Oceanography

108 Oceanography Teaching Building

Oceanography -- the study of the marine environment and its interactions with the earth, the biosphere, and the atmosphere -- is prompted both by the intellectual desire to understand how the oceans move and how life develops in a salty, cold environment, and the need to use wisely the ocean's resources for the benefit of humanity. As an interdisciplinary science, oceanography integrates the basic principles of biology, chemistry, geology, physics, geophysics, mathematics, botany, zoology, meteorology, and geography. Applications of high technology to oceanographic instrumentation and vessels, increasingly sophisticated computers, satellite remote sensing, and innovative methodologies are rapidly opening new possibilities for exploration and study. Oceanography is divided into four areas of emphasis:

Biological Oceanography examines the processes governing the distribution, abundances, and production of plants, animals, and nutrients in the oceanic ecosystem. Emphasis is on investigations of bacteria, phytoplankton, zooplankton, and benthic organisms.

Chemical Oceanography investigates the complex chemistry, distribution and cycling of dissolved substances, nutrients, and gases in seawater, the mechanisms controlling them and their origins and fates.

Marine Geology and Geophysics studies marine sediments (their formation, transport, and deposition); ocean basin formation (plate tectonics); processes governing shoreline formation; and the origin, structure, and history of the oceanic crust and upper mantle.

Physical Oceanography endeavors to understand and predict motions in the sea from millimeters through tidal and current scales to the great ocean gyres, the distribution of physical properties (temperature, salinity, sea ice), and air-sea interaction and its implications for climate.

Undergraduate Program

The School of Oceanography offers the following programs of study:

• The Bachelor of Science degree with a major in oceanography
• The Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in oceanography
• Specializations include biological, chemical, or physical oceanography, or marine geology and geophysics
• A minor in oceanography

Bachelor of Arts

Suggested First- and Second-Year College Courses: BIOL 161- BIOL 162 or BIOL 180, BIOL 200, BIOL 220; CHEM 142, CHEM 152; ESS 101 or ESS 210; MATH 124, MATH 125, MATH 126; PHYS 121, PHYS 122, PHYS 123. Students should complete the calculus, general chemistry, and either the biology or physics sequences before autumn quarter of the junior year.

Department Admission Requirements

Major Requirements

Bachelor of Science

Department Admission Requirements

Graduation Requirements

Minimum 180 credits, to include the following:

1. MATH 124, MATH 125, MATH 126; CHEM 142, CHEM 152; PHYS 121, PHYS 122, PHYS 123; ESS 101 or 210; and BIOL 161-BIOL 162 or BIOL 180, BIOL 200, BIOL 220 (55-60 credits)
2. OCEAN 200, OCEAN 210, OCEAN 220 (taken for writing credit), OCEAN 400, OCEAN 410, OCEAN 420, OCEAN 430, OCEAN 442, OCEAN 443, OCEAN 444 (taken for writing credit), and one from the following: OCEAN 401, OCEAN 411, OCEAN 421, OCEAN 431 (39 credits)
3. 20 credits of upper-division science, mathematics, or engineering to be selected in the student's area of specialization in consultation with a faculty adviser (20 credits)
4. 20 credits of Visual, Literary, & Performing Arts and 20 credits of Individuals & Societies from the University Areas of Knowledge lists (40 credits)
5. 5 credits of English composition and 10 credits of W (writing) courses. 8 of the 10 credits of University-approved W (writing) courses are included within the curriculum, as noted in item 2 above. (7 credits)
6. Free electives to bring credit total to minimum 180.

Minor

1. OCEAN 200, OCEAN 210, OCEAN 220
2. One of the following: OCEAN 400, OCEAN 410, OCEAN 420, or OCEAN 430
3.  OCEAN 442
4. 9 credits of OCEAN electives, chosen from 300- and 400-level oceanography courses

Minor in Marine Biology: See the entry for Marine Biology in the Interdisciplinary Undergraduate Programs section of the General Catalog.

Student Outcomes and Opportunities

• Learning Objectives and Expected Outcomes: The degree offers students a solid foundation in biological, chemical, geological, and physical oceanography, together with more specialized expertise in one of those options. Expertise is gained through team-based field and laboratory research during the sophomore and junior years, then by independent research on a thesis topic during the senior year. Emphasis is on building skills with the tools and techniques of shipboard oceanographic research and data analysis and interpretation.

  Students engage in fieldwork and data collection, learn to analyze and interpret that data, and prepare scientific reports. Additionally, students acquire familiarity with the specialized instruments of oceanographic research.

  The program prepares students to enter the profession directly or to pursue graduate studies. Oceanographers seek to produce a new understanding of an ocean system and to explore the potential consequences to the marine environment of human activities. They collect samples and data, analyze and interpret them, and prepare and disseminate the results. They work at sea, on land, in laboratories, and with computers. Most are employed in education and research institutions and federal, state and local government agencies. Other employers include environmental consulting firms and private companies extracting and harvesting marine products. A degree can also serve as a background for a career in teaching, administration, marine affairs, computing, or environmental studies.

