Texas A&M University Undergraduate Catalog

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Course Descriptions

Department of Oceanography

Professors J.G. Baldauf, T. S. Bianchi, D.C. Biggs, D.A. Brooks, W.R. Bryant, L. Campbell, P. Chang, L.A. Cifuentes, R. A. Duce, P. J. Fox, W.D. Gardner, G.A. Jackson, M. C. Kennicutt II, B. Kjerfve, J.W. Morse (Interim Head), G. R. North, W.D. Nowlin, D. B. Prior, P.D. Rabinowitz, M.J. Richardson, G.T. Rowe, W.W. Sager, P.H. Santschi, N.C. Slowey, R.H. Stewart, R. R. Stickney, A.C. Vastano, J.H. Wormuth; Associate Professors S. F. DiMarco, B.S. Giese, R. D. Hetland, M.R. Scott, A. Stoessel; Assistant Professors R. Amon, A. Anis, T. M. Dellapenna, R. A. Long, B. L. Mullenbach, A. Quigg, D. J. Thomas, D. C. Thornton, S. Yvon-Lewis

Oceanography
(OCNG)

205. Introduction to Ocean Studies. (1-0). Credit 1. I, II

Selected topics in oceanography to provide students with a broad conception of the world's oceans; evaluation of its potential contributions to solution of problems presently confronting mankind. A nontechnical course open to all university students.

251. Oceanography. (3-0). Credit 3. I, II

Overview of the ocean environment; interrelation of the subdisciplines of ocean sciences; importance of the oceans to human beings; human impact on the oceans. Honors sections are also available. Prerequisite: Concurrent registration in OCNG 252 if necessary for meeting the 8 credit hour science core curriculum requirement.

252. Oceanography Laboratory. (0-2). Credit 1. I, II

Practical laboratory experiments and exercises demonstrating principles of ocean sciences. Honors sections are also available. A weekend field trip for the Honors sections only is required for which a fee is assessed. Prerequisite: OCNG 251 or concurrent registration.

291. Research. Credit 1 to 4.

Research conducted under the direction of faculty member in oceanography. May be repeated 2 times for credit. Prerequisites: Freshman or sophomore classification and approval of instructor.

401. Introduction to Oceanography. (3-0). Credit 3. I, II

Quantitative survey of interdisciplinary relationships between biological, chemical, geological/geophysical and physical aspects of the ocean. Prerequisites: CHEM 101; MATH 131; junior or senior classification; or approval of instructor. Honors section also available.

410. Introduction to Physical Oceanography. (3-0). Credit 3. I, II

Elements of the physics of the sea; descriptive aspects as well as cause and effect relations in respect to currents, thermal structure and waves. Intended for majors in the physical sciences or engineering. Prerequisites: MATH 308; PHYS 219; junior or senior classification.

420. Introduction to Biological Oceanography. (3-0). Credit 3. I

Biological aspects of the marine environment; marine organisms; productivity of the sea; marine pollution and fouling; use of the sea. Prerequisites: BIOL 114 or OCNG 251; junior or senior classification.

430. Introduction to Geological Oceanography. (3-0). Credit 3.

History of Oceanography; physiographic provinces of the oceans, their origins and sediments; geological sampling techniques and geophysical methods; coasts and beaches, paleoceanography; global tectonics. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classfication.

451. Mathematical Modeling of Ocean Climate. (3-2). Credit 4. I

Problem-based course in theoretical and computer techniques applied to mathematical solutions of ocean climate, including ocean circulation, climate variability, El Niño. Prerequisite: MATH 308 or 451.

485. Directed Studies. Credit 1 to 4. I, II, S

Special reading assignments, problems and discussion on oceanographic topics of mutual interest to student and instructor. Prerequisite: OCNG 251 or 401 or approval of instructor. An honors section is also available.

489. Special Topics in... Credit 1 to 4. I, II

Selected topics in an identified area of oceanography. May be taken two times for credit. Prerequisite: OCNG 251 or 401 or approval of instructor. An honors section is also available.

491. Research. Credit 1 or more. I, II, S

Research conducted under the direction of faculty member in oceanography. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification and approval of instructor. An honors section is also available.