Oceanography Courses

SO231 General Oceanography I (3-2-4). 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. [fall, spring]

SO234 General Oceanography II ( 2-2-3). 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. Prereq: SO231.

SO244 Basic Atmospheric Processes (2-2-3). [This course was formerly designated as SO344.] 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. [fall, spring]

SO342 Introduction to Meteorology (3-2-4). An introductory course designed for general science majors, or others 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, 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. Prereq: Non-SOC majors only. [fall, spring]

SO345 Atmospheric Thermodynamics and Kinematics (3-2-4). 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. Prereq: SO244. [fall, summer]

SO345H Honors Atmospheric Thermodynamics and Kinematics (3-2-4). Course is an advanced version of SO345 for honor students and includes laboratory exercises which will make extensive use of the Metlab computer system and applications software for meteorology. Prereq: SO244. [fall]

SO414 Oceanic and Atmospheric Processes (3-2-4). Fundamental equations of motion governing the dynamics of quasi-horizontal, inviscid and viscous fluid flow on the rotating earth are developed. Scale analysis 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. Prereq: SO345, SM311(O). [fall]

SO416 Waves and Tides (2-2-3). 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. Prereq: SO414. [spring]

SO422 Nearshore Oceanography (2-2-3). 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. Prereq: SO231 or SO221. [fall, spring]

SO426 Polar Oceanography (2-2-3). 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. Prereq: SO221 or SO231. [spring]

SO427 Introduction to Estuarine Oceanography (2-2-3). 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. Prereq: SO221 or SO231. [spring]

SO431 Environmental Remote Sensing (2-2-3). 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. Prereq: SO221 or SO231. [fall, spring]

SO432 Geographical Information Systems (2-2-3). Offers a general presentation of the fundamentals of hydrographic surveying, including geodesy, precise positioning afloat, error theory, depth measurement, tidal observations and shoreline mapping. The course includes practical applications of hydrographic surveying methods. Prereq: SO221 or SO231. [fall]

SO441 Synoptic Meteorology (2-2-3). 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. Prereq: SO342 or SO244. [fall, spring]

SO442 Tropical Meteorology (2-2-3). 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. Prereq: SO342 or SO244. [fall]

SO445 Global Climate Change (2-2-3). 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. Prereq: SO342 or SO244. [spring]

SO451 Biological Oceanography (2-2-3). 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. Prereq: SO234. [fall, spring]

SO461 Geological Oceanography (2-2-3). 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. Prereq: SO234. [fall, spring]

SO471 Chemical Oceanography (2-2-3). The modern approach to the ocean as a chemical system. Laboratory instruction emphasizes principles with appropriate methods. Classical concepts are discussed, as well as newer trends. Prereq: SO234. [spring]

SO49X Independent Research in Oceanography or Meteorology (1, 2, or 3 Credits). Students with a 3.0 minimum CQPR conduct independent research on a meteorological or oceanographic topic, culminating in a written report and a presentation to the faculty. [fall, spring]

SO503 Honors Modern Methods in Oceanography and Meteorology (2-2-3). Statistical methods and techniques applied to research topics, oceanographic and laboratory instrumentation, remote sensing and mathematical modeling. Prepares students to undertake independent research in oceanography or meteorology. Prereq: SOCH major or permission of department chair. [spring]

SO50X Honors Independent Research (0-6-3). Independent research in oceanography or meteorology on a subject of the student's choice, culminating in a written report and a presentation to the faculty. Prereq: SO503 and SOCH major. [fall, spring]

SO513 Honors Oceanic and Atmospheric Processes (3-2-4). Course is an advanced version of SO414 for honors students. Prereq: SM311(O), S0345H. [fall]

SO516 Honors Waves and Tides (2-2-3). Course is an advanced version of SO416 for honor students.Prereq: SO513 and SOCH major. [spring]

Office of the Academic Dean & Provost Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Frederic I. Davis Comments to: fid@nadn.navy.mil

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