Students begin the program by acquiring a basic knowledge of mathematics, physics, biology, geology, and chemistry. These tools are then applied within Oceanography at increasingly complex levels. During the course of study students engage in field work and data collection, learn to analyze and interpret that data, and prepare reports. The specialized instruments of oceanographic research are introduced. Additionally, students acquire vital computer skills.

Currently, ~100 students are enrolled in the undergraduate Oceanography program, 60% of whom are women. All Oceanography classes are taught by our faculty, in many instances classes are taught in teaching teams. As class size averages 23, students work closely with faculty members and have the opportunity to interact with some of the field's leading scientists.

Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees are offered. A total of 180 credits is required for a baccalaureate degree.

OCEANOGRAPHY UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

Numbers in parentheses following the course title indicate the credit hours. The quarter(s) in which the course is offered follows: Autumn, Winter, Spring, Summer.

MATH 124, 125, 126 Calculus with Analytic Geometry (5,5,5) AWSpS Differentiation, applications of derivative, integration, applications of integration, transcendental functions, methods of integration and improper integrals, introduction to first order ordinary differential equations, vectors and vector functions in space, functions of several variables and applications, multiple integrals. Prerequisite: 2.0 in MATH 120 or placement test.

CHEMISTRY 142, 152 General Chemistry (5,5) AWSpS 142: Atomic nature of matter, stoichiometry, periodic table, quantum concepts, and gas laws. 152: chemical bonding and structure, elementary organic and polymer chemistry, inorganic Lewis acids and bases. Includes laboratories. 142 Recommended: High school chemistry and placement into MATH 120 or higher. 152 Prerequisite: 1.7 in CHEM 142. Formerly numbered CHEM 140, 141, 150, 151.

PHYSICS 121, 122, 123 Calculus-Based Physics (4,4,4) AWSpS Mechanics, electromagnetism and oscillatory motion, electromagnetic waves, optics, and waves in matter. Prerequisite: MATH 124, 125, 126 previous or concurrent. Recommended: One year of high school physics.

BIOLOGY 101, 102 General Biology (5,5) A,W Living systems viewed from the subcellular to the community level, emphasizing the diversity, functioning, and interaction of whole organisms. Topics covered include cell structure and function, energy, genetics, animal physiology and development in 101; plant and animal diversity, plant structure and function, general ecology and evolution in 102. Emphasizes the position of humans in the biological world. OR

BIOLOGY 201, 202, 203 Introductory Biology (5,5,5) AWSpS 201: Cell and molecular phenomena, metabolism, energetics, genetics. 202: animal structure, function, and development. 203: plant structure and function, general ecology, and evolution. 201 Prerequisite: CHEM 162. 202 and 203 Prerequisite: 1.5 in BIOL 201. Required series for Biological Oceanography students.

GEOLOGY 205 Physical Geology (5) A Introduction to the physical and chemical processes of the earth's surface and interior. Plate tectonics, earthquakes, volcanism, glaciation. Not open to students who have taken GEOL 101.

OCEANOGRAPHY COURSES (35 Credits)

OCEAN 200 Introduction to Oceanography (3) A Emphasis on the relations of biology, chemistry, geology and physics in marine environments. Examination of relationships and interactions at macro-, meso- and microscales in the ocean. Introduces basic oceanographic information, techniques and methods.

OCEAN W-201 Introduction to Field Oceanography (3) Sp Introduction to oceanographic field and laboratory studies. Instruments and sampling techniques. Scientific writing assignment. Prerequisite: OCEAN 202

OCEAN 202 Ocean Circulation (3) W Large-scale circulation of the ocean: temperature-salinity analysis; water mass identification; water, salt and heat budgets; chemical tracer distributions; advection and diffusion. Prerequisite: OCEAN 200 or 101.

OCEAN 401, 402 General Physical Oceanography I, II (3,3) A,W Physical properties and processes; theories and methods describing ocean currents, waves and tides. Prerequisite: MATH 126, PHYS 123, OCEAN 202; 401 for 402.

OCEAN 421 Chemical Oceanography (4) Sp Physical and chemical properties of seawater and marine products; processes determining chemical makeup of oceans. Coverage of stable isotopes and geochemistry of marine sediments and biogeochemistry. Prerequisite: CHEM 152, OCEAN 202.

OCEAN 433 General Biological Oceanography (4) W Marine organisms, their quantitative distribution in time and space and their interactions with the ocean. Prerequisite: OCEAN 40l, and BIOL 102 or BIOL 203.

OCEAN 450 Marine Geology & Geophysics (4) A Overview of sedimentological and petrologic processes that determine the geologic record. Prerequisite: GEOL 205.

OCEAN W-460 Oceanic Data Interpretation (5) Sp Collection and analysis of marine data. Laboratory analysis of samples, data handling and modeling of marine problems. Scientific report writing. Prerequisite: OCEAN 402, 433, 450.

OCEAN W-485 Topics in Oceanography (3) W or Sp Lecture or lab series on specialized topics in Oceanography. Taught by faculty in each of the options, students with senior standing in Oceanography examine differing techniques used in solving oceanographic problems. Writing assignments will be evaluated separately. Prerequisite: OCEAN 401, 450.

UPPER-DIVISION SCIENCE (20 Credits)

A minimum of twenty credits of upper-division credits in Science, Mathematics, or Engineering is required for a B.S. degree; the B.A. requires ten. These courses are selected by students in consultation with an adviser, and are intended to provide flexibility to accommodate a student's developing interests within the broad field of oceanography. For example, students specializing in Biological Oceanography might take course work in the departments of Zoology, Biology, Fisheries, Botany, Chemistry, Microbiology, and/or Mathematics. Chemical oceanographers most often choose Chemistry and Mathematics. Students focusing on Marine Geology & Geophysics would select courses in Geological Sciences, Mathematics, Physics, and/or Geophysics. Physical oceanographers study Mathematics, Physics, and Atmospheric Sciences.

LANGUAGE SKILLS (5 Credits)

Five credits of English composition with a grade of 2.0 or higher is required. A foreign language is not required.

AREAS OF KNOWLEDGE (40 Credits)

This requirement is intended to develop breadth of knowledge and appreciation for subjects outside the scope of Oceanography. Students must complete 20 credits each in the Visual, Literary, and Performing Arts (Humanities) and Individuals and Society (Social Sciences).

W-COURSES -- WRITING (0 Credits)

Students must complete ten credits of courses that emphasize the development of writing skills within the context of an academic discipline. W-Courses for Oceanography majors are in the curriculum: OCEAN W-201, W-460, and W-485.

MINORS (Optional)

Minors (25-35 credits) may be related to your major (e.g. Chemistry, Mathematics, Atmospheric Sciences, Fisheries), or in separate area of interest (e.g. History, Dance, Music, foreign languages). The course work may also satisfy requirements for Upper-Division Science and/or Areas of Knowledge.