SO

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, Spring
Requisites: Prereq: Non-SOC/SOCH majors only.
Course: SO242
Title: TORNADOES AND SEVERE STORMS
Credits: 3-0-3
Description: A survey of large-scale mid-latitude meteorology with an emphasis on the processes that promote the development of severe thunderstorms and tornadoes. Methods for diagnosing thermodynamic instability and vertical wind shear are presented and applied to Anticipate storm morphology. Emphasis is placed on the study of supercell thunderstorms and mesocyclonic tornadogenesis. Additional topics include Doppler radar fundamentals, precipitation/hail growth, cloud electrification, and products to diagnose and predict storm evolution. Comfort applying vector calculus and physics concepts is recommended. Enrolled students may be eligible for an internship opportunity to study and observe severe convective storms on the U.S. Great Plains during May.
Offered: Spring 2022-2023
Requisites: Prereq: SM221 and SP211 (or equivalents).
Course: SO251
Title: DESCRIPTIVE PHYSICAL OCEANOGRAPHY
Credits: 3-2-4
Description: This course serves as an introduction to Physical Oceanography. Topics include: Introduction to Geology, Plate Tectonics, Ocean Basins, Sediments and Stratigraphy, Geodesy and Ocean Bathymetry, Properties of Seawater, Ocean Structure, Ocean Heat Balance, Conservation Equations, Equations of Motion, Geostrophic Balance and Flows, Major Ocean Currents, Density Driven Flows, Waves and Tides, Coastal Ocean, and Ocean Optics and Acoustics. This 4-credit course has a laboratory component that provides a general introduction to field methods for collecting data related to Physical Oceanography and data analysis using statistical and graphical software programs.
Offered: Fall 2022-2023, Spring 2022-2023
Requisites:
Course: SO254
Title: INTRODUCTION TO METEOROLOGY
Credits: 2-2-3
Description: This course serves as an introduction to Meteorology. Topics include: Meteorological state variables, the equation of state for air, radiative balance, climate change and climate variability, atmospheric water vapor, cloud formation processes, and cloud microphysics, forces involved in atmospheric motion, geostrophic flow, atmospheric stability, surface and upper analyses and thermodynamic charts. This three credit course includes a laboratory component that involves the analysis and visualization of meteorological datasets with Matlab.
Offered: Spring 2022-2023
Requisites: Prereq: SO251 (can take concurrently).
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 2022-2023, Spring 2022-2023
Requisites: Prereq: None.
Course: SO264
Title: STATISTICS FOR OCEAN AND ATMOSPHERIC SCIENCES
Credits: 3-0-3
Description: This course provides an introduction to the application of statistical methods to geophysical data. Topics include: basic probability and combinations, probability distributions, Bayesian inference, hypothesis testing, confidence intervals, linear regression, and time series analysis.
Offered: Spring 2022-2023
Requisites: Coreq: SO251
Course: SO335
Title: OCEANOGRAPHIC & METEOROLOGICAL 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 2022-2023
Requisites: Prereq: SM212, SO251, SO254 (Can take concurrently).
Course: SO345
Title: ATMOSPHERIC THERMODYNAMICS
Credits: 2-2-3
Description: This course studies the thermodynamic properties if the atmosphere, including the temperature moisture processes, as well as the forces responsible for vertical atmospheric motion. This course uses thermodynamic diagrams for analyzing vertical profiles of atmospheric variables.
Offered: Fall 2022-2023
Requisites: Prereq: SP212, SM212 (Can take concurrently).
Course: SO345H
Title: HONORS ATMOSPHERIC THERMODYNAMICS
Credits: 2-2-3
Description: Course is an advanced version of SO345 for honor students. This course studies the thermodynamic properties if the atmosphere, including the temperature moisture processes, as well as the forces responsible for vertical atmospheric motion. This course uses thermodynamic diagrams for analyzing vertical profiles of atmospheric variables.
Offered: Fall 2022-2023
Requisites: Prereq: SP212, SM212 (Can take concurrently), and SOCH majors only.
