College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences
CEOAS Student Services Office
104 Wilkinson Hall
Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR 97331-5503
Phone: 541-737-1201
Fax: 541-737-1200
Website: https://ceoas.oregonstate.edu/
Administration
Tuba Özkan-Haller, Dean, 541-737-9170, tuba.ozkan-haller@oregonstate.edu
Adam Kent, Associate Dean for Graduate Programs and Faculty Advancement, 541-737-1205, adam.kent@oregonstate.edu
Michael Harte, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs, 541-737-0452, michael.harte@oregonstate.edu
Kaplan Yalcin, Assistant Dean for Instructional Programs and Director, Ecampus Program, 541-737-1230, kaplan.yalcin@oregonstate.edu
Mary Chuinard, Director of Undergraduate Student Services, 541-737-2758, mary.chuinard@oregonstate.edu
Robert Allan, Director of Graduate Student Services and Development, 541-737-1340, robert.allan@oregonstate.edu
College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences (CEOAS)
The Earth is a complex system shaped by natural and human forces. Oregon State University’s College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences (CEOAS) is renowned for excellence in basic and applied research on Earth systems. Our work is global, extending from the Pacific Northwest to both poles, from the bottom of the ocean to the upper reaches of the atmosphere, from human interactions with the environment to studies of other planets in our solar system. CEOAS faculty, staff, and students contribute to the success of the global science enterprise by serving as intellectual leaders, innovators, and stewards of critical research infrastructure for Oregon and the nation.
Academic programs in CEOAS are interwoven with research and combine classroom excellence with experiential learning, including extensive field experiences. Novel undergraduate programs in Oceanography, Climate Science, and Geography and Geospatial Science are paired with highly successful undergraduate programs in Geology and Environmental Sciences. Our graduate programs are recognized as among the best in the world and include interdisciplinary majors Marine Resource Management and Ocean, Earth, and Atmospheric Sciences as well as disciplinary foci in Geology, and Geography and Geospatial Science. All our programs successfully place students in academic, government, nonprofit, and private sector jobs.
Academic Advising
Undergraduates within CEOAS are assigned a professional advisor based on the student's major program of study. Advisors help to monitor academic progress through the degree programs, assist students with defining goals within the major, help in navigating university policies and regulations, and provide referrals to campus-wide resources. Faculty within CEOAS are involved as mentors for undergraduates—to guide students on professional and career-related decisions and to help connect students with research opportunities.
Internships and Experiential Learning
CEOAS places a strong emphasis in gaining experience outside of the classroom and offers specialized support to all students for internships and undergraduate research through a designated experiential learning coordinator available to all undergraduates within the college.
Teacher Education
The Environmental Sciences major provides excellent scientific preparation for teaching middle school and high school science. All professional teacher licensure certification occurs in the College of Education.
Double Degrees
Undergraduates with majors in CEOAS can earn a second degree in Innovation Management, International Studies or Sustainability.
Undergraduate Programs
Program Requirements
The University Baccalaureate Core requirements are explained in the Earning a Degree section of the Catalog. The major and option requirements are explained below. If you want to add a minor program or certificate, you will also need to complete the requirements for that minor or certificate.
Undergraduate Education Requirements
Along with fulfilling the university-level, baccalaureate core, and major requirements for BS degrees within CEOAS, students must meet the following college requirements:
- A grade of at least C– minus is required for all upper-division (300 level and above) courses taken to fulfill major requirements.
- A minimum 2.00 GPA in major requirement courses (excluding baccalaureate core and electives) is required for all CEOAS majors.
- "S/U" grading is not allowed for courses taken to fulfill major requirements.
Graduate Programs
Requirements for Admission to Graduate Programs
- A bachelor's degree with a major (40 quarter credits or more) in a relevant discipline (see individual program requirements) such as physics, mathematics, chemistry, biology, geology, atmospheric science, computer science, or engineering. Geography and Marine Resource Management applicants also have a bachelor's degree in the social or political sciences, geography, economics, business administration, or fisheries.
- A minimum cumulative grade-point average of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale for the last 90 quarter credits of undergraduate work.
- A solid foundation in prerequisites (see individual program requirements).
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores (general).
- Three letters of recommendation.
- For TOEFL requirements, please see the OSU Admissions Web pages for graduate requirements and contact the CEOAS Student Services Office for specific information.
Early January is the deadline to apply for the following fall term admission. Early application is strongly recommended.
Master's Programs
All students in College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences graduate majors must satisfy the minimum program requirements (45 credits including 6 credits of thesis) established by the Graduate School. Some graduate credits earned at other institutions may be approved for inclusion in the program. The Marine Resource Management graduate program requires additional course work credits. Please contact the Student Services for more information.
A two-hour, final oral examination is required for completion of the master's program (thesis option only).
Doctor of Philosophy Programs
The content of PhD programs, other than core requirements, is determined by individual students and their committees. Specific university requirements are formulated by the Graduate School. Approximately 80 credits of courses in the graduate major (including the core courses and 30 to 35 credits of thesis) are usually included in the major. The dissertation is based on an original investigation in some area of the graduate major.
One year of courses taken as a part of a master’s program is normally transferable into the PhD program.
Teaching and Research Faculty
https://ceoas.oregonstate.edu/faculty/
Advisors
https://ceoas.oregonstate.edu/undergraduate-advising/
Emeritus
Undergraduate Programs
Majors
- Climate Science
- Environmental Sciences
Options: - Geography and Geospatial Science
- Geology
- Oceanography
Minors
Certificate
Graduate Programs
Majors
- Geography and Geospatial Science
- Geology
- Marine Resource Management
- Ocean, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
Minors
- Geography
- Geology
- Marine Resource Management
- Risk and Uncertainty Quantification in Earth Systems
- Water Conflict Management and Transformation
Certificates
Atmospheric Sciences (ATS)
ATS 003, UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH, 0 Credits
Engage in research activities appropriate to the discipline; and through the research experience, acquire skills, techniques, and knowledge relevant to the field of study. In consultation with a faculty mentor, engage in research activity, and make and execute a plan for a project.
ATS 004, INTERNSHIP, 0 Credits
Provides basic personal and professional skills that can be used within and outside of a work setting. Through practice, this experience guides students in building and maintaining positive professional relationships, networking/mentoring relationships, and enhances students’ understanding of the connection between theory and practice in their respective disciplines.
ATS 201, +*CLIMATE SCIENCE, 4 Credits
Examines physical laws that govern Earth’s climate and interactions with chemical and biological processes on land, in the atmosphere, oceans, and cryosphere. Analyzes past, present, and potential future climate changes due to natural and human causes using observations, paleoclimate data, models, and laboratory exercises. Explores impacts of climate change on natural and human systems, economics, ethics, and solutions.
Attributes: CFSI – Core Ed - Scientific Inquiry & Analysis; CPPS – Bacc Core, Perspectives, Physical Science
Equivalent to: ATS 201H
Available via Ecampus
ATS 201H, +*CLIMATE SCIENCE, 4 Credits
Examines physical laws that govern Earth’s climate and interactions with chemical and biological processes on land, in the atmosphere, oceans, and cryosphere. Analyzes past, present, and potential future climate changes due to natural and human causes using observations, paleoclimate data, models, and laboratory exercises. Explores impacts of climate change on natural and human systems, economics, ethics, and solutions.
Attributes: CFSI – Core Ed - Scientific Inquiry & Analysis; CPPS – Bacc Core, Perspectives, Physical Science; HNRS – Honors Course Designator
Equivalent to: ATS 201
ATS 295, OBSERVING CLIMATE, 3 Credits
Explores various climate-related variables in the environment, emphasizing hands-on experiences and team-based observations. Deploys relevant instruments in collaborative teams. Documents procedures and assesses sources of uncertainty in measurement processes. Integrates qualitative and quantitative scientific observations, synthesizing them with theoretical concepts. Aims to decolonialize concepts of climate observations and foster inclusion across disciplines and cultures.
Prerequisite: ATS 201 with C- or better or ATS 201H with C- or better or ATS 310 with C- or better
ATS 301, CLIMATE DATA ANALYSIS, 4 Credits
Quantitative methods to characterize the physical climate system and detect change. Interpret data based on source timescale, and statistics; communicate conclusions and uncertainties regarding past climate and future changes.
