Course Information

OCEANOGRAPHY DEPARTMENT


Course: SO221
Title: INTRODUCTION TO OCEANOGRAPHY
Credits: 3-0-3
Description: A descriptive course designed to provide an overview of significant oceanographic factors and their impact on engineering applications. Prereq: Non-SOC majors only.
Offered: Fall 2009-2010, Spring 2009-2010
Requisites: Prereq: Non-SOC majors only.
Course: SO231
Title: GENERAL OCEANOGRAPHY I
Credits: 3-2-4
Description: A descriptive survey of and introduction to geological, chemical and physical oceanography. Course content spans subjects such as sea floor spreading, properties and composition of sea water and ocean currents and water masses. A historical perspective is provided. Laboratory exercises concentrate on Chesapeake Bay parameters as seasons change.
Offered: Fall 2009-2010, Spring 2009-2010
Requisites: Prereq: None.
Course: SO234
Title: GENERAL OCEANOGRAPHY II
Credits: 2-2-3
Description: Continues introduction to physical oceanography, with emphasis on the interactions of physical processes in the oceans: geological, biological and chemical. Sediment distribution, characteristics, classification and sedimentation processes; marine volcanism and diagenesis; chemical properties of sea water, marine cycles and distribution of nutrients and gases in the oceans; marine productivity, diversity and the strategies employed by productivity, diversity and the strategies employed by marine organisms are included.
Offered: Fall 2009-2010, Spring 2009-2010
Requisites: Prereq: SO231.
Course: SO244
Title: BASIC ATMOSPHERIC PROCESSES
Credits: 2-2-3
Description: An introductory course designed for oceanography majors, as well as those interested in taking advanced meteorological electives. This course treats the basic meteorological variables and instruments used for atmospheric measurements, physical processes governing the sun-earth-atmosphere thermal system, basic atmospheric thermodynamics, the chemical and temperature structure of earth's atmosphere, cloud and precipitation physical processes, basic atmospheric circulations and accompanying weather and climatic patterns, as well as an introduction to common meteorological data products used in weather analysis and prediction.
Offered: Fall 2009-2010, Spring 2009-2010
Requisites: Prereq: None.
Course: SO262
Title: PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY
Credits: 3-0-3
Description: The physical environment influences natural resources, human culture, national security, and military operations. This course examines the basic scientific principles of physical geography and how location on earth influences climate, landforms, soils, and natural vegetation. We will study the processes at work, the features created and their spatial distributions. We will use satellite imagery and geographical information systems to look at case studies around the world and examine the wide range of natural environments.
Offered: Fall 2009-2010
Requisites: Prereq: None.
Course: SO335
Title: OC & MET QUANTITATIVE METHOD
Credits: 2-2-3
Description: Oceanographic and Meteorological Quantitative Methods. A course to expose students to products and datasets that are available in oceanography and meteorology and techniques for manipulating the data to arrive at a better quantitative understanding of the oceans and atmosphere.
Offered: Fall 2009-2010
Requisites: Prereq: SM221, SO231, and SO244.
Course: SO345
Title: ATMOSPHERIC THERMODYNAMICS
Credits: 3-2-4
Description: A study of the thermodynamic and kinematic properties of the atmosphere, including the effects of temperature, moisture and wind processes, introduces the forces responsible for atmospheric motions. This course uses thermodynamic diagrams for analyzing vertical profiles of atmospheric variables, as well as conventional and remotely-sensed data to analyze horizontal distributions of meteorological fields.
Offered: Fall 2009-2010
Requisites: Prereq: SO244.
Course: SO345H
Title: HONORS ATMOSPHERIC THERMODYNAMICS
Credits: 3-2-4
Description: Course is an advanced version of SO345 for honor students and includes laboratory exercises which will make extensive use of the computerized Meteorology Laboratory.
Offered: Fall 2009-2010
Requisites: Prereq: SO244.
Course: SO381
Title: TACTICAL OCEANOGRAPHY
Credits: 1-0-1
Description: Oceanographic and bathymetric factors in the battle space play a significant role in mission planning and execution. The natural environment is an important consideration in the decision-making process regarding the timing of military operations and the employment of weapons, platforms, and tactics. This course provides an overview of oceanographic and bathymetric variability and the potential impact of surface and subsurface features on naval operations.
