mars 120: introduction to physical oceanography dr. joe gorga email:...
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MARS 120: Introduction to Physical Oceanography
Dr. Joe Gorga
Email: [email protected]: ST 269 (x6817)MW 12 - 2T 9:30 – 10:30, or By Appointment
Textbook: Introductory Oceanography 10th EditionWebsite: http://home.sandiego.edu/~gorga
Class Objectives• To introduce the you to the basic principles and processes essential to
oceanography
• You will need to learn the fundamental concepts of oceanography, and be able
to make connections between subjects using critical thinking
• We will focus on:
– geology of the of ocean basins
– Physical and chemical properties of seawater
– Air-sea interactions
– Currents
– Waves/Tides
– Coastal Processes
– Paleoceanography
Class Grades• Grading Policy:
Lecture:Midterm Exams (3) 100 points eachFinal Exam (non-cumulative) 100 pointsHomework and Participation 50 pointsTotal Lecture Points 450 pointsTotal Lab Points: 250 PointsTotal Course Points 700 points
Grades will be based on a scale of: A= 90 – 100%, B= 80 – 90%, C= 70 – 80%, D= 60 – 70% and F= <60%.
You must pass both the Lab and Lecture in order to pass the course
Why Study The Ocean?
Oceanography• The study of the marine environment
• Oceans provide: food, medicines, raw materials, used for recreation, supports tourism– Estimated ocean’s living systems are worth over $20 trillion
Scientific Method• Inquiry: a search for information and explanations
focusing on a specific question
• Descriptive Science: describes nature as accurately as possible– Inductive reasoning: go from specific to general
• Hypothesis-based Science: what are the natural causes and explanations of the observations we see– Must propose and test a hypothesis
– Deductive reasoning: reasoning flows from general to specific
Scientific Method1. Observation
• Careful; Include as many parameters as possible• Observations Induction Hypothesis
2. Hypothesis• Possible cause• Reflect past experience (educated guess)• Multiple (consider alternative explanations)• Testable• Falsifiable
3. Prediction• Hypothesis/Principle Deduction Prediction
4. Experiment• Experimental group, Control group, Replication
5. Results/Interpretation
6. Scientific Theory
Scientific Method: Case Study
Scientific Method
Field Observations vs. Controlled Experiments
1. Field Observations (in situ)• Natural setting
• Uncontrolled variables
• Examples?
2. Controlled Experiment (usually ex situ)• Fewer uncontrolled variables
• Test one or a few variable(s) at a time
• Artificial setting (especially ex situ)
Scientific Method