3, 4, and 8 in addition to integrating earlier learned concepts. Within these sections, both courses build on earlier learned knowledge and concepts and bring examples from SLO 1, 10 and 11 into different sections.

University Core Curriculum:

This course satisfies Core Concept II. A. - Scientific Concepts (4 hours):

Objective: Students will recognize scientific evidence and apply the basic principles of scientific inquiry.

Student Learning Outcomes: Students will be able to:

1.  Apply the methods of scientific inquiry

2.  analyze evidence using scientific methods

Grading Policy:

Grading for this course is based on 3 lecture tests, a cumulative final exam, and homework assignments/in-class exercises. You cannot drop any of your test grades, but your lowest lecture test grade will be worth half as much as the others (10% of total grade, rather than 20%). The final exam is comprehensive and mandatory for all. Homework assignments are common and are assigned in class – their number and timing are not pre-determined or specifically listed on the syllabus schedule. Students are expected to know about them through attending class. In-class assignments are also likely, such as in-class video worksheets or problem sets. The distribution of points is outlined below:

3 Lecture tests 50%

Final exam 20%

Homework assignments & other exercises 30%

The grade for this course is separate from your laboratory grade. If you are a marine science major, you must earn at least a C in this class and in the lab. The last date to drop this class with a grade of W is Thursday, October 22.

“Final Responsibility for satisfying degree requirements, as outlined in the university catalog, rests with the student.” - University Catalog.

Grading scale: A (≥90), B+ (86.00-89.99), B (80.00-85.99), C+ (76.00-79.99), etc…, F (<60)

Attendance Policy:

Attendance is taken daily using an attendance sign-in sheet. As per the University Catalogue, unexcused absences in excess of 25% of the regularly scheduled classes may result in an F for the course. Excused absences are defined in the catalog. I may excuse additional types of absences, but only if you clear it with me ahead of time. If you miss a class it is your responsibility to inform me in a timely manner (before class if predictable, within 24 hours if not), find out what you missed, and make up the material if it is an excused absence. There are no make-up opportunities for missed tests or assignments that do not have an excused absence.

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism Statement:

Violations of the Student Code of Conduct (including but not limited to academic dishonesty – cheating & plagiarism) will not be tolerated and will result in a minimum of a zero for an assignment and potentially removal from the course with an F. Poor grades earned due to cheating or plagiarism cannot be removed through the Repeat Forgiveness Policy. For information on the Code of Student Conduct, please see your Student Handbook or http://www.coastal.edu/conduct/index.html.

Coastal Carolina University is an academic community that expects the highest standards of honesty, integrity and personal responsibility. Members of this community are accountable for their actions and reporting the inappropriate action of others and are committed to creating an atmosphere of mutual respect and trust.

Tentative Lecture Schedule

Lecture / Topic / Chapters
1
2 / Intro to Marine Science, History of Marine Science, Pre-Test
Basic Ocean Features and Characteristics / 1
1
3
4 / Plate Tectonics
Plate Tectonics / 2
2
5
6 / Properties of Fresh and Salt Water
Chemistry of Seawater: Salts / 4
5
7
8 / Chemistry of Seawater: Gasses, nutrients, pH
TEST 1 / 5
9
10 / Global Heat Budget and Atmospheric Patterns
Winds, Rotation, and Weather / 6
6
11
12 / Wind-driven Circulation: Surface Currents
Density-driven Circulation: Deep Circulation and Structure / 7
7
13
14 / Density-driven Circulation: Deep Circulation and Structure
Review/Catch Up / 7
15
16 / TEST 2
Waves / 8
17
18 / Waves / Tides
Tides / 8 (10), 9
9 (10)
19
20 / Adaptations for Living in the Ocean
Adaptations for Living in the Ocean / 11
11
21
22 / Primary Production and Trophic Dynamics
TEST 3 / 12
23
24 / Primary Production and Trophic Dynamics
Plankton / 12
12
25
26 / Nekton and Pelagic Communities
Benthos and Benthic Communities / 13
14
27
28 / Benthos and Benthic Communities
Environmental Issues / 14
15
Thanksgiving Break – No Class
29 / Review/Catch Up
Exam Week / EXAM