The WVC Oceanography Department is committed to offering an introductory course covering the geological, physical, chemical, biological and environmental processes that occur in the oceans. Among the vital topics addressed are the historical perspectives of oceanography, the intertidal zones, plate tectonics, islands, plankton and nekton, marine mammals and pollution. The course is primarily designed for the non-science major planning to transfer to 4-year institutions. In addition, this course can be used to introduce students to STEM opportunities in Oceanography they had not previously considered.

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Course outcomes

Upon completion of this course, successful students will (be able to):

• Demonstrate understanding of theories and application of concepts pertinent to Oceanography.
• Demonstrate competence and self-confidence required to gain a fuller practical and theoretical understanding of Oceanography.
• Apply the scientific method and problem-solving skills appropriate to Oceanographic phenomena.
• Understand the marine environment in terms of basic scientific concepts and vocabulary, information in areas of intensive scientific interest and public concern, interactions between the living world and the physical environment of the marine environment, “headline” topics in Oceanography, the relationships between Oceanography, technology & society and the relevance & importance of the marine environment in their daily lives.
• Communicate their understanding of the marine environment through written exams & other assignments.