Prerequisite: (ATS 201 with C- or better or ATS 201H with C- or better) and (ST 351 [C-] or ST 351H [C-])
ATS 302, MATHEMATICAL APPLICATIONS IN THE EARTH SCIENCES, 4 Credits
An introductory survey of mathematical applications in climate science, meteorology, oceanography, geology, and geophysics. Topics may include conservation laws, harmonic motion, exponential growth/decay, linear approximations, numerical methods, waves, diffusion, fluid flow, systems of equations, inverse problems, and data analysis.
Prerequisite: MTH 252 with C- or better or MTH 252H with C- or better
ATS 310, METEOROLOGY, 4 Credits
The study of the atmosphere, in particular atmospheric phenomena that we experience as weather. Key physical concepts in meteorology are introduced and explored. The physics of the atmosphere necessary to understand why atmospheric phenomena occur and how these are forecast is discussed. Meteorological data from observations and models will be analyzed to explore concepts introduced in the context of the weather we experience.
Prerequisite: (MTH 251 with C- or better or MTH 251H with C- or better) and (PH 201 [D-] or PH 201H [D-] or PH 211 [D-] or PH 211H [D-]) and (PH 202 (may be taken concurrently) [D-] or PH 202H (may be taken concurrently) [D-] or PH 212 (may be taken concurrently) [D-] or PH 212H (may be taken concurrently) [D-] or CH 121 (may be taken concurrently) [D-] or CH 231 (may be taken concurrently) [D-] or CH 231H (may be taken concurrently) [D-])
ATS 341, *SNOW, SMOKE, AND STORMS: CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACTS IN THE PNW, 3 Credits
Climate change will alter mountain snowpack, water availability, coastal storms, erosion, and sea level in the Pacific Northwest. Increasing temperatures and changing precipitation patterns will lead to more extreme drought and flooding events, wildfire seasons, and insect and disease outbreaks in forests. These changes will impact the region's natural resource economy; heritage and quality of life; water, transportation, and energy infrastructure; and health and social systems. Case studies of past extreme years highlight the close interrelationships between the climate, the natural and built environment, and the health and well-being of the Pacific Northwest’s residents.
Attributes: CSST – Bacc Core, Synthesis, Science/Technology/Society
Available via Ecampus
ATS 342, *FROZEN: OUR ICY PLANET IN CLIMATE AND SOCIETAL CONTEXT, 3 Credits
Explores the components of the Earth system that include frozen water, such as glaciers, ice caps, snow pack, permafrost and sea ice, which comprise the cryosphere. Introduces their global distribution, processes that control their seasonality, and their role in the Earth system. Assesses the geophysics and societal implication of the changing cryosphere of Planet Earth. Develops critical inquiry skills to understand environmental change and formulate responses to this.
Attributes: CSGI – Bacc Core, Synthesis, Contemporary Global Issues
ATS 399, SPECIAL TOPICS, 1-16 Credits
Equivalent to: ATS 399H
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
ATS 399H, SPECIAL TOPICS, 1-16 Credits
Attributes: HNRS – Honors Course Designator
Equivalent to: ATS 399
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
ATS 401, RESEARCH, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 24 credits.
ATS 403, THESIS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 24 credits.
ATS 405, READING AND CONFERENCE, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
ATS 406, PROJECTS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 24 credits.
ATS 407, SEMINAR, 1 Credit
This course is repeatable for 12 credits.
ATS 408, WORKSHOP, 1-12 Credits
This course is repeatable for 12 credits.
ATS 410, INTERNSHIP, 1-12 Credits
This course is repeatable for 48 credits.
Recommended: 12 credits of upper-division college courses
ATS 411, THERMODYNAMICS AND CLOUD MICROPHYSICS, 4 Credits
Thermodynamic processes in the atmosphere, and an introduction to cloud microphysics.
Prerequisite: (MTH 254 with D- or better or MTH 254H with D- or better) and (PH 213 [D-] or PH 213H [D-])
ATS 412, ATMOSPHERIC RADIATION, 3 Credits
Examines properties of radiation and the electromagnetic spectrum. Explores reflection and refraction; radiative properties of natural surfaces; thermal emission; atmospheric transmission and emission; absorption by atmospheric gases; broadband fluxes and heating rates; introduction to the radiative transfer equation; scattering and absorption by particles.
Prerequisite: (MTH 254 with C- or better or MTH 254H with C- or better or ATS 302 with C- or better) and (PH 202 [C-] or PH 212 [C-] or PH 212H [C-])
ATS 415, ATMOSPHERIC DYNAMICS, 4 Credits
Derivation of the equations and physical constraints governing atmospheric motions, including conservation laws and their atmospheric applications. Primitive equations: non-linear differential equations used to approximate atmospheric flow. Various types of balanced flows. Vertical atmospheric motion and its causes. Circulation, vorticity, and divergence. Quasi-geostrophic motions and adjustment to geostrophic balance. Atmospheric waves: theory, development, and propagation. Synoptic-scale Rossby waves. Baroclinic instability. General circulation of the atmosphere.
Prerequisite: ATS 301 with C- or better and ATS 310 [C-] and (ATS 302 (may be taken concurrently) [C-] or MTH 254 (may be taken concurrently) [C-] or MTH 254H (may be taken concurrently) [C-]) and (PH 202 (may be taken concurrently) [C-] or PH 212 (may be taken concurrently) [C-] or PH 212H (may be taken concurrently) [C-])
ATS 417, WEATHER SYSTEM DYNAMICS AND FORECASTING, 4 Credits
Dynamics of weather systems and basic forecasting methods. Mid-latitude storm formation and structure; basic dynamical equations and applications to real-time weather; map analysis; description and interpretation of weather prediction models; forecasting methods; Pacific NW weather.
Prerequisite: ATS 310 with C- or better or ME 311 with C- or better or ME 311H with C- or better or NSE 311 with C- or better or NSE 311H with C- or better or BEE 311 with C- or better or CE 311 with C- or better or ARE 311 with C- or better
ATS 420, CLIMATE PHYSICS, 4 Credits
Physics-based analyses of climate past, present, and future. Detailed explorations of the energy balance and radiative transfer at the top of the atmosphere, within the atmosphere, and at the Earth's surface. Hydrologic cycle. Ice and climate. Radiative-convective equilibrium. General circulation of the atmosphere and ocean. History and evolution of Earth's climate. Climate sensitivity and feedbacks. Climate variability. Natural and anthropogenic climate change.
Prerequisite: (MTH 252 with C- or better or MTH 252H with C- or better) and (PH 202 [C-] or PH 212 [C-] or PH 212H [C-]) and (ATS 301 [C-] or (PH 365 [C-] and PH 366 [C-])) and (ATS 310 [C-] or PH 315 [C-])
ATS 421, CLIMATE MODELING, 4 Credits
Numerical models of the physics, chemistry, biology, and geology of the climate system. A range of climate models from a simple, single equation to complex state-of-the-science systems used for future projections. Theoretical concepts will be linked to practical applications through hands-on programming exercises and data analysis.
Prerequisite: ATS 420 with C- or better and (ATS 301 [C-] or (PH 365 [C-] and PH 366 [C-])) and (MTH 254 [C-] or MTH 254H [C-] or ATS 302 [C-])
ATS 441, ^NORTHWEST CLIMATE AND WEATHER, 4 Credits
A survey of climate and weather phenomena that are consequential in the northwestern United States. The Pacific Ocean, the North Pacific jet and storm track, mountain and coastal meteorology, and topographic features like the region’s mountains and Columbia River Gorge all affect the climate and weather of the Northwest, which in turn affect the region’s hydrologic characteristics, vegetation, and numerous other natural and human systems. Preexisting content knowledge and analytical skills are used to produce a comprehensive written report and oral presentation for a regional stakeholder.
Attributes: CSWC – Core Ed - Writing Intensive Curriculum (WIC); CWIC – Bacc Core, Skills, Writing Intensive Curriculum (WIC)
ATS 499, SPECIAL TOPICS, 0-4 Credits
This course is repeatable for 12 credits.
ATS 501, RESEARCH, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 24 credits.
ATS 503, THESIS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 999 credits.
ATS 505, READING AND CONFERENCE, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
ATS 506, PROJECTS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 72 credits.
ATS 507, SEMINAR, 1 Credit
This course is repeatable for 48 credits.
ATS 508, WORKSHOP, 1-12 Credits
This course is repeatable for 12 credits.
