If you complete this course and do well, you will be able to:

1. Trace in a general way the history of the oceans
2. Diagram the interior and surface relief patterns of the earth
3. Explain the mechanism of movement of the earth's crustal plates and relate the occurrence of ocean basin features (volcanic mountains, faults, trenches, etc.) to tectonic processes
4. Describe the operation of oceanic sampling devices
5. Explain the patterns of sedimentation on the ocean floor and at shorelines, relating them to dispersal by waves and currents
6. Describe the patterns and causes of tides and currents
7. Measure the physical and chemical properties of sea water and discuss how they vary with depth, geography, time, and environmental conditions
8. List the major elements and gases in sea water and discuss their distribution, major chemical reactions, and cycling in the oceans
9. Discuss the biochemical and geological evidence for the origin of life in the oceans and generally trace the evolutionary history of life to the present time
10. Diagram the classification of main environments, labeling the major depth and water zones
11. Demonstrate techniques for sampling and processing marine organisms
12. Identify the major groups (kingdoms, phyla, classes) of marine organisms
13. Discuss the interactions among producers, consumers, and decomposers in the marine realm and tell how external environmental factors influence this system
14. Converse or write intelligently about food and mineral resources of the ocean, pollution problems, fisheries rights, coastal development power from the sea, and desalination