• Instructional and Research Facilities: The School has extensive laboratory facilities equipped with highly specialized instruments and computers for teaching and research. The School operates two research vessels: the 274 foot R/V Thomas G. Thompson, used chiefly for open ocean research throughout the world, and the 65 foot R/V Clifford A. Barnes, used for research in coastal waters and estuaries of Washington. Undergraduate students have ample opportunities to gain research experience in the laboratories of faculty and to do oceanographic research in Puget Sound.
• Honors Options Available: With College Honors; With Distinction (School Honors). See adviser for requirements.
• Research, Internships, and Service Learning: Special opportunities for oceanography majors are provided by involving students in undergraduate research projects and part-time employment.
• Department Scholarships: See adviser for availability.
• Student Organizations/Associations: The Student Oceanographic Society (SOS) provides peer advice, organizes field trips, sponsors alumni career panels, and holds social gatherings.

Graduate Program

Graduate Student Services
108 Ocean Teaching, Box 357940
206-543-5039
student@ocean.washington.edu

The School of Oceanography provides instruction and research opportunities at the graduate level in all areas: biological, chemical, and physical oceanography, and marine geology and geophysics. The program of study emphasizes independent research in conjunction with basic and specialized courses. Interdisciplinary research is encouraged, and students enjoy the opportunity to work across the usual scientific boundaries. Course work during the first two years is required in each option; specialized course work is structured to fit the student's background and objectives. Foreign-language proficiency is required only when deemed crucial to scholarly research.

Master of Science

The program of study includes course work in the student's area of interest and the other oceanography options, as well as completion of an approved research project and oral presentation of the results. Thesis and non-thesis programs are offered; most students select the non-thesis option.

Admission Requirements

• One official copy of transcript(s) from all colleges or universities attended.
• Minimum GPA of 3.00 or B for last 90 quarter (60 semester) credits
• GRE scores
• TOEFL scores for international students.
• Statement of goals and objectives (provided in online application), which may include any or all of the following: How or why applicant became interested in oceanography, significant accomplishments, summary of research experience, research area(s) of special interest, ultimate goals, extracurricular activities and interests.
• Three letters of recommendation on School of Oceanography forms (included in online application). Recommendations should be from faculty or scientists familiar with the applicant's academic achievements and research experience. Applicants who have been out of school for some time may include recommendations from employer(s), but all efforts should be made to include at least one letter from academic faculty.

Degree Requirements

• Thesis program: Minimum of 36 or more quarter credits (27 course credits and a minimum of 9 credits of thesis). Nonthesis program: Minimum of 36 or more quarter credits of coursework.

• At least 18 of the minimum 36 quarter credits for the master's degree must be for work numbered 500 and above. (In a thesis program, 9 of the 18 credits must be course credits and 9 may be OCEAN 700, Masters thesis.)

• Numerical grades in at least 18 quarter credits of coursework taken at the UW. The Graduate School accepts numerical grades (a) in approved 400-level courses accepted as part of the major, and (b) in all 500-level courses. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 is required for a graduate degree at the University.

• A minimum of three full-time quarters of residence credit. Part-time quarters may be accumulated to meet this requirement.

• In the thesis degree program, a thesis, approved by the supervisory committee, must be submitted to the Graduate School. A student must register for a minimum of 10 credits of thesis (OCEAN 700). With the exception of summer quarter, students are limited to a maximum of 10 credits per quarter of thesis (OCEAN 700).

• A final master's examination, either oral or written, as determined by the student's supervisory committee, must be passed.

• Biological Oceanography Option: The core curriculum consists of OCEAN 530 (3), OCEAN 531 (3), OCEAN 532 (3), OCEAN 533 (3). Master’s level students must take a minimum of 3 credits of advance biological oceanography courses.

• Chemical Oceanography Option: The core curriculum consists of OCEAN 520 (3). Master’s level students must take a minimum of three advanced chemical oceanography courses.

• Marine Geology and Geophysics Option: The core curriculum consists of OCEAN 540 (3), OCEAN 541 (3), OCEAN 545 (3).

• Physical Oceanography Option: The core curriculum consists of OCEAN 500 (1), OCEAN 510 (3), OCEAN 511 (3), OCEAN 512 (3), OCEAN 513 (3), OCEAN 514 (3), OCEAN 515 (3), OCEAN 517 (2). Physical oceanography students must take a sequence of three courses in applied mathematics.

