Oceanography 101: Introduction to Oceanography AUTUMN QUARTER 2009 By staying registered in this course, you agree to abide by all of the rules and expectations provided by the instructor in this Syllabus and elsewhere, by the Bellevue College student conduct code, etc. Instructor Gwyneth Jones Bellevue College Email gwjones@bellevuecollege.edu MSN IM / Facebook gwyneth-jones@hotmail.com Websites The course’s Blackboard site. Also http://www.scidiv.bellevuecollege.edu/gj

Class Format: Oceanography 101 is an entirely online course, which means that you can complete the class from the comfort of your own home (in your PJ's if you are so inclined). Students have taken my online classes from all over the world, including Korea, Germany, and South America. You will do the labs, tests, and other assignments individually, and submit them online by the specified deadlines. Many (though not all) students find the independent, self-educational approach of this course to be as fruitful as -- and perhaps even more rewarding than -- a traditional instructor-led classroom course. If you are a very motivated person with a history of self-discipline and the ability to get things done without any outside prompting, you are likely to succeed in this course. Furthermore, if you get easily interested in many things and are open to the world around you, this class will probably be a great experience for you. If you haven't already done so, please read the Getting Started section of the website as soon as you're done reading this syllabus -- Even if you have taken other online courses, there is information in the Getting Started section that you need to read before taking this class.

Preparation and Participation: As many of you are new to science, college, and/or the online format, you may find that this course differs significantly from what you've experienced before in school. Prior knowledge of science is not expected; curiosity, interaction, discussion, hard work, courtesy, and questions are. There are no "dumb questions"! (If you're wondering about something, chances are that at least a couple of your classmates are, too!) I have high expectations, and confidence in my students' abilities. Because the course has no scheduled meeting times and no required lectures, you will be almost entirely responsible for your own education; however, I am here to help you learn. I love the marine sciences, and enjoy working with students of all ages and backgrounds, so don't be shy. It's easy to fall behind, and difficult to make up lost ground, so stay on top of the workload and well ahead of the deadlines. If you will be away, please contact me as soon as possible beforehand; you will still need to turn in all assignments on time or early.

Skills You Will Strengthen: The discussions, labs, and other assignments require critical thinking, independent work, oral and written communication, quantitative skills, and research skills. You will learn individually from the textbook, PowerPoint files, and other sources. You will analyze information and find solutions, both independently and as part of the class as a whole, via laboratory assignments, field trips, discussions, and other assignments. You will make calculations, interpret charts and maps, and graph information. Please inform me if you are repeating this course (Oceanography 101).

Class Expectations and Workload for This Course: This is a college-level laboratory-science class. Good organization, time management, independence, positive attitude, self-advocacy, and reading, writing, and study skills are absolutely essential to success in this class. Is distance learning for you? In order to succeed in an online class, it is very important that you maintain an exceptionally high level of self-motivation. I cannot overemphasize that point! Students who've taken online classes agree almost universally that it takes more work, more time, and better organizational skills to succeed in an online class. We will cover a lot of material each week, and it's impossible to learn all that information from scratch in one or two sittings. (Studies show that it takes at least 3 interactions with information for it to be really learned.) Count on devoting at least 20-25 hours a week of intensive study for this 6-credit lab class, in addition to the 7-8 hours you would normally spend in class. This is truly a college-level course. You need to check the class website and your regular (non-Blackboard) email daily, keep up with assignments and readings, study hard, and contact your classmates and me when you have questions. The responsibility is on your shoulders...It's worth it -- you'll never look at the world around you in the same way again!

Professionalism (Writing Expectations, Assistance, Honesty): Good communication skills are as important in oceanography (and other sciences) as they are in other disciplines. You have to be able to get across your ideas clearly, accurately, and completely, with sources cited. All work must be written well and submitted in a neat, professional manner. Use these Universal Intellectual Standards: http://www.criticalthinking.org/articles/universal-intellectual-standards.cfm . Proofread all work carefully for typographical and spelling errors, and read it for grammar, flow, and sense! Save a copy just in case. Also, I expect all students to act with integrity. I am a trusting person, and believe most people are honest -- Please don't abuse that trust by cheating, lying, or blaming (believe me, I've seen it all). The Science Division policy on cheating is below.

"Netiquette" (Courtesy Expectations): Students are expected to conduct all online conversations in a mature, professional manner. This class is conducted entirely online, yet I expect you to be as courteous and respectful to me and to your classmates as you would be in person in a classroom setting. Emails and discussion board posts cannot be "taken back" (though when apologies are appropriate, you should make them). So, please write all of your correspondence with care and courtesy; don't send emails or posts that you might later regret -- in terms of content, words, and tone. A good test is, "Would I say that face-to-face, in exactly those words, to my professor or a classmate I don't know well? How would I react if I were on the receiving end?" (Also keep in mind that even if you're thick-skinned, many of your classmates are not and they shouldn't have to be -- nor should I.) Another good rule of thumb: Before sending something, write it up, save it, go away for an hour or more, then re-read it before posting. I reserve the right to take strong disciplinary action for improper behavior (rude, mean, discriminatory, etc); violations will be reported to the Dean of Students.