ATS 511, THERMODYNAMICS AND CLOUD MICROPHYSICS, 4 Credits
Thermodynamic processes in the atmosphere, and an introduction to cloud microphysics.
ATS 512, ATMOSPHERIC RADIATION, 3 Credits
Examines properties of radiation and the electromagnetic spectrum. Explores reflection and refraction; radiative properties of natural surfaces; thermal emission; atmospheric transmission and emission; absorption by atmospheric gases; broadband fluxes and heating rates; introduction to the radiative transfer equation; scattering and absorption by particles.
ATS 515, ATMOSPHERIC DYNAMICS, 4 Credits
Derivation of the equations and physical constraints governing atmospheric motions, including conservation laws and their atmospheric applications. Primitive equations: non-linear differential equations used to approximate atmospheric flow. Various types of balanced flows. Vertical atmospheric motion and its causes. Circulation, vorticity, and divergence. Quasi-geostrophic motions and adjustment to geostrophic balance. Atmospheric waves: theory, development, and propagation. Synoptic-scale Rossby waves. Baroclinic instability. General circulation of the atmosphere.
Prerequisite: OEAS 530 with C- or better
Recommended: One year of college calculus and physics
ATS 517, WEATHER SYSTEM DYNAMICS AND FORECASTING, 4 Credits
Dynamics of weather systems and basic forecasting methods. Mid-latitude storm formation and structure; basic dynamical equations and applications to real-time weather; map analysis; description and interpretation of weather prediction models; forecasting methods; Pacific NW weather.
Prerequisite: OEAS 530 with C- or better
ATS 520, CLIMATE PHYSICS, 4 Credits
Physics-based analyses of climate past, present, and future. Detailed explorations of the energy balance and radiative transfer at the top of the atmosphere, within the atmosphere, and at the Earth's surface. Hydrologic cycle. Ice and climate. Radiative-convective equilibrium. General circulation of the atmosphere and ocean. History and evolution of Earth's climate. Climate sensitivity and feedbacks. Climate variability. Natural and anthropogenic climate change.
Prerequisite: OEAS 530 with C- or better
ATS 521, CLIMATE MODELING, 4 Credits
Numerical models of the physics, chemistry, biology, and geology of the climate system. A range of climate models from a simple, single equation to complex state-of-the-science systems used for future projections. Theoretical concepts will be linked to practical applications through hands-on programming exercises and data analysis.
Prerequisite: ATS 520 with C- or better or OEAS 530 with C- or better
Recommended: One year of college calculus and physics. Python programming experience or concurrent enrollment in ATS 508 (Python for Climate Modeling)
ATS 541, NORTHWEST CLIMATE AND WEATHER, 4 Credits
A survey of climate and weather phenomena that are consequential in the northwestern United States. The Pacific Ocean, the North Pacific jet and storm track, mountain and coastal meteorology, and topographic features like the region’s mountains and Columbia River Gorge all affect the climate and weather of the Northwest, which in turn affect the region’s hydrologic characteristics, vegetation, and numerous other natural and human systems. Preexisting content knowledge and analytical skills are used to produce a comprehensive written report and oral presentation for a regional stakeholder.
Prerequisite: OEAS 530 with C- or better or ATS 520 with C- or better
ATS 599, SPECIAL TOPICS, 1-4 Credits
This course is repeatable for 12 credits.
ATS 601, RESEARCH, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 36 credits.
ATS 603, THESIS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 999 credits.
ATS 605, READING AND CONFERENCE, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
ATS 606, PROJECTS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 84 credits.
ATS 607, SEMINAR, 1 Credit
This course is repeatable for 48 credits.
ATS 608, WORKSHOP, 1-12 Credits
This course is repeatable for 12 credits.
ATS 615, LARGE-SCALE INTERACTIONS OF THE OCEAN AND ATMOSPHERE, 3 Credits
Ocean-atmosphere circulations in the time-mean and seasonal cycles, equatorial wave modes, El Nino-Southern Oscillation, Madden-Julian oscillation, teleconnections and atmospheric bridges, mid-latitude air-sea interactions, Pacific and Atlantic decadal variability, the North Atlantic oscillation/Arctic oscillation.
Prerequisite: (ATS 515 with C or better or OC 670 with C or better)
ATS 699, SPECIAL TOPICS, 1-4 Credits
This course is repeatable for 12 credits.
Environmental Sciences (ENSC)
ENSC 003, UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH, 0 Credits
Engage in research activities appropriate to the discipline; and through the research experience, acquire skills, techniques, and knowledge relevant to the field of study. In consultation with a faculty mentor, engage in research activity, and make and execute a plan for a project.
ENSC 004, INTERNSHIP, 0 Credits
Provides basic personal and professional skills that can be used within and outside of a work setting. Through practice, this experience guides students in building and maintaining positive professional relationships, networking/mentoring relationships, and enhances students’ understanding of the connection between theory and practice in their respective disciplines.
ENSC 101, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES ORIENTATION, 1 Credit
Introduction to the Environmental Sciences Program and related professional and educational opportunities. Recommended for all freshman and first-year transfer environmental sciences majors, but open to all students interested in learning about career options in the environmental sciences.
Available via Ecampus
ENSC 221, ENVIRONMENTAL FIELD STUDIES, 4 Credits
Introduces field studies in environmental sciences. Covers a series of hands-on practicums that familiarize students with common skills, tools, and approaches for studying the environment. Emphasizes exploration of interests, identities, and aspirations in relation to careers in the environmental sciences.
Recommended: ENSC 101
Available via Ecampus
ENSC 299, SPECIAL TOPICS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
ENSC 321, ^ENVIRONMENTAL CASE STUDIES, 3 Credits
Develops professional and scientific writing abilities through the analysis of current issues in environmental science. Integrates and applies multiple aspects of environmental problem solving, including diagnosis of issues, articulation of solutions, and communication of recommendations in a policy or management context.
Attributes: CSWC – Core Ed - Writing Intensive Curriculum (WIC); CWIC – Bacc Core, Skills, Writing Intensive Curriculum (WIC)
Equivalent to: ENSC 479
Recommended: WR 121Z and one year of college biology; critical thinking, problem solving, and writing skills
Available via Ecampus
ENSC 341, TROPICAL ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION, 3 Credits
Examine the structure and function of tropical ecosystems, ranging from savannas to tropical rainforests to coral reefs. Explore the diversity of interactions in tropical ecosystems and explain how these interactions promote ecosystem functioning. Study relevant threats to tropical biodiversity and analyze restoration efforts. Apply ecological concepts to conservation in the tropics.
Prerequisite: (BI 101 with D- or better and BI 102 [D-] and BI 103 [D-]) or (BI 204 [D-] and BI 205 [D-] and BI 206 [D-]) or ((BI 221 [D-] or BI 221H [D-]) and (BI 222 [D-] or BI 222H [D-]) and (BI 223 [D-] or BI 223H [D-]))
Recommended: BI 370
Available via Ecampus
ENSC 399, SPECIAL TOPICS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
ENSC 401, RESEARCH AND SCHOLARSHIP, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 24 credits.
Available via Ecampus
ENSC 402, INDEPENDENT STUDIES, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 24 credits.
ENSC 403, THESIS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 24 credits.
ENSC 405, READING AND CONFERENCE, 1-12 Credits
Equivalent to: ENSC 405H
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
ENSC 406, PROJECTS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 24 credits.
ENSC 407H, SEMINAR, 1-16 Credits
Attributes: HNRS – Honors Course Designator
Equivalent to: ENSC 407
This course is repeatable for 12 credits.
Available via Ecampus
ENSC 408, WORKSHOP, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 12 credits.
ENSC 410, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE INTERNSHIP, 1-12 Credits
This course is repeatable for 48 credits.
Available via Ecampus
ENSC 452, ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT, 3 Credits
Environmental site assessment is a primary tool for environmental science professionals. Apply environmental science concepts to evaluate features of a specific natural area and conduct a land suitability analysis. Create a conceptual site design and management plan that complies with federal, state, and local regulations and environmental laws. CROSSLISTED as ENSC 452/GEOG 452.
Equivalent to: GEOG 452
Available via Ecampus
ENSC 499, SPECIAL TOPICS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
Geosciences (GEO)
GEO 003, UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH, 0 Credits
Engage in research activities appropriate to the discipline; and through the research experience, acquire skills, techniques, and knowledge relevant to the field of study. In consultation with a faculty mentor, engage in research activity, and make and execute a plan for a project.