• Out-of-Option Requirement:A minimum of 12 credits of numerically graded, 500-level courses, 6 credits of which must be taken as 3-credit courses in two options outside a student’s option. The remaining 6 out-of-option credits may be in courses in oceanography (outside a student’s option) or in a related science selected at the discretion of the student and supervisory committee. These courses must be completed with the first two years of study. A grade of less than a 3.0 in any course will necessitate repeating the course or taking another course in that area as recommended by the student’s committee.

Doctor of Philosophy

The degree program places a strong emphasis on research following completion of course requirements and a General Examination. Upon successful completion of the General Examination, the student undertakes an original research investigation, which is described in the dissertation and defended during the Final Examination.

Admission Requirements

• One official copy of transcript(s) from all colleges or universities attended.
• Minimum GPA of 3.00 or B for last 90 quarter (60 semester) credits
• GRE scores
• TOEFL scores for international students.
• Statement of goals and objectives (provided in online application), which may include any or all of the following: How or why applicant became interested in oceanography, significant accomplishments, summary of research experience, research area(s) of special interest, ultimate goals, extracurricular activities and interests.
• Three letters of recommendation on School of Oceanography forms (included in online application). Recommendations should be from faculty or scientists familiar with the applicant's academic achievements and research experience. Applicants who have been out of school for some time may include recommendations from employer(s), but all efforts should be made to include at least one letter from academic faculty.

Degree Requirements

• Completion of a program of study and research as planned by the Graduate Program Coordinator in the student's major department or college and the Supervisory Committee. Half of the total program, including dissertation credits, must be in courses numbered 500 and above. At least 18 credits of course work at the 500 level and above must be completed prior to scheduling the General Examination.

• Presentation of a minimum three years (nine full-time quarters) of resident study, two being at the UW with at least one year in continuous full-time residence. The year of full-time residence may be satisfied by completing any three full-time quarters (not necessarily continuous) at the University of Washington and must be completed prior to the General Examination. Residence requirement for the doctoral degree cannot be met solely by part-time study. A minimum of two academic years of resident study must be completed prior to scheduling the General Examination.

  With the approval of the degree-granting unit, an appropriate master's degree from an accredited institution may be applied toward one year of resident study at the UW.

• Numerical grades must be received in at least 18 quarter credits of coursework taken at the UW. The Graduate School accepts numerical grades (a) in approved 400-level courses accepted as part of the major, and (b) in all 500-level courses. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 is required for a graduate degree at the University.

• Creditable passage of the General Examination. Registration as a graduate student is required the quarter the examination is taken and candidacy is conferred.

• Preparation and acceptance by the Dean of the Graduate School of a dissertation that is a significant contribution to knowledge and clearly indicates training in research. Credit for the dissertation ordinarily should be at least one-third of the total credit. The candidate must register for a minimum of 27 credits of dissertation over a period of at least three quarters. At least one quarter must come after the student passes the General Examination. With the exception of summer quarter, students are limited to a maximum of 10 credits per quarter of dissertation (OCEAN 800).

• Creditable passage of a Final Examination, which is usually devoted to the defense of the dissertation and the field with which it is concerned. The General and Final Examinations cannot be scheduled during the same quarter. Registration as a graduate student is required the quarter the examination is taken and the degree is conferred.

• Completion of all work for the doctoral degree within ten years. This includes quarters spent on .eave or out of status as well as applicable work from the master's degree from the UW or a masters degree from another institution, if applied toward one year of resident study.

• Biological Oceanography Option: The core curriculum consists of OCEAN 530 (3), OCEAN 531 (3), OCEAN 532 (3), OCEAN 533 (3). Doctor's level students must take a minimum of 9 credits of advance biological oceanography courses.

• Chemical Oceanography Option: The core curriculum consists of OCEAN 520 (3). Doctor's level students must take a minimum of six advanced chemical oceanography courses.

• Marine Geology and Geophysics Option: The core curriculum consists of OCEAN 540 (3), OCEAN 541 (3), OCEAN 545 (3).

• Physical Oceanography Option: The core curriculum consists of OCEAN 500 (1), OCEAN 510 (3), OCEAN 511 (3), OCEAN 512 (3), OCEAN 513 (3), OCEAN 514 (3), OCEAN 515 (3), OCEAN 517 (2). Physical oceanography students must take a sequence of three courses in applied mathematics.

• Out-of-Option Requirement:A minimum of 12 credits of numerically graded, 500-level courses, 6 credits of which must be taken as 3-credit courses in two options outside a student’s option. The remaining 6 out-of-option credits may be in courses in oceanography (outside a student’s option) or in a related science selected at the discretion of the student and supervisory committee. These courses must be completed with the first two years of study. A grade of less than a 3.0 in any course necessitates repeating the course or taking another course in that area as recommended by the student’s committee.

Financial Aid

Normally all students pursuing a graduate degree are supported by research or teaching assistantships, or by fellowships and scholarships from national or private sources. Most appointments continue through the summer when students are engaged in research.