Offered: Fall, Spring
Requisites: Prereq: 2/C or 1/C standing or by permission of the chair.
Course: SO382
Title: AVIATION METEOROLOGY
Credits: 1-0-1
Description: Weather is a crucial element in flight operations, affecting both aircraft performance and safety. This course will provide an overview of meteorological factors that impact flight operations, with particular emphasis on weather hazards and weather products that can assist the pilot with these hazards. Students who intend to select or have selected naval aviation for their warfare specialty will be given first preference for this course.
Offered: Spring 2009-2010
Requisites: Prereq: 2/C or 1/C standing or by permission of the chair.
Course: SO414
Title: OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC PROCESSES
Credits: 3-2-4
Description: Fundamental equations of motion governing the dynamics of quasi-horizontal, inviscid and viscous fluid flow on the rotating earth are developed. Scale analyses of the basic hydrodynamic equations are used to identify forces responsible for motions of interest. Basic numerical modeling techniques for both oceanic and atmospheric processes are introduced. Laboratory exercises will utilize the MATLAB software package to solve hands-on problems pertaining to fluid flow.
Offered: Spring 2009-2010
Requisites: Prereq: SO345 and SO335.
Course: SO416
Title: WAVES AND TIDES
Credits: 2-2-3
Description: The dynamics of surface, internal, and capillary waves; wave statistics and spectrum; principles of wave forecasting; tide generating forces and tidal prediction; seiches, bores and surges are mathematically analyzed.
Offered: Fall 2009-2010
Requisites: Prereq: SO414.
Course: SO422
Title: NEARSHORE OCEANOGRAPHY
Credits: 2-2-3
Description: Examines the oceanographic regime from the continental shelf break to the intertidal zone and coastal dunes. Concentrates on shallow water wave, surf and beach processes. Includes a discussion of coastal management and engineering procedures.
Offered: Fall 2009-2010
Requisites: Prereq: SO231 or SO221.
Course: SO426
Title: POLAR OCEANOGRAPHY
Credits: 2-2-3
Description: A descriptive course which covers the history of polar exploration as well as the physical oceanography and meteorology of the polar regions with particular emphasis on the role of sea ice in global warming studies. Current DoD polar programs will be reviewed including the following: Deep Freeze, International Ice Patrol and Navy operations such as ICEX and TEAMWORK.
Offered: Spring 2009-2010
Requisites: Prereq: SO221 or SO231.
Course: SO427
Title: INTRODUCTION TO ESTUARINE OCEANOGRAPHY
Credits: 2-2-3
Description: The physical, geological and biological aspects of the estuarine environment are studied. Laboratory sessions, which include YP cruises and field trips, focus on practical and hands-on applications. Environmental issues such as water quality and pollution are discussed. The use of numerical models as a tool is explored.
Offered: Fall 2009-2010
Requisites: Prereq: SO221 or SO231.
Course: SO431
Title: ENVIRONMENTAL REMOTE SENSING
Credits: 2-2-3
Description: An overview is given of the various platforms and sensors currently in use and planned. The electromagnetic spectrum and radiation laws are explained. Applications exercises give "hands-on" experience with image processing systems.
Offered: Fall 2009-2010, Spring 2009-2010
Requisites: Prereq: SO221 or SO231.
Course: SO432
Title: GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS
Credits: 2-2-3
Description: Geographical Information Systems (GIS) use computers to manipulate geographic data, combining maps and data bases. This course examines the basics of map projection and datums, raster and vector data bases, and the design, manipulation, and analysis of geographic data. We will discuss the use of remote sensing to collect data and provide background maps, and the use of digital elevation models to provide a framework for 3D display.
Offered: Fall 2009-2010
Requisites: Prereq: SO221 or SO231.
Course: SO441
Title: SYNOPTIC METEOROLOGY
Credits: 2-2-3
Description: A practical course in meteorological analysis and forecasting as applied to operational planning. A variety of meteorological datastreams available in the computerized Meteorology Laboratory are used to analyze and predict the current and future state of the atmosphere.