GEO 004, INTERNSHIP, 0 Credits
Provides basic personal and professional skills that can be used within and outside of a work setting. Through practice, this experience guides students in building and maintaining positive professional relationships, networking/mentoring relationships, and enhances students’ understanding of the connection between theory and practice in their respective disciplines.
GEO 100, *NATURAL DISASTERS: HOLLYWOOD VERSUS REALITY, 4 Credits
Introduction to natural hazards, as seen through the lens of popular media. Explores the causes and consequences of natural disasters via exercises and activities designed to develop students' skills in scientific analysis and problem solving.
Attributes: CPPS – Bacc Core, Perspectives, Physical Science
Available via Ecampus
GEO 101, +*PLANET EARTH, 4 Credits
Explores our planet. Discovers Earth’s natural wonders, from the deepest ocean trenches to the highest mountain peaks; examine processes that mold the natural environment; experience the relevance of earth science concepts to daily life including volcanoes, earthquakes, the formation and use of earth resources, and global environmental change.
Attributes: CFSI – Core Ed - Scientific Inquiry & Analysis; CPPS – Bacc Core, Perspectives, Physical Science
Available via Ecampus
GEO 136, REGIONAL FIELD GEOLOGY OF THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST, 1 Credit
Experience the highly varied geology of Oregon. Explore field geology sites, discover the diversity of world class geology in driving distance from Corvallis, and learn how to find, analyze, and understand these sites. Includes field trips.
Equivalent to: GEO 136X
This course is repeatable for 9 credits.
GEO 199, SPECIAL STUDIES, 1-16 Credits
Equivalent to: GEO 199H
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
GEO 201, *PHYSICAL GEOLOGY, 4 Credits
Study of earth's interior. Tectonic processes and their influence on mountains, volcanoes, earthquakes, minerals, and rocks. Field trip(s) required; transportation fee charged.
Attributes: CPPS – Bacc Core, Perspectives, Physical Science
Equivalent to: GEO 201H
Available via Ecampus
GEO 202, *EARTH SYSTEMS SCIENCE, 4 Credits
Surficial processes (glaciers, rivers), climate, soils, vegetation, and their interrelationships. Field trip(s) required; transportation fee charged.
Attributes: CPPS – Bacc Core, Perspectives, Physical Science
Equivalent to: GEO 202H
GEO 202H, *EARTH SYSTEMS SCIENCE, 4 Credits
Surficial processes (glaciers, rivers), climate, soils, vegetation, and their interrelationships. Field trip(s) required; transportation fee charged.
Attributes: CPPS – Bacc Core, Perspectives, Physical Science; HNRS – Honors Course Designator
Equivalent to: GEO 202
GEO 203, *EVOLUTION OF PLANET EARTH, 4 Credits
History of earth and life as interpreted from fossils and the rock record. Field trip(s) required; transportation fee charged.
Attributes: CPPS – Bacc Core, Perspectives, Physical Science
GEO 221, *ENVIRONMENTAL GEOLOGY, 4 Credits
Introductory geology emphasizing geologic hazards (volcanoes, earthquakes, landslides, flooding), geologic resources (water, soil, air, mineral, energy), and associated environmental problems and mitigation strategies.
Attributes: CPPS – Bacc Core, Perspectives, Physical Science
Equivalent to: GEO 221H
Available via Ecampus
GEO 221H, *ENVIRONMENTAL GEOLOGY, 4 Credits
Introductory geology emphasizing geologic hazards (volcanoes, earthquakes, landslides, flooding), geologic resources (water, soil, air, mineral, energy), and associated environmental problems and mitigation strategies.
Attributes: CPPS – Bacc Core, Perspectives, Physical Science; HNRS – Honors Course Designator
Equivalent to: GEO 221
GEO 301, GEOSCIENCES DATA ANALYSIS, 4 Credits
Explores problem-based numerical data analysis in the Earth Sciences, with an emphasis on practical skills in visualizing and interpreting geoscience data sets.
Prerequisite: GEO 201 with C- or better and (ST 351 [C-] or ST 351H [C-])
Equivalent to: GEO 301X
GEO 305, *LIVING WITH ACTIVE CASCADE VOLCANOES, 3 Credits
The impact of volcanic activity on people, infrastructure, and natural resources; how and why volcanic activity in the Cascade Range occurs; volcano monitoring and hazard assessment. Field trip required, transportation fee charged.
Attributes: CSST – Bacc Core, Synthesis, Science/Technology/Society
Available via Ecampus
GEO 306, *MINERALS, ENERGY, WATER AND THE ENVIRONMENT, 3 Credits
Formation, occurrence, and use of earth resources including metallic minerals, building materials, energy resources including fossil fuels and nuclear energy, and water resources. Environmental consequences of resource use including surface and groundwater pollution, waste disposal, air pollution and acid rain, and global climate change. Implications of resource use and availability for economic development and geopolitical relations.
Attributes: CSGI – Bacc Core, Synthesis, Contemporary Global Issues
Available via Ecampus
GEO 307, *NATIONAL PARK GEOLOGY AND PRESERVATION, 3 Credits
National parks as classrooms to study geological processes and the importance of preserving natural landscapes. Field trip(s) required; transportation fee charged.
Attributes: CSST – Bacc Core, Synthesis, Science/Technology/Society
Equivalent to: GEO 307H
Available via Ecampus
GEO 308, *GLOBAL CHANGE AND EARTH SCIENCES, 3 Credits
Study of global change over different time scales during the history of the earth, with emphasis on evolution of its atmosphere, plate tectonics, paleoclimates, and mass extinctions.
Attributes: CSGI – Bacc Core, Synthesis, Contemporary Global Issues
Available via Ecampus
GEO 310, EARTH MATERIALS I: MINERALOGY, 4 Credits
Principles of crystal morphology, and structure. Characteristics, identification, and origins of minerals.
Prerequisite: (GEO 201 with D- or better or GEO 221 with D- or better or GEO 221H with D- or better) and ((CH 121 with D- or better or (CH 231 with D- or better and CH 261 [D-]) or (CH 231H [D-] and CH 261H [D-])) )
GEO 315, EARTH MATERIALS II: PETROLOGY, 4 Credits
Origin, identification and classification of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks. Field trip(s) required, transportation fee charged.
Prerequisite: GEO 310 with D- or better
GEO 322, SURFACE PROCESSES, 4 Credits
Examination of surficial processes and terrestrial landforms of the earth, including slopes, rivers, glaciers, deserts, and coastlines. Field trip(s) required; transportation fee charged.
Prerequisite: (GEO 102 with D- or better or GEO 102H with D- or better or GEO 202 with D- or better or GEO 202H with D- or better) and (MTH 251 [C-] or MTH 251H [C-]) and (PH 201 [D-] or PH 201H [D-] or PH 211 [D-] or PH 211H [D-])
GEO 331, *ASTROBIOLOGY: LIFE BEYOND EARTH, 3 Credits
Evaluates the potential distribution of life in the Universe, presents the science and technology used to search for life, and explores the societal impacts of its discovery.
Attributes: CSST – Bacc Core, Synthesis, Science/Technology/Society
Recommended: Completion of 12 credits of biological and physical science in the Bacc Core
GEO 332, *GLOBAL WARMING: SCIENCE, IMPACTS, AND SOLUTIONS, 3 Credits
Explores the fundamental science on the causes of, and solutions to, global warming that underly the policy issues facing global citizens, communities, and governments. Applies the science of climate change and documentation of its impacts to identify and evaluate options for adaptation and mitigation around the world.
Attributes: CSGI – Bacc Core, Synthesis, Contemporary Global Issues
GEO 340, STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY, 4 Credits
Analysis of geometry and kinematics of geologic structures including brittle and ductile faults, folds, joints, deformation fabrics. Field trip(s) required; transportation fee charged.
Prerequisite: GEO 201 with D- or better
GEO 370, STRATIGRAPHY AND SEDIMENTOLOGY, 4 Credits
Basic principles of sedimentology and stratigraphy. Sedimentology is largely concerned with classifying and interpreting the origin of sedimentary rocks. Stratigraphy provides formal rules and strategies for organizing sedimentary (and other) rocks into a temporal framework. Reconstruction of Earth history with various approaches centered on paleoclimatology, paleogeography, paleooceanography, and tectonics.
