# Oceanography (OCEA) courses

El Camino College · 2026-2027 Catalog · 2 courses

Source: http://catalog.elcamino.edu/index.php?catoid=13

"Offered" lists sections in this catalog year's class schedules: Fall 2026, Winter 2027, Spring 2027.

### OCEA 10 — Introduction to Oceanography

- **Units:** 4
- **Hours:** 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- **Advisory:** eligibility for ENGL 1A (now ENGL C1000)
- **Transfers to:** CSU, UC
- **Offered:** not on the Fall 2026, Winter 2027, Spring 2027 schedules
- Credit Status: Credit, degree applicable

This introductory course in oceanography presents the ocean in terms of its physical, chemical and biological environments. The topics include studies of: formation and modification of various wave types; tidal behavior; formation of water masses and ocean currents; beaches and the changing shoreline; coral reefs; physical and chemical properties of ocean water; marine environments; marine sediments; origin of sea floor and coastline features; the spreading sea floor and drifting continents.

### OCEA 10H — Honors Introduction to Oceanography

- **Units:** 4
- **Hours:** 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- **Advisory:** eligibility for ENGL 1A (now ENGL C1000)
- **Transfers to:** CSU, UC
- **Offered:** not on the Fall 2026, Winter 2027, Spring 2027 schedules
- Credit Status: Credit, degree applicable
- Note: Students may take either OCEA 10 or Oceanography 10H. Duplicate credit will not be awarded for OCEA 10 and Oceanography 10H.

This honors course, intended for students in the Honors Transfer Program, presents the ocean in terms of its physical, chemical and biological environments. The topics include studies of: formation and modification of various wave types; tidal behavior; formation of water masses and ocean currents; beaches and changing shoreline; coral reefs; physical and chemical properties of ocean water; marine environments; marine sediments; origin of sea floor and coastline features; the spreading sea floor and drifting continents. This course is enriched through additional and more vigorous reading, writing, and research assignments.