2010-2011 CATALOG

This is an archived copy of the 2010-2011 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.miracosta.edu

Oceanography

Oceanography is the scientific study of the ocean and its phenomena. Students take courses to prepare for a major in oceanography and to fulfill physical science general education requirements. Career options include teaching, research, marine product sales, and a variety of positions in private and public environmental agencies.

Contact Information

Department Chair: Chris Metzler

Dean: Ric Matthews

www.miracosta.edu/OCEA

Department: Physical Sciences

Office: Building SAN 400, (760) 795-7879

Full-Time Faculty

Keith Meldahl
Chris Metzler
John Turbeville

How to Read Course Descriptions

Courses listed in this catalog apply to the fall 2010, spring 2011, and summer 2011 terms. Courses are numbered numerically within alphabetically arranged subject areas.

The bolded first line indicates the official course number, a descriptive title, and the number of units. The next lines indicate prerequisites, corequisites, advisories, repeatability rules, enrollment limitations, UC/CSU credit acceptance, and lecture and lab hours followed by a Taxonomy of Program number in parentheses.

Prerequisites: This is a requirement that must be met before a student can enroll in the course.
Corequisites: This is a course the student must take in the same semester.
Advisories: This is recommended preparation the student is advised but not required to have before or in conjunction with the course.
Repeatability Rules: When a course belongs to a group of related courses, students can complete one course or a combination of courses within the group for a maximum of four completions.
Enrollment Limitations: Some courses place limitations on enrollment. These limitations prevent students from duplicating course work or from enrolling in two sections of the same course in any given semester.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU means the course is accepted for transfer at any California State University (CSU) campus; UC means it is accepted for transfer at any University of California (UC) campus. Some courses can be used to satisfy general education or major requirements while others transfer as elective credit. UC Credit Limitation means credit for the course may have UC transfer restrictions; these restrictions are identified at the end of the course description.
Lecture and Lab Hours: These are the number of hours the course meets for lecture and/or lab per week.
Taxonomy of Program (TOP) Number: The TOP number is identified in parentheses after the lecture and lab hours. This number serves an administrative purpose and is not intended for student use.

The course description summarizes the purpose and key topical areas of the course, and it includes special requirements if any exist. Some course descriptions end with information about whether the course was "formerly" another course, how many times the course may be repeated, if the course is offered pass/no pass, or what the UC credit limitation is.

How to Read Course Descriptions

Courses

OCEA 101: Introduction to Oceanography

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Enrollment Limitation: Not open to students with prior credit in OCEA 101 or OCEA 101H.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 3 hours. (1919.00)

This course explores the major processes and features of the world's oceans. Topics include the origin and history of the ocean basins, atmospheric circulation and weather, ocean circulation, and the dynamics of waves, tides, and coastlines. The course also reviews marine life (including plankton, nekton, benthos, and marine mammals), explores the oceans as a resource for people, and considers human impacts on marine environments.

OCEA 101H: Introduction to Oceanography (Honors)

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Enrollment Limitation: Not open to students with prior credit in OCEA 101 or OCEA 101H.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC Credit limitation
Lecture 3 hours. (1919.00)

This course offers highly motivated students an enriched introduction to the scientific study of the oceans. The course explores the major processes and features of the world's oceans, including plate tectonics, the origin and history of the ocean basins, atmospheric circulation, weather and climate, ocean circulation, and the dynamics of waves, tides, and coastlines. The course also reviews marine life (including plankton, nekton, benthos, and marine mammals), explores the oceans as a resource for people, and considers human impacts on marine environments. UC CREDIT LIMITATION: Credit for OCEA 101 or 101H.

OCEA 101L: Introductory Oceanography Laboratory

Units: 1
Prerequisites: OCEA 101 or OCEA 101H.
Corequisite: OCEA 101 or OCEA 101H if prerequisite not met.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Laboratory 3 hours. (1919.00)

This course is designed to accompany Oceanography 101. It offers hands-on experience with oceanographic materials and techniques in both the laboratory and field. Topics include reading navigational charts and topographic maps, interpreting sea floor features, analysis of seawater chemistry, and study of waves and tides using the Internet. On field trips, students will study waves, currents, and coastal processes, and examine organisms in coastal marine habitats and at an aquarium. Students will also participate in a half-day scientific ocean voyage.

OCEA 292: Internship Studies

Units: 0.5-3
Prerequisites: Complete 6 units at MCC prior to internship; permission of instructor and department chair required.
Corequisite: Must currently be enrolled in 3 units and complete 60 hours of non-paid or 75 hours of paid work per unit of credit.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
(1919.00)

Individualized study linking classroom learning to the workplace. Approval form must be signed by instructor and department chair before registration. (May be taken for a total of 12 units.)

OCEA 298: Directed Studies in Oceanography

Units: 1-3
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor and department chair.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Laboratory 3 hours.
Laboratory 6 hours.
Laboratory 9 hours. (1919.00)

Individualized study, project or research in area of particular interest to the student and not included in the regular courses of the college. Approval form must be signed by instructor and department chair before registration. (May be taken for a total of 3 units.)