GEO 380, *EARTHQUAKES IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST, 3 Credits
Earthquake hazards in the Northwest; responses to reducing earthquake risk at state, local, and personal levels.
Attributes: CSST – Bacc Core, Synthesis, Science/Technology/Society
Available via Ecampus
GEO 387, ENVIRONMENTAL HYDROGEOLOGY, 3 Credits
Explore basic groundwater concepts, including quantifying water levels, groundwater flow, and groundwater-surface water interactions. Apply hydrogeology concepts to actual management and environmental problems. Understand factors that impact how water flows through the ground and its availability for human consumption and for ecosystem health.
Prerequisite: GEO 201 with C- or better or GEO 202 with C- or better or GEO 202H with C- or better or GEO 221 with C- or better or GEO 221H with C- or better
Available via Ecampus
GEO 395, INTRODUCTION TO FIELD GEOLOGY, 3 Credits
Build skills to identify igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks. Recognize and locate rock unit contacts. Establish a field traverse objective based on observations and collect structural and depositional data. Analyze collected field data through the development of geological maps, interpretive cross-sections, and stratigraphic columns. Interpret geological history in these products and written reports.
Prerequisite: GEO 201 with C- or better
Equivalent to: GEO 295
GEO 399, SPECIAL TOPICS, 1-16 Credits
Equivalent to: GEO 399H
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
GEO 399H, SPECIAL TOPICS, 1-16 Credits
Attributes: HNRS – Honors Course Designator
Equivalent to: GEO 399
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
GEO 401, RESEARCH, 1-16 Credits
Independent, original research subjects guided by faculty conferences and resulting in a brief written report. Faculty sponsor must be prearranged.
This course is repeatable for 24 credits.
GEO 403, THESIS, 1-16 Credits
Independent, original study that culminates in a senior thesis. Faculty sponsor must be prearranged.
This course is repeatable for 24 credits.
GEO 405, READING AND CONFERENCE, 1-16 Credits
Independent reading in specialized topics guided by and discussed in faculty conferences. Faculty sponsor must be prearranged.
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
GEO 407H, SEMINAR, 1-16 Credits
Attributes: HNRS – Honors Course Designator
Equivalent to: GEO 407
This course is repeatable for 12 credits.
GEO 408, WORKSHOP, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 12 credits.
GEO 410, INTERNSHIP, 1-15 Credits
Pre-career professional experience under joint faculty and employer supervision.
This course is repeatable for 48 credits.
GEO 412, IGNEOUS PETROLOGY, 4 Credits
Petrogenesis of igneous rocks. Petrographic analysis using polarizing microscopes. Field trip may be required, transportation fee charged.
Prerequisite: GEO 315 with D- or better
Recommended: GEO 415 [C-]
GEO 415, EARTH MATERIALS III: PETROGRAPHY, 4 Credits
Microscope-based study of minerals and igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks. Representation and interpretation of geological processes based on microscopic observation.
Prerequisite: GEO 201 with D- or better and GEO 310 [D-] and GEO 315 [D-]
GEO 427, ^VOLCANOLOGY, 4 Credits
A survey of volcanoes: their distribution, forms, composition, eruptive products, eruptive styles, and associated phenomena. Field trip may be required; transportation fee charged.
Attributes: CSWC – Core Ed - Writing Intensive Curriculum (WIC); CWIC – Bacc Core, Skills, Writing Intensive Curriculum (WIC)
Prerequisite: GEO 315 with D- or better
GEO 430, ^GEOCHEMISTRY, 4 Credits
Principles of geochemistry applied to problems of earth science.
Attributes: CSWC – Core Ed - Writing Intensive Curriculum (WIC); CWIC – Bacc Core, Skills, Writing Intensive Curriculum (WIC)
Prerequisite: GEO 315 (may be taken concurrently) with D- or better and ((CH 121 with D- or better and CH 122 [D-]) or ((CH 231 [D-] or CH 231H [D-]) and (CH 261 [D-] or CH 261H [D-]) and (CH 232 [D-] or CH 232H [D-]) and (CH 262 [D-] or CH 262H [D-])) )
GEO 431, ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY, 3 Credits
An introduction to natural processes at and near the earth's surface, as well as an examination of the impact of human activities on the natural environment. Study includes discussion of the sources, transformations, transport, and fate of contaminants. Field trip(s) required; transportation fee charge.
Prerequisite: (CH 121 with D- or better and CH 122 [D-] and CH 123 [D-]) or ((CH 231 [D-] or CH 231H [D-]) and (CH 232 [D-] or CH 232H [D-]) and (CH 233 [D-] or CH 233H [D-]))
GEO 432, APPLIED GEOMORPHOLOGY, 3 Credits
Effect of landform processes upon human activity; consequences of resource management strategies on erosional balance within landscape; identification of mitigation of natural hazards; role of geomorphic process studies in environmental planning. Field trip(s) may be required; transportation fee charged.
Recommended: GEO 322
GEO 433, COASTAL GEOMORPHOLOGY, 3 Credits
Morphodynamic approach to coastal landforms, processes and evolution including the impacts and response of humans to coastal change.
Prerequisite: (PH 211 with D- or better or PH 211H with D- or better) and (PH 212 [D-] or PH 212H [D-]) and GEO 322 [D-]
GEO 440, ECONOMIC GEOLOGY, 4 Credits
Principles of the origin, distribution, and importance of metallic mineral deposits formed by magmatic, hydrothermal, and sedimentary processes.
Prerequisite: GEO 315 with D- or better
Recommended: GEO 340 [C-]
GEO 461, GEOLOGY OF EARTHQUAKES, 3 Credits
Tectonics of the present day as based on surface geology, geodesy, seismicity, and crustal structure; description of active faults and folds; use of neotectonics in evaluation of earthquake hazard. Field trip(s) may be required; transportation fee charged.
Prerequisite: GEO 340 with D- or better
GEO 463, ^GEOPHYSICS AND TECTONICS, 4 Credits
Geophysical observations as constraints on geologic interpretation.
Attributes: CSWC – Core Ed - Writing Intensive Curriculum (WIC); CWIC – Bacc Core, Skills, Writing Intensive Curriculum (WIC)
GEO 477, GLACIERS IN THE CLIMATE SYSTEM, 3 Credits
Discusses glaciers as an important component of the cryosphere and the climate of Earth. Examines the physics of glacier formation and flow; glacier interactions with atmosphere, ocean, and landscape. Explores the impact of modern glacier change on water resources and sea level rise.
Prerequisite: (MTH 251 with C or better or MTH 251H with C or better) and (MTH 252 [C] or MTH 252H [C]) and (PH 211 [C] or PH 211H [C]) and (PH 212 [C] or PH 212H [C])
Equivalent to: GEO 477X
GEO 481, GLACIAL GEOLOGY, 4 Credits
Mass balance of glaciers, physics of glacial flow, processes of glacial erosion and deposition, glacial meltwater, glacial isostasy and eustasy, and Quaternary stratigraphy. Field trip(s) may be required; transportation fee charged.
Recommended: GEO 202 [C-]
GEO 484, INTRODUCTION TO BIOGEOCHEMISTRY, 3 Credits
Interdisciplinary course, applying concepts from chemistry, physics, biology and geology to Earth systems including terrestrial, ocean and freshwater environments; water and energy cycles; carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and sulfur cycles; biogeochemical cycles through Earth history.
Prerequisite: (MTH 111 with D- or better or MTH 111Z with D- or better) and ((CH 121 with D- or better and CH 122 [D-]) or ((CH 231 [D-] or CH 231H [D-]) and (CH 261 [D-] or CH 261H [D-]) and (CH 232 [D-] or CH 232H [D-]) and (CH 262 [D-] or CH 262H [D-])) )
GEO 486, QUATERNARY PALEOCLIMATOLOGY, 3 Credits
Introduction to geochronology, climate proxies, climate forcing, and climate modeling applied to paleoclimate problems. Emphasis on Quaternary climate history.
Prerequisite: (GEO 202 with D- or better or GEO 202H with D- or better or GEO 203 with D- or better) and (CH 122 [D-] or ((CH 232 [D-] or CH 232H [D-]) and (CH 262 [D-] or CH 262H [D-] or CH 272 [D-])) )
GEO 487, HYDROGEOLOGY, 4 Credits
Movement of water through porous media. Darcy's Law and groundwater flow equation. Development of groundwater resources. Computer models.