Study Tips: For some study tips, feel free to talk with me or an advisor, and surf the web for information posted at other colleges' websites. Your classmates are another great source of ideas -- I encourage everyone to use the Study Strategies discussion board. If your course average is a C or less, you qualify for free one-on-one tutoring from the Bellevue College Academic Tutoring Center (if your average is higher, the possibilities include free group tutoring). The college also has a Science Study Center and a Math Lab, both of which are staffed during the week. And, I've posted some of my favorite recommended resources at: http://www.scidiv.bellevuecollege.edu/gj .

"Office Hours" / For Assistance: I encourage you to ask your classmates for assistance by posting a message to the appropriate Blackboard Discussion Board (e.g., post to the Labs board for a lab-related question) -- so long as everyone does their own work (do not divide it up in any way). If that does not address your questions, I can meet students by MSN Messenger by appointment. And/or you may Blackboard-Mail me with private questions. I will try to get back to you within 48 hours. (Please note that I teach other classes, too, and have family obligations, so I am not available "24/7".)

Technical Issues: I am not a computer maven...If you have any technical questions related to the course, please contact Bellevue College Distance Education (http://bellevuecollege.edu/distance) and cc: me. You are responsible for having the correct software and equipment to complete the course and to solve any local computer problems that may arise -- See the Getting Started section of this course site for course-specific requirements, in addition to the Minimum Equipment and Skills page (http://bellevuecollege.edu/distance/skills.asp). You are also responsible for backing up your work and keeping it safe - Digital work is easily lost due to equipment failure, accidental erasure, or other unforeseen circumstances. Such issues are up to you to resolve, and will NOT be a valid reason for an extension of a deadline. So don't wait for the last minute to do your assignments! Please have at least two "backup plans" just in case. Bellevue College has excellent computing facilities on campus, available days/nights/weekends - Many libraries, community centers, friends/relatives do also.

Students with Special Needs: If you have a disability for which you'll need academic adjustments, please contact me or the Bellevue College Disability Resource Center (DRC, formerly called DSS) as soon as possible to arrange for appropriate accommodations. The law states that a student may present documentation anytime and the DRC must make a good faith effort to accommodate. The DRC office is in Room B-132 at the college's main campus (telephone 425-564-2498 or TTY 425-564-4110; http://www.bellevuecollege.edu/drc). The DRC office will provide each eligible student with an accommodation letter, which you should review with each instructor as soon as possible, preferably during the first week of the quarter. If you're not sure whether you might qualify for course accommodations, please feel free to contact the DRC or me. To quote one of my former students: "I am very open about having a learning disability. I learned long ago that being ashamed of it means that that cycle will continue, which causes children to feel that there is something wrong with it. Just like any challenge, the individual has to decide if they want to fight for what they want or fall down in defeat. I learned late in life that I would rather fight than fall. {smile}"

Required Materials: The following materials are required for the class and are available through the Bellevue College Bookstore (http://bookstore.bellevuecollege.edu):

Oceanography Lab Manual - Online Edition (2008) by Kent Short and Gwyn Jones. (Make sure you get the ONLINE edition of the lab manual, not the classroom edition! Double-check before opening your lab manual.) Available only from the college bookstore. NOTE to Spring 2009 class: You will NOT purchase a lab manual from the college bookstore -- Instead, each lab assignment will be posted in Blackboard.

Course PowerPoint files by Gwyneth Jones. I will post these for you to read and study, in Portable Document File (.pdf) and/or PowerPoint Show format.

Other Required Supplies: You will also need the following:

• Reliable internet access, with at least 2 backup plans
• Reliable email account
• MSN Messenger (IM)
• Metric ruler (with fine divisions)
• Colored pencils
• Calculator
• Dictionary
• A few household items for lab
• Optional: I will put several books, videos, and other optional/recommended materials on reserve at the Bellevue College Library (http://www.bellevuecollege.edu/lmc) for your use.

Websites: Your primary website for this course is the Blackboard course site. In addition, my website is at http://www.scidiv.bellevuecollege.edu/gj . You must also surf the web on your own (I like http://www.google.com , for example). Please let your classmates and me know of any sites that you find useful and/or interesting!

Grades: An ongoing record of your grades can be found in the Grades section of the website. Passing (D, 1.0): 65%; Top grade (A, 4.0): 95%. I'm also posting a Detailed Breakdown of Grades (how much each item you submit is worth, and what averages correlate with what grades). If you're not sure why you got a particular grade on an assignment, it is your responsibility to first try to figure out why: Review the assignment instructions; Check other students' discussion posts (if applicable); Reread your submission with a fresh eye, in terms of both content and style. I expect you to keep ongoing track of your grades -- How to Calculate Your Current Course Grade leads you step by step through how to figure out what your average is.

Late Assignments / Make-Up Work: All assignments (labs, other assignments, quizzes, exams) are due before the dates and times assigned, and will not be accepted late. Earlier is better! Plan ahead, as technical glitches can occur! As the college is based in Bellevue, Washington, all times listed are Pacific Time. Coursework cannot be made up or submitted late except with my prior permission, for exceptional cause (with written note from doctor or supervisor), so please don't ask for an exception unless you have exceptional cause! Assignments posted or sent incorrectly will also receive a ZERO, so ask well in advance if assignment instructions are at all unclear. That said, please do let me know ASAP if you're struggling in any way.

Lab Assignments: Hands-on labs are the meat-and-potatoes of science! Labs help connect textbook concepts with the "real world". One lab assignment will be due each week. Background information and supplies that you will need to complete the lab assignments are in your textbook, lab manual*, and posted/linked to Blackboard (you're also encouraged to use the web and find other information sources!). Answer all of the lab questions in your lab manual*, then transfer your final answers for the lab to the Lab Submission Form, an online form which is linked to the "Assignments & Lectures" section of the website. Each lab will be completed during the week it is assigned and any material that is turned in will be due before midnight on Saturday, unless otherwise noted. Late labs will receive a ZERO, so be sure to complete them and post them before the deadlines (dates and times) provided. *NOTE to this quarter's students: Instead of purchasing a lab manual from college bookstore, you will download the lab handouts each week from the "Assignments & Lectures" section of the Blackboard course site. Print out the labs, work the questions on paper (and/or in a word-processing program), proofread, and transfer your final answers to the lab submission form.

Other Assignments: To help you learn the material, strengthen your critical thinking skills, and interact with your classmates, there will be several additional assignments during the quarter that don't fall under the category of labs or tests. They will be submitted via the appropriate Discussion Board, unless otherwise noted. These assignments are described individually in the "Assignments & Lectures" section of the website. Be sure to keep track of their instructions and due dates (they will generally be due before Saturday midnight or before Wednesday midnight). Late assignment submissions, and submissions posted/sent incorrectly (e.g., to the wrong Discussion Board), will receive a ZERO.

Exams and Quizzes: There will one test each week -- either a short weekly quiz or a longer, more comprehensive midterm or final exam. Each test will include questions relating to the readings and labs, as well as the lectures, discussions, and any other assignments. The tests are meant to be diagnostic tools; a good score means that you are keeping up with the course material. Quizzes and exams will normally be posted online for a period of 3 days, and must be completed in a particular amount of time (the 8 quizzes have a maximum time limit of 10 minutes, and for the 3 exams you'll have 2 hours). Furthermore, they can only be opened one time, so once you start a test you must complete it at that time. It is up to you to keep track of your elapsed time -- Don't cut it close -- Penalties will be assessed for going over the time limit, even by a second or two; take electronic transmission times into account. So, even though the quizzes and exams are "open book", you will need to study for them before you view them! Quizzes and exams are accessible via the "Quizzes and Exams" or "Assessments" sections of the website. They will be submitted as online forms. Quizzes and exams will be due before midnight Saturday each week, unless otherwise noted.

Extra Credit: Please focus on learning the required material -- It "pays off" more than doing lots of extra credit late in the quarter. However, I have found that interacting actively with the reading material and applying it to "the real world" is a key study habit for successful students. I am open to the idea of your going on a field trip, doing a "marine movie review", or writing a detailed summary and analysis of an ocean-related lecture or program. I generally also give extra credit a few times during the quarter for calculating your course grade, posting specific items, etc (details to be posted on the Discussion boards). If other opportunities arise, I may offer extra credit for participating and presenting a summary and analysis. The maximum extra credit you may receive for the course is 3% -- This is uncommonly generous, so exceptions will not be granted. I do not allow any other type of extra credit, nor any make-up options for missed or deficient work. All extra credit work must be completed by the end (Saturday) of Week 9.

Science Division Policy on Cheating: Cheating is stealing. You, the student, are expected to conduct yourself with integrity. If you cheat*, or aid someone else in cheating, you violate a trust. If you cheat, the following actions will be taken:

2.    A report of the incident will be sent to the Dean of Students. The Dean may file the report in your permanent record or take further disciplinary action such as suspension or expulsion from the college. If you feel you have been unfairly accused of cheating, you may appeal. (For a description of due process, see WAC 132H-120.)

Much cheating and plagiarism is unintentional, but "ignorance of the law is no defense". And, the Bellevue College Science Division policy on plagiarism and other forms of cheating is clear (see above). Therefore, I require you to read and study all of the information entitled "Avoiding Plagiarism, or How to Use Source Information Properly" at http://www.bellevuecollege.edu/writinglab/plagiarism.html and PRINT OUT the .pdf version linked there at the top of the page (http://www.bellevuecollege.edu/writinglab/PDFDocs/Plagiarism.pdf). This information applies to all courses, so it's important to have handy. Please print it out and put it in a 3-ring binder or notebook for your reference. If you're at all unclear on what cheating entails (e.g., plagiarism, group work), please ask (far enough in advance to allow a reply).

*Cheating includes, but is not limited to, providing or copying answers on tests, labs, or other assignments; glancing at nearby tests; swapping papers; stealing, plagiarizing, and illicitly giving or receiving help on any assignment. You must each do all of your own work, and cite all of your sources. For more information on plagiarism, see the Bellevue College Writing Lab or Dean.