Apr 18, 2024  
2019-2020 Undergraduate Academic Catalog 
    
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2019-2020 Undergraduate Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

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SC 371 - Oceanography

3 lecture hours 0 lab hours 3 credits
Course Description
This subject introduces the student to the physical study of the ocean and its basin. Specific topics include: the nature of the ocean bottom and its relation to continental drift; ocean currents, causes, locations, characteristics and effects on land masses; and ocean wave mechanics, physics of sea water, acoustical properties of the ocean and the instruments and techniques used to measure ocean properties. Also studied are the interaction between warm water masses and the atmosphere, which acts as a heat engine, causing energy interchanges which produce much of the Earth’s weather. A detailed exploration is made of the potential of the ocean to supply large amounts of energy from its mechanical, electrical, thermal, and chemical resources. The course includes a visit to the Milwaukee Maritime Center. (prereq: junior standing)
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
  • Understand the terms and units used in describing ocean currents
  • Calculate the duration and fetch required to produce a fully developed “sea” (rough ocean) at a given wind speed
  • Describe the behavior of the tides in terms of the sun and moon positions and the shape of the ocean basin
  • Calculate the speed of tsunamis and other waves by knowing the depth of the ocean and the period and wavelength of the wave
  • Describe the chemical nature of ocean water, including the minerals dissolved in it
  • State the main sources of minerals dissolved in the ocean
  • Describe the different types of shorelines and their development over geological time as well as recent time
  • Explain the salinity and current patterns in different types of estuaries
  • Understand the interaction between the oceans and the Earth’s weather
  • Explain the distribution of life forms over different parts of the ocean
  • Name the different regions of the ocean in which life forms can be found and understand the terms used to describe these life forms
  • Discuss the various methods of exploring the ocean, such as sonar, submersibles, and unmanned probes
Prerequisites by Topic
  • None
Course Topics
  • Ocean currents (6 classes)
  • Ocean bottom (3 classes)
  • Ocean wave mechanics (3 classes)
  • Physics of sea water (7 classes)
  • Acoustical properties of the ocean (3 classes)
  • Oceans and weather (3 classes)
  • Life in the ocean (5 classes)
Coordinator
Dr. Steven Mayer


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