Prerequisite: MTH 252 with D- or better or MTH 252H with D- or better
GEO 488, QUATERNARY STRATIGRAPHY OF NORTH AMERICA, 3 Credits
Stratigraphic principles applied to Quaternary deposits. Survey Quaternary dating methods. Proxy records of glaciation and climate change. Quaternary stratigraphy of North America, emphasizing stratigraphic records of ice sheets, glaciers, and pluvial lakes.
Recommended: GEO 481
GEO 495, ADVANCED FIELD GEOLOGY, 6 Credits
Six-week summer program in central Oregon. Collect field data to make geological maps, cross-sections, columns, and reports. Fee charged.
Prerequisite: (GEO 295 with C- or better or GEO 395 with C- or better) and GEO 315 [C-] and GEO 340 [C-] and GEO 370 [C-]
GEO 497, FIELD MAPPING OF ORE DEPOSITS, 3 Credits
Field trip to a mineral district in the western United States, emphasizing detailed mapping of outcrops, trenches, and underground workings. Prepare final maps and a report suitable for presentation to management or publication.
GEO 499, SPECIAL TOPICS, 0-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
GEO 501, RESEARCH, 1-16 Credits
Independent, original research subjects guided by faculty conferences and resulting in a brief written report. Faculty sponsor must be prearranged.
This course is repeatable for 24 credits.
GEO 503, THESIS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 999 credits.
GEO 505, READING AND CONFERENCE, 1-16 Credits
Independent reading in specialized topics guided by and discussed in faculty conferences. Faculty sponsor must be prearranged.
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
GEO 507, SEMINAR, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 48 credits.
GEO 508, WORKSHOP, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 24 credits.
GEO 510, INTERNSHIP, 1-15 Credits
Pre-career professional experience under joint faculty and employer supervision. May not be used to meet minimum credit hour requirements for graduate degrees in geosciences.
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
GEO 512, IGNEOUS PETROLOGY, 4 Credits
Petrogenesis of igneous rocks. Petrographic analysis using polarizing microscopes. Field trip may be required, transportation fee charged.
GEO 514, GROUNDWATER HYDRAULICS, 4 Credits
Emphasizes principles of groundwater flow and chemical transport in confined and unconfined aquifers, aquifer testing and well construction. Design and dewatering and contaminant recovery systems. CROSSLISTED as BEE 514/CE 514/GEO 514.
Equivalent to: BEE 514, CE 514
Recommended: CE 547 or (CE 311 and CE 313) or (BEE 311 and BEE 312) or other fluid mechanics and hydraulics courses
GEO 516, INTERPRETATION OF GEOLOGIC MAPS, 3 Credits
Development of skills in formulating geologic problems, using geologic maps, and developing solutions by the scientific method.
GEO 518, GEOSCIENCE COMMUNICATION, 3 Credits
Professional development of the skills of technical editing and writing for geoscientists. Practice the craft of presentation development and delivery, and the broader issues of problem development, and manuscript and proposal writing specific to geoscience graduate students.
GEO 527, VOLCANOLOGY, 4 Credits
A survey of volcanoes: their distribution, forms, composition, eruptive products, eruptive styles, and associated phenomena. Field trip may be required; transportation fee charged.
GEO 530, GEOCHEMISTRY, 4 Credits
Principles of geochemistry applied to problems of earth science.
GEO 531, ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY, 3 Credits
An introduction to natural processes at and near the earth's surface, as well as an examination of the impact of human activities on the natural environment. Study includes discussion of the sources, transformations, transport, and fate of contaminants. Field trip(s) required; transportation fee charged.
GEO 532, APPLIED GEOMORPHOLOGY, 3 Credits
Effect of landform processes upon human activity; consequences of resource management strategies on erosional balance within landscape; identification of mitigation of natural hazards; role of geomorphic process studies in environmental planning. Field trip(s) may be required; transportation fee charged.
GEO 533, COASTAL GEOMORPHOLOGY, 3 Credits
Morphodynamic approach to coastal landforms, processes and evolution including the impacts and response of humans to coastal change.
GEO 535, GEOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS TECHNIQUES, 3 Credits
An introduction to the theory, techniques and instrumentation used for the chemical analysis of earth materials, with emphasis on analysis of solid earth material samples (predominantly, but not restricted to, rocks). Includes discussions of laboratory safety, relevant statistical approaches, basic physical and chemical principles of analysis, sample preparation techniques and data processing and reporting. Course also includes a large component of hands-on experience with instrumentation available in-house in the College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences.
Prerequisite: GEO 530 with C or better
GEO 537, TECTONIC GEOMORPHOLOGY, 3 Credits
Exploration of linkages between patterns of erosion, crustal deformation, and landscape evolution from geomorphic, geologic, geophysical, and modeling perspectives. Field trip required; transportation fee charged.
GEO 540, ECONOMIC GEOLOGY, 4 Credits
Principles of the origin, distribution, and importance of metallic mineral deposits formed by magmatic, hydrothermal, and sedimentary processes.
GEO 550, COASTAL HAZARDS: PROCESSES, RESPONSE, AND ADAPTATION, 3 Credits
Coastal hazards and the associated risks they pose to rapidly expanding coastal communities. Examination of coastal hazards from a trans-disciplinary perspective including the physical processes, the coastal response, and coastal adaptation/management options for dealing with the hazards. Emphasizes probabilistic and other user-inspired approaches for assessing coastal vulnerability to the various hazards.
GEO 561, GEOLOGY OF EARTHQUAKES, 3 Credits
Tectonics of the present day as based on surface geology, geodesy, seismicity, and crustal structure; description of active faults and folds; use of neotectonics in evaluation of earthquake hazard. Field trip(s) may be required; transportation fee charged.
GEO 563, GEOPHYSICS AND TECTONICS, 4 Credits
Geophysical observations as constraints on geologic interpretation.
GEO 577, GLACIERS IN THE CLIMATE SYSTEM, 3 Credits
Discusses glaciers as an important component of the cryosphere and the climate of Earth. Examines the physics of glacier formation and flow; glacier interactions with atmosphere, ocean, and landscape. Explores the impact of modern glacier change on water resources and sea level rise.
Equivalent to: GEO 577X
GEO 581, GLACIAL GEOLOGY, 4 Credits
Mass balance of glaciers, physics of glacial flow, processes of glacial erosion and deposition, glacial meltwater, glacial isostasy and eustasy, and Quaternary stratigraphy. Field trip(s) may be required; transportation fee charged.
GEO 586, QUATERNARY PALEOCLIMATOLOGY, 3 Credits
Introduction to geochronology, climate proxies, climate forcing, and climate modeling applied to paleoclimate problems. Emphasis on Quaternary climate history.
GEO 588, QUATERNARY STRATIGRAPHY OF NORTH AMERICA, 3 Credits
Stratigraphic principles applied to Quaternary deposits. Survey Quaternary dating methods. Proxy records of glaciation and climate change. Quaternary stratigraphy of North America, emphasizing stratigraphic records of ice sheets, glaciers, and pluvial lakes.
GEO 597, FIELD MAPPING OF ORE DEPOSITS, 3 Credits
Field trip to a mineral district in the western United States, emphasizing detailed mapping of outcrops, trenches, and underground workings. Prepare final maps and a report suitable for presentation to management or publication.
GEO 599, SPECIAL TOPICS, 0-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 24 credits.
GEO 601, RESEARCH, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 36 credits.
GEO 603, THESIS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 999 credits.
GEO 605, READING AND CONFERENCE, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
GEO 606, PROJECTS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 84 credits.
GEO 607, SEMINAR, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 48 credits.
GEO 608, WORKSHOP, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 24 credits.
GEO 622, IGNEOUS PETROLOGY, 3 Credits
Controls on the distribution of major and trace elements; theory, applications, and examples. Field trip(s) may be required; transportation fee charged.
GEO 633, GEOCHRONOLOGY AND ISOTOPE GEOLOGY, 3 Credits
Measurements of cosmic and geologic time by radioactive decay. Use of radiogenic and stable isotopic tracers in geology.
GEO 666, STABLE ISOTOPE GEOCHEMISTRY, 3 Credits
Study of the principles governing terrestrial stable isotope distributions, with application to geologic, oceanographic, atmospheric and planetary processes. The primary focus is on isotopes of the light elements such as oxygen, hydrogen, carbon and sulfur, but may include other isotope systems, including Sr/Nd isotopes as geochemical tracers, noble gases, and metal isotopes (eg. Mo, Cu, Fe).