Offered: Fall 2009-2010, Spring 2009-2010
Requisites: Prereq: SO244.
Course: SO442
Title: TROPICAL METEOROLOGY
Credits: 2-2-3
Description: A study of the special processes affecting meteorological analysis and forecasting in the tropics, including satellite imagery analysis, with particular emphasis on hurricane or typhoon prediction, creation, movement and decay.
Offered: Fall 2009-2010
Requisites: Prereq: SO244.
Course: SO445
Title: GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE
Credits: 2-2-3
Description: Global climate past and present is examined from the modern records using satellites, land/sea observations, ice cores, etc. Different global change model scenarios are presented and discussed for future climate - Earth Watch. Also studied are present day climate topics, such as the Ozone Hole, Greenhouse Effect and El Nino.
Offered: Fall 2009-2010
Requisites: Prereq: SO244.
Course: SO451
Title: BIOLOGICAL OCEANOGRAPHY
Credits: 2-2-3
Description: A study of patterns and concepts of biological production in the ocean. Emphasis is on the integration of the biological and physical environment. Laboratory includes student planned studies and conceptual exercises. All aspects of the course emphasize the use of various knowledge areas to solve a problem.
Offered: Fall 2009-2010
Requisites: Prereq: SO234.
Course: SO461
Title: GEOLOGICAL OCEANOGRAPHY
Credits: 2-2-3
Description: Introduces marine geological/geophysical instrumentation, theory, data collection, analysis, interpretation and applications. Geomorphology, structure, petrology, sedimentation, stratigraphy, origin and development of ocean basins and margins are examined in light of theory of plate tectonics. Practical studies of the Chesapeake Bay are part of the laboratory work.
Offered: Fall, Spring
Requisites: Prereq: SO234.
Course: SO470
Title: CAPSTONE SEMINAR
Credits: 3-0-3
Description: A course for SOC majors to provide guidance on the construction of the capstone paper and the oral presentaion of the capstone paper. The course will include background readings and corresponding discussions, and instruction on scientific writing and presentation. The course culminates in the production of the capstone paper and the oral presentation the capstone paper. Four versions of this course are offered: SO470A Capstone Seminar in Biological Oceanography SO470B Capstone Seminar in Geology and Geographical Information Systems SO470C Capstone Seminar in Meteorology SO470D Capstone Seminar in Physical Oceanography
Offered: Spring
Requisites: Prereq: 1/C Oceanography Major.
Course: SO503
Title: HONORS RESEARCH METHODS
Credits: 2-2-3
Description: Honors Research Methods in Oceanography and Meteorology. Statistical methods and techniques applied to research topics, oceanographic and laboratory instrumentation, remote sensing and mathematical modeling. Discussion of current research topics. Prepares students to undertake independent research in oceanography or meteorology.
Offered: Spring 2009-2010
Requisites: Prereq: 2/C Honors Oceanography Major.
Course: SO505
Title: HONORS INDEPENDENT RESEARCH
Credits: 0-6-3
Description: Independent research in oceanography or meteorology on a subject of the student's choice, culminating in a written report and presentation to the faculty.
Offered: Fall 2009-2010
Requisites: Prereq: SO503 and SOCH major.
Course: SO506
Title: HONORS INDEPENDENT RESEARCH
Credits: 0-6-3
Description: Independent research in oceanography or meteorology on a subject of the student's choice, culminating in a written report and presentation to the faculty.
Offered: Spring 2009-2010
Requisites: Prereq: SO503 and SOCH major.
Course: SO513
Title: HONORS OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC PROCESSES
Credits: 3-2-4
Description: Course is an advanced version of SO414 for honors students.
Offered: Spring 2009-2010
Requisites: Prereq: SM311O and SO345H.
Course: SO516
Title: HONORS WAVES AND TIDES
Credits: 2-2-3
Description: Course is an advanced version of SO416 for honor students.
Offered: Fall 2009-2010
Requisites: Prereq: SO513 and SOCH major.