Course: SO351
Title: BIOGEOCHEMICAL OCEANOGRAPHY
Credits: 3-2-4
Description: An introduction to geological, chemical, and biological processes in the oceans. This course builds upon the fundamentals of physical oceanography provided in SO251 by adding the close interactions among geological, chemical and biological processes to the physical setting of the water column. Topics range from hydrothermal circulation, sediment diagenesis, nutrient cycling, ocean alkalinity, biological production, food webs, taxonomy, and ecology. Real-world applications are emphasized. This 4-credit course has a laboratory component that reinforces field data collection and analysis techniques presented in SO251 and SO264.
Offered: Fall 2022-2023
Requisites: Prereq: SO251, SO264.
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 2022-2023
Requisites: Prereq: SO335 and SO345.
Course: SO416
Title: WAVES AND TIDES
Credits: 2-2-3
Description: Equations governing the dynamics of surface and internal waves, including tsunamis, seiches, internal tides, and tidal bores, are derived and practically applied. Wave theory is compared to wave tank observations. Wave statistics and energy spectra are used to forecast sea and swell. Tide generating and tractive forces are mathematically analyzed, and methods of tidal prediction are reviewed and exercised.
Offered: Fall 2022-2023
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: Spring 2022-2023
Requisites: Prereq: SO351.
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 2022-2023
Requisites: Prereq: SO351.
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
Requisites: Prereq: SO351.
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: Spring 2022-2023
Requisites: Prereq: none.
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
Requisites: Prereq: None.
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: Spring 2022-2023
Requisites: Prereq: SO335 (can take concurrently).
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
Requisites: Prereq: SO335 (can take concurrently).
Course: SO445
Title: GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE
Credits: 2-2-3
Description: This course will review the science of climate and the natural factors that influence global climate on different spatial and temporal scales. It will also discuss how human activities may impact local, regional, and global climate. Global climate data, past and present, will be examined from geologic and modern records including satellite data, land/sea observations, ice cores, etc. Related climate topics, such as the Ozone Hole, Greenhouse Effect, and El Nino will also be reviewed.
Offered: Fall 2022-2023
Requisites: Prereq: SO351, SO345/345H.
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 2022-2023
Requisites: Prereq: SO351 (can take concurrently).
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 2022-2023
Requisites: Prereq: SO251.
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 presentation 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.
Offered: Spring 2022-2023
Requisites: Prereq: 1/C Oceanography major.
Course: SO475
Title: READINGS IN OCEANOGRAPHY AND METEOROLOGY
Credits: 0-6-3
Description: An independent study course in conjunction with a faculty member to prepare midshipmen to conduct independent research. In this course, the midshipmen will meet with their adviser to discuss topics in scientific literature related to their research project. They will also write a summary report of the scientific literature they have reviewed, which will be integrated in their final research project report in the following semester.
Offered: Fall 2022-2023
Requisites: Prereq: 2/C or 1/C standing and approval of department chair.
Course: SO476
Title: READINGS IN OCEANOGRAPHY AND METEOROLOGY
Credits: 0-6-3
Description: An independent study course in conjunction with a faculty member to prepare midshipmen to conduct independent research. In this course, the midshipmen will meet with their adviser to discuss topics in scientific literature related to their research project. They will also write a summary report of the scientific literature they have reviewed, which will be integrated in their final research project report in the following semester.
Offered: Spring 2022-2023
Requisites: Prereq: 2/C or 1/C standing and approval of department chair.
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 2022-2023
Requisites: Prereq: SO335 and 2/C SOCH 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 2022-2023
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 2022-2023
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 2022-2023
Requisites: Prereq: SO335 and SO345H and SOCH major.
Course: SO516
Title: HONORS WAVES AND TIDES
Credits: 2-2-3
Description: Course is an advanced version of SO416 for honor students.
Offered: Fall 2022-2023
Requisites: Prereq: SO513 and SOCH major.