GEO 684, GLOBAL BIOGEOCHEMICAL CYCLES, 4 Credits
An in-depth treatment of global biogeochemical cycles, focusing on cycles of carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur in the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere. CROSSLISTED as GEO 684/SOIL 684.
Equivalent to: SOIL 684
Recommended: One year of college-level physics and chemistry, including introductory biology. One year of graduate coursework in soil, earth, ocean, atmospheric or forest science
GEO 694, TOPICS IN ORE GENESIS, 1-3 Credits
This course is repeatable for 6 credits.
GEO 699, SPECIAL TOPICS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 24 credits.
Geography (GEOG)
GEOG 003, UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH, 0 Credits
Engage in research activities appropriate to the discipline; and through the research experience, acquire skills, techniques, and knowledge relevant to the field of study. In consultation with a faculty mentor, engage in research activity, and make and execute a plan for a project.
GEOG 004, INTERNSHIP, 0 Credits
Provides basic personal and professional skills that can be used within and outside of a work setting. Through practice, this experience guides students in building and maintaining positive professional relationships, networking/mentoring relationships, and enhances students’ understanding of the connection between theory and practice in their respective disciplines.
GEOG 100, *CLIMATE JUSTICE, 3 Credits
Unequal distribution of social, economic and political power that creates winners and losers from climate change. Case studies of climate-change-related environmental degradation, conflict, conservation, climate denial, renewable energy, and investment. Concepts and actions to promote climate justice.
Attributes: CPDP – Bacc Core, Perspectives, Difference/Power/Discrimination
Available via Ecampus
GEOG 102, *PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY, 4 Credits
Processes that shape the earth's surface. Weathering, mass movement, landforms, river systems, groundwater, biogeography, human effects on the landscape. Use of maps and imagery. (Bacc Core Course)
Attributes: CPPS – Bacc Core, Perspectives, Physical Science
Available via Ecampus
GEOG 103, *THE HUMAN PLANET, 3 Credits
Introduces the study of human activities, patterns, processes and institutions--globally and in specific places. Examines human behaviors and relationships, among cultures and with the environment. Demonstrates the importance of places, networks and patterns in a range of human and environmental processes.
Attributes: CPCD – Bacc Core, Perspectives, Cultural Diversity
Equivalent to: GEOG 103H
Available via Ecampus
GEOG 103H, *THE HUMAN PLANET, 3 Credits
Introduces the study of human activities, patterns, processes and institutions--globally and in specific places. Examines human behaviors and relationships, among cultures and with the environment. Demonstrates the importance of places, networks and patterns in a range of human and environmental processes.
Attributes: CPCD – Bacc Core, Perspectives, Cultural Diversity; HNRS – Honors Course Designator
Equivalent to: GEOG 103
GEOG 105, *PEOPLE, PLACES, AND PERSPECTIVES IN THE GLOBAL SOUTH, 3 Credits
Uses geographic concepts to study the places and people of the Global South. Topics covered include definitions of the “Global South;” challenges that face communities and environments in the Global South; how regions in the Global South influence global processes; and perspectives on identity, development, governance, sustainability, and well-being that emerge from various regions in the Global South.
Attributes: CPCD – Bacc Core, Perspectives, Cultural Diversity
Available via Ecampus
GEOG 106, *WESTERN TRADITION & EMERGING CHALLENGES IN THE GLOBAL NORTH, 3 Credits
Explores the influence of Western Culture and Philosophy on processes of globalization. Examines western perspectives associated with developed countries on identity, development, politics, population, migration, sustainability, urbanization, and well-being. Considers challenges faced by communities and their environments in the Global North, and assesses different regions responding to these challenges.
Attributes: CPWC – Bacc Core, Perspectives, Western Culture; LACS – Liberal Arts Social Core
Available via Ecampus
GEOG 199, SPECIAL STUDIES, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
GEOG 201, *FOUNDATIONS OF GEOSPATIAL SCIENCE AND GIS, 4 Credits
Basic physical science principles underlying geospatial technologies such as GPS, mobile devices, and online mapping and navigation tools used in GIS, remote sensing, and geovisualization. Concepts and applications in government, business, and the environment. (Bacc Core Course)
Attributes: CPPS – Bacc Core, Perspectives, Physical Science
Available via Ecampus
GEOG 203, *HUMAN-ENVIRONMENT GEOGRAPHY, 3 Credits
How human societies manage resources, physical limits to sustainability, role of science in the use and management of resources, and how societal resource use adversely affects other societies, in human history and across spatial scales.
Attributes: CPDP – Bacc Core, Perspectives, Difference/Power/Discrimination
Available via Ecampus
GEOG 240, *HUMAN DIMENSIONS OF CLIMATE CHANGE, 3 Credits
Examine theories regarding human institutions and behavior. Apply these theories to understand how human behavior and institutions can change to: (1) reduce vulnerability to climate change impacts through adaptation and (2) reduce greenhouse gas emissions through climate change mitigation and societal transformation at multiple scales.
Attributes: CPSI – Bacc Core, Perspectives, Social Processes & Institutions
Available via Ecampus
GEOG 241, *TRANSFORMING ENVIRONMENTAL CONFLICTS, 3 Credits
Explores the geography of environmental conflicts; an examination of how social processes and institutions influence access and use of natural resources; and the social constructs from which difference, power, and discrimination emerge. Examines the experiences of women, minority, and under-represented communities to contemplate more integrated, equitable and sustainable approaches to resources management, in the United States and beyond. Personal skills in transforming conflicts, as well as the concepts of distributive, procedural, and restorative justice, will be explored. (Bacc Core Course)
Attributes: CPDP – Bacc Core, Perspectives, Difference/Power/Discrimination
Available via Ecampus
GEOG 250, *LAND USE PLANNING FOR SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES, 3 Credits
Overview of the history and current practices of land use and community planning. Use basic geospatial tools to assess land use patterns and planning processes.
Attributes: CPSI – Bacc Core, Perspectives, Social Processes & Institutions
Available via Ecampus
GEOG 295, GEOGRAPHIC FIELD RESEARCH, 3 Credits
Introduction to field research in geography. Practice skills including observation, posing of questions, and collection and analysis of data. Focus on theory-based geographic study design, proposal development, and research critiques.
Recommended: GEOG 102 or GEOG 103 or GEOG 201 or GEOG 203
Available via Ecampus
GEOG 299, SPECIAL STUDIES, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
GEOG 300, *SUSTAINABILITY FOR THE COMMON GOOD, 3 Credits
Geography of human relationships to the earth's systems with an emphasis on individual impacts and collective efforts to achieve environmental sustainability.
Attributes: CSGI – Bacc Core, Synthesis, Contemporary Global Issues; LACS – Liberal Arts Social Core
Equivalent to: GEOG 300H
Available via Ecampus
GEOG 300H, *SUSTAINABILITY FOR THE COMMON GOOD, 3 Credits
Geography of human relationships to the earth's systems with an emphasis on individual impacts and collective efforts to achieve environmental sustainability.
Attributes: CSGI – Bacc Core, Synthesis, Contemporary Global Issues; HNRS – Honors Course Designator; LACS – Liberal Arts Social Core
Equivalent to: GEOG 300
GEOG 311, *GEOGRAPHY OF AFRICA, 3 Credits
An introduction to the physical, historical, cultural, political, and development geography of Africa south of the Sahara.
Attributes: CPCD – Bacc Core, Perspectives, Cultural Diversity; LACN – Liberal Arts Non-Western Core
Available via Ecampus
GEOG 314, *GEOGRAPHY OF LATIN AMERICA, 3 Credits
Focuses on the diverse landscapes, peoples and cultural traditions of Latin America, a vast region extending from the United States-Mexican border to the southern tip of South America. (NC) (Bacc Core Course)
Attributes: CPCD – Bacc Core, Perspectives, Cultural Diversity; LACN – Liberal Arts Non-Western Core
Available via Ecampus
GEOG 323, ^CLIMATOLOGY, 4 Credits
Systematic analysis of global and regional climates. Physical principles of climate, climate classifications, and distribution and characteristics of climate regimes.
Attributes: CSWC – Core Ed - Writing Intensive Curriculum (WIC); CWIC – Bacc Core, Skills, Writing Intensive Curriculum (WIC)
Prerequisite: GEOG 102 with D- or better or GEO 202 with D- or better or GEO 202H with D- or better or GEO 221 with D- or better or GEO 221H with D- or better or ATS 201 with D- or better or ATS 201H with D- or better or OC 201 with C- or better or OC 201H with C- or better
Available via Ecampus
GEOG 324, ^ECOLOGICAL BIOGEOGRAPHY, 4 Credits
Spatial distributions and change over time of species, communities, and biomes. Effect of climate, tectonics, disturbance on evolution, extinction, and succession. Implications for conservation.
Attributes: CSWC – Core Ed - Writing Intensive Curriculum (WIC); CWIC – Bacc Core, Skills, Writing Intensive Curriculum (WIC)
Prerequisite: GEOG 102 with D- or better or BI 370 with C- or better or BI 370H with C- or better
GEOG 330, *GEOGRAPHY OF INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND GLOBALIZATION, 3 Credits
Introduction to the geography of global wealth and inequality with a focus on contemporary development, underdevelopment, and globalization problems in Asian, African, Caribbean, Latin American, and Pacific Island countries.
Attributes: CSGI – Bacc Core, Synthesis, Contemporary Global Issues
GEOG 331, *POPULATION, CONSUMPTION, AND ENVIRONMENT, 3 Credits
An examination of population patterns and trends, emphasizing historical growth and more recent demographic changes; using geographic tools to understand patterns of spatial distribution, to use and analyze data sources, and to gain experience interpreting and displaying data about population structure and dynamics; and developing the ability to evaluate the relationship between population, consumption, resources, and quality of life. Patterns of consumption, as individuals and societies will be examined and different future scenarios will be examined with reference to environmental, social and economic sustainability.
Attributes: CSGI – Bacc Core, Synthesis, Contemporary Global Issues
Available via Ecampus
GEOG 332, *CLIMATE AND HEALTH, 3 Credits
Examines how social and environmental determinants of population health are impacted by anthropogenic climate change both spatially and temporally. Introduces theoretical approaches and methods from human-environment geography and public health to construct a cross-disciplinary framework for considering risk, vulnerability, and social justice in relationship to climate change and human health outcomes. Evaluates the influence of political and economic processes on health disparities and inequity. Central focus on the United States, while relying on international perspectives for contextual and comparative purposes. CROSSLISTED as GEOG 332/H 332.
Attributes: CPDP – Bacc Core, Perspectives, Difference/Power/Discrimination
Equivalent to: H 332
GEOG 333, *ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE, 3 Credits
Examines the uneven distribution of environmental resources, hazards, and risk among social groups and the emergence of the environmental justice movement in the United States.
Attributes: CPDP – Bacc Core, Perspectives, Difference/Power/Discrimination
Prerequisite: WR 121 with C- or better or WR 121H with C- or better or WR 121Z with C- or better or WR 121HZ with C- or better
Equivalent to: GEO 309
Available via Ecampus
GEOG 340, *INTRODUCTION TO WATER SCIENCE AND POLICY, 3 Credits
Policy and science of the hydrologic cycle. Emphasis on interaction between water's natural time-space fluctuations and human uses.
Attributes: CSST – Bacc Core, Synthesis, Science/Technology/Society
Equivalent to: GEOG 340H
Available via Ecampus
GEOG 340H, *INTRODUCTION TO WATER SCIENCE AND POLICY, 3 Credits
Policy and science of the hydrologic cycle. Emphasis on interaction between water's natural time-space fluctuations and human uses.
Attributes: CSST – Bacc Core, Synthesis, Science/Technology/Society; HNRS – Honors Course Designator
Equivalent to: GEOG 340
GEOG 350, *GEOGRAPHY OF NATURAL HAZARDS, 3 Credits
Introduction to the geography of risk, natural hazards, and disasters, focusing on concepts of vulnerability, adaptation and resilience of human society in the Pacific Northwest and globally.
Attributes: CSGI – Bacc Core, Synthesis, Contemporary Global Issues
Available via Ecampus
GEOG 360, GISCIENCE I: GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND THEORY, 4 Credits
Fundamentals of spatial data, geographic information systems (GIS), and introductory spatial analysis, programming, and modeling.
Available via Ecampus
GEOG 361, QUANTITATIVE GEOSPATIAL ANALYSIS AND MODELING, 4 Credits
Develop skills in design and conduct of geospatial analyses using various spatial data structures, techniques and models. Acquire, clean, integrate, manipulate, visualize and analyze geospatial data. Explore various quantitative methods, practice investigating quantitative problems and develop competence in coding.
Prerequisite: GEOG 360 with C- or better and (MTH 112 [C-] or MTH 112Z [C-] or MTH 241 [C-] or MTH 251 [C-] or MTH 251H [C-]) and (ST 351 [C-] or ST 351H [C-])
Available via Ecampus
GEOG 370, CARTOGRAPHY, 4 Credits
Create, evaluate, and critique maps using cartographic theories and techniques for effective geovisual communication.
Prerequisite: GEOG 201 with C- or better or GEOG 360 with C- or better or FE 257 with C- or better or CE 202 with C- or better
Available via Ecampus
GEOG 371, WEB MAPPING, 4 Credits
Concepts and techniques of web programming, digital storytelling, online project management, and web-based cartographic principles for developing, evaluating, and using web maps.
Prerequisite: GEOG 201 with C- or better
GEOG 380, REMOTE SENSING: PRINCIPLES AND APPLICATIONS, 4 Credits
Focuses on fundamentals of satellite remote sensing and image analysis. Topics include physical principles of remote sensing from the ultraviolet to the microwave, sensors and sensor technology, and environmental applications of remote sensing through image analysis.
Prerequisite: GEOG 201 with C- or better
Equivalent to: GEOG 480
Available via Ecampus
GEOG 399, SPECIAL STUDIES, 1-16 Credits
Equivalent to: GEOG 399H
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
GEOG 399H, SPECIAL STUDIES, 1-16 Credits
Attributes: HNRS – Honors Course Designator
Equivalent to: GEOG 399
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
GEOG 401, RESEARCH, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 24 credits.
Available via Ecampus
GEOG 403, THESIS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 24 credits.
GEOG 405, READING AND CONFERENCE, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
GEOG 407, SEMINAR, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
Available via Ecampus
GEOG 408, WORKSHOP, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
GEOG 410, INTERNSHIP, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
Recommended: 12 credits of upper-division geography
Available via Ecampus
GEOG 423, SNOW HYDROLOGY, 3 Credits
Fundamentals of snow hydrology. Physical principles of snow formation, snowpack accumulation, energy balance, snowcover-climate interactions, snow metamorphism, snowpack ablation, snowpack/snowmelt chemistry, remote sensing of snow, avalanches, field methods, snowmelt/runoff modeling techniques, and watershed processes.
GEOG 424, HYDROLOGY FOR WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT, 3 Credits
Examines watershed hydrology in the context of water resources management. Examines conceptual, quantitative, and geographic analyses of the hydrologic cycle. Explores historical and enduring challenges of watershed management for water extremes, water use, and climate.
Prerequisite: ST 314 with C- or better or ST 351 with C- or better
GEOG 430, RESILIENCE-BASED NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT, 3 Credits
Causes and consequences of conflict over natural resource management at local to global scales; principles for managing social-ecological systems for resilience. Field trip(s) may be required; transportation fee charged.
GEOG 433, CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACTS, ADAPTATION AND VULNERABILITY, 3 Credits
Climate change poses challenges for human security and well-being, and for social and economic development. Evaluate how climate change impacts vary based on vulnerability, exposure, sensitivity, adaptive capacity, and risk.
Prerequisite: ATS 201 with C- or better or ATS 201H with C- or better or GEOG 240 with C- or better or GEOG 323 with C- or better
GEOG 440, CONFLICT, COOPERATION, AND CONTROL OF WATER IN THE US, 3 Credits
Examine why nations rise and fall based on water availability and investigate why the United States is no exception. Explore how the US develops, protects, governs and manages its water resources and how it will cope with climate change and conflict. Discover resilience and sustainability through case studies.
Available via Ecampus
GEOG 441, THE WORLD'S WATER, 3 Credits
Investigate why water is a critical resource that supports life, livelihoods, and the environment. Understand that where rivers crosses political boundaries, the sharing of water presents challenges and opportunities. Interpret how international basins are governed; Evaluate how dams and water development affect ecology and people; and apply water conflