The study of ocean basins and their origin, ocean currents, waves and tides, properties of sea water, and marine ecosystems, emphasizing the role of the ocean in the Earth system. Discussion of weekly ocean news, and incorporation of web-delivered current oceanographic data into the course material. Formerly offered as GEOL 3301 and GEOL 3184 and GEOL 2412; credit will be granted only once. Formerly listed as GEOL 1450, credit will not be given for both.