# Oceanography (OCEA) courses

Mt. San Antonio College · 2026-2027 Catalog · 4 courses

Source: https://catalog.mtsac.edu/programs/coursesaz/ocea/

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

### OCEA 10 — Introduction to Oceanography

- **Units:** 3
- **Hours:** Lecture: 54
- **Transfers to:** CSU, UC
- **Offered:** Fall 2026, 5 sections (/c/mt-san-antonio-college/schedule/fall-2026/ocea.md); Winter 2027, 3 sections (/c/mt-san-antonio-college/schedule/winter-2027/ocea.md)
- Degree Applicable

Geological, chemical, physical, and biological aspects of the Earth's ocean. Plate tectonics, physiography of ocean basins and continental margins, ocean sediment, atmosphere and ocean circulation, waves and tides, coasts, and marine ecology. The companion Oceanography Lab (OCEA 10L) is recommended for students needing a lab to transfer to a four-year college or university. Field trip(s) are required.

### OCEA 10H — Introduction to Oceanography - Honors

- **Units:** 3
- **Hours:** Lecture: 54
- **Prerequisite:** Acceptance into the Honors Program
- **Transfers to:** CSU, UC
- **Offered:** Fall 2026, 1 section (/c/mt-san-antonio-college/schedule/fall-2026/ocea.md)
- Degree Applicable

An honors course designed to provide an enriched experience. Geological, chemical, physical, and biological aspects of the Earth's ocean. Plate tectonics, physiography of ocean basins and continental margins, ocean sediment, atmosphere and ocean circulation, waves and tides, coasts, and marine ecology. The companion Oceanography Lab (OCEA 10L) is recommended for students needing a lab to transfer to a 4-year college or university. Field trip(s) required. Students may not receive credit for both OCEA 10 and OCEA 10H.

### OCEA 10L — Introduction to Oceanography Laboratory

- **Units:** 1
- **Hours:** Lab: 54
- **Corequisite:** OCEA 10 or OCEA 10H (May have been taken previously)
- **Transfers to:** CSU, UC
- **Offered:** Fall 2026, 4 sections (/c/mt-san-antonio-college/schedule/fall-2026/ocea.md); Winter 2027, 2 sections (/c/mt-san-antonio-college/schedule/winter-2027/ocea.md)
- Degree Applicable

Laboratory applications and problem solving in oceanography, including related aspects of geology, physics, chemistry, and marine biology. A hands-on approach to the marine environment and oceanic processes. Recommended for students needing a lab to transfer to a 4-year college or university.

### OCEA 20 — The Coastal Ocean

- **Units:** 4
- **Hours:** Lecture: 54, Lab: 54
- **Offered:** not on the Fall 2026, Winter 2027 schedules
- Degree Applicable

Coastal oceanography, geology, biology , and climate science introduced through a series of modules. Includes basic principles and hands-on experiences demonstrating principles. Laboratory studies and overnight field trips to the coast required.