Online Oceanography 100

Course Homepage

Welcome!

This course is designed to introduce you to oceanography. Oceanography covers many topics and is wonderfully interdisciplinary!

My name is Gwyneth Jones — please feel free to call me Gwyn. :-) I am passionate about the earth and environmental sciences, including of course oceanography!

We will cover a different topic each week.

  • You will learn each week via textbook readings, online readings, PowerPoints, hands-on activities, and interaction with your classmates and me.
  • You will demonstrate your understanding each week via a "Q&A" assignment, a quiz, and a homework project.

There are advantages and disadvantages to taking an online course.

  • One of the primary advantages is that you can learn the course material and do the course work whenever it is most convenient for you. Also, we have the worldwide web, and all of its information, at our fingertips.
  • There are disadvantages, as well, that you need to consider.
    • First, because you do not have to "report in" to a classroom at a specific time, you need to be accountable to yourself and stay motivated and organized. You also must submit your work on time, without prompting. (Tip: Print up the Course Syllabus, the Week-by-Week Schedule, etc., and post them in a couple of obvious places.)
    • A second disadvantage (for most people) is that we will not be interacting face-to-face. Therefore, I want to remind everyone that respect for fellow students and the instructor is a must for this class! Be patient, realize that the rest of us may not happen to be online when you are, and write with courtesy and respect.

So, where to start?

1. Buy the textbook:

  • Introduction to Oceanography, CUSTOM 5th edition (2008) by Tom Garrison (ISBN: 0495840149).
  • Note: This custom edition has 2 bonus chapters (for no additional cost) -- Tsunami, and Waves and Coastal Erosion.
  • If you wish to use the regular (not custom) 5th edition of Essentials of Oceanography by Tom Garrison, please let me know immediately.

2. Print and study the course structure information — I expect you to be very familiar with all of this information!:

3. Start the Week #1 readings and assignments! :-)

 

PLEASE NOTE: Online Oceanography 100 is a new course — I will be working on the website all quarter. Please bear with me, and please do not work ahead of the current week without first talking with me. Thanks! ~Gwyn

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The page was updated on 9/3/09.

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