Feb 14, 2026  
2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
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2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog
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BI 105 - Introduction to Oceanography

Credits: 4

Although the ocean covers 71% of Earth, few people understand even the most basic concepts of oceanography and the ocean’s critical role for life on the planet. In this class attention is paid to each of the 4 major subdisciplines of oceanography: geological oceanography, chemical oceanography, physical oceanography, and biological oceanography. This course is structured into 4 units. Unit 1 will cover geological oceanography, including planet formation and plate tectonics. Unit 2 will cover chemical oceanography including water chemistry and chemistry of marine sediments. Unit 3 will cover physical oceanography where we will learn about waves, tides, and the physical dynamics of coastal regions (beach and dune formation for example).  Unit 4 covers marine habitats and the diversity of life found within our oceans. Throughout the course we will be continually reminded of the inter-disciplinary aspect of ocean sciences, how anthropogenic climate change is significantly impacting the world ocean, and strive to understand oceanographic principles and their connection to all life on the planet.

Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, you should be able to do the following:

  • Acquire foundational knowledge of the 4 major subdisciplines of oceanography (Geological, Chemical, Physical and Biological Oceanography).
  • Explain the critical role oceans play for human life on the planet such as oxygen production, driver of weather patterns, climate control and regulation, coastal protection, and as a food source for billions of people.
  • Develop critical thinking and data analysis skills to interpret oceanographic data and evaluate threats to marine ecosystems.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of how human activities like water pollution and anthropogenic climate change impact marine environments and, by extension, their connection to human well-being. 


Cross-listed
ES 105


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