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Boris Buzan
Junior Member
Username: boris_buzan
Post Number: 6
Registered: 07-2011
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 31, 2011 - 01:35 pm: | 
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MST 218 Cancelled
First, let me apologize for the way you were informed on the cancelation of MST 218. I was hoping I would be able to get a message out to you before the school sent you a cancellation message.
This is what happened. I was informed late Monday afternoon that I could not teach the class on the schedule that I proposed to you, the one that was accepted by the Department and the Division. When passed up the line they were informed I could not change or shorten the schedule, it had to be 6:00PM to 9:50PM every Thursday, as published. In order to do this the course outline would have to be revised, you would have to be informed, the materials I had ordered would not be at hand etc. I looked at adding more boat "field trips" but there are fixed costs associated with each time we use the boats, even at the dock, and with 9 students even though the material fee is $150, there would not have been the budget to do that and cover the other materials.
Basically I was down to completely reworking the course and having it ready for the next class meeting three days later on 9/1. In the short term I could have patched something together for the next couple of weeks to get on track but it would have been disjointed and would have been a disservice to you and the MST program. Based on this I decided to engage in a "tactical retreat" and cancel the course for this semester.
This was my decision, the Department left it up to me and were willing to let the class continue. MST 218 has their full backing and they want to keep it in the program. I have offered to teach the class in the Fall Semester 2012 and expect to be on the schedule. In the meantime I am going to use the next 4 months to work with the Department on rewriting the Course Description for submission in January so as to get it approved for the Fall 2012 Catalog.
The major change I would like to make, one we touched on briefly at our first session, is pre voyage planning and then execution of the plan using the Electronic Aids on the boat. In order to do this I want to schedule at least one all day Saturday cruise from Dana Point to the Newport Beach jetty and back, about a 6 hour cruise. My plan is to motor sail up close inshore and then sail back (conditions permitting) offshore at least 3 miles so as to see the differences in radar imaging, chart displays and taking electronic and visual backup bearings for paper charts.
While Ron Grant's MST 210 Coastal Navigation is not a prerequisite for MST 218, I would encourage any of you who haven't taken it to sign up for the Spring 2012 class. It will give you a solid foundation for MST 218.
Once again I apologize for the way this all came down, but I know that MST 218 will be a much stronger and more focused class next fall. I hope to see all of you there.
Boris Buzan |
Boris Buzan
Junior Member
Username: boris_buzan
Post Number: 5
Registered: 07-2011
| | Posted on Saturday, August 27, 2011 - 07:14 pm: |
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Attached is the class Syllabus for MST 218. It is revised slightly from the one I passed out in class on Thursday 8/25. Besides correcting some syntax errors (I am sure there are more) I have added the option of extra lab on the off Thursdays on an as needed basis for those needing extra help with the chart plotting work. I also corrected item 12 FINAL EXAM. See you all at our next scheduled session Thursday 9/8 in room TAS 116. |
Boris Buzan
Junior Member
Username: boris_buzan
Post Number: 4
Registered: 07-2011
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 17, 2011 - 10:44 am: |
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Correction to previous post: we have been informed that classes with enrollments of less than 10 are likely to be cancelled, NOT will be cancelled. I will know more by the end of the week and will advise you accordingly. Sorry for the misstatement. |
Boris Buzan
New member
Username: boris_buzan
Post Number: 3
Registered: 07-2011
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 17, 2011 - 10:12 am: |
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The department has informed us classes with enrollments less than 10 will be cancelled prior to the beginning of the semester. MST218 Marine Electronics Navigation currently has 6 enrolled. The minimum enrollment to guarantee this class is 18, but if the class has between 10 and 18 it will be continue in a "closely monitored" status. Now is the time to enroll if you are interested in Marine Electronics for Navigation. |
Boris Buzan
New member
Username: boris_buzan
Post Number: 1
Registered: 07-2011
| | Posted on Monday, August 01, 2011 - 01:47 pm: |
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After a 2 year hiatus, Electronic Navigation MST 218 is being offered again for Fall 2011. Topics covered will be use and integration of GPS, Radar, Chart Plotters, communications, and computers to traditional navigation methods. Additionally basic boating electrical systems will be covered in detail. Attached is the preliminary syllabus. Currently 3 students are enrolled and the department has stated, due to budget constraints, at least 18 students must be enrolled for the class to go. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. |
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MST 218 revised Syllabus