PHYS 121 Oceanography Laboratory

Students will investigate the hydrosphere through exercises involving the study of geology, physics, chemistry, and biology, as related to the oceans, in order to illustrate comprehension of the scientific method and oceanographic principles and concepts. This course has required weekday and/or weekend field trips. 

Credits

1

Prerequisite

Pre- or corequisite: PHYS 120

Hours Weekly

3 hours lab weekly

Course Objectives

1. 1. Perform oceanographic-based experiment(s) to investigate assigned laboratory scenarios,
   following all safety rules.
2. 2. Analyze and interpret data collected in the laboratory.
3. 3. Communicate fundamental concepts in oceanography using appropriate vocabulary, units,
   symbols, and notations.
4. 4. Apply oceanographic principles and scientific reasoning when observing an area outside of
   the lab environment (field trips).
5. 5. Apply oceanographic principles and scientific reasoning to answer qualitative and
   quantitative questions pertaining to, but not limited to, water quality, ecosystem
   management, resource mining, and chemical and physical water processes, and evaluate
   and explain the reasonableness of solutions to these important issues.

Course Objectives

1. 1. Perform oceanographic-based experiment(s) to investigate assigned laboratory scenarios,
   following all safety rules.

   This objective is a course Goal Only

2. 2. Analyze and interpret data collected in the laboratory.

   This objective is a course Goal Only

3. 3. Communicate fundamental concepts in oceanography using appropriate vocabulary, units,
   symbols, and notations.

   Learning Activity Artifact

   • Other (please fill out box below)
   • Lab report questions

   Procedure for Assessing Student Learning

   • Scientific Reasoning Rubric

   Scientific Reasoning

   • SR1
4. 4. Apply oceanographic principles and scientific reasoning when observing an area outside of
   the lab environment (field trips).

   This objective is a course Goal Only

5. 5. Apply oceanographic principles and scientific reasoning to answer qualitative and
   quantitative questions pertaining to, but not limited to, water quality, ecosystem
   management, resource mining, and chemical and physical water processes, and evaluate
   and explain the reasonableness of solutions to these important issues.

   Learning Activity Artifact

   • Other (please fill out box below)
   • Lab quiz questions

   Procedure for Assessing Student Learning

   • Scientific Reasoning Rubric

   Scientific Reasoning

   • SR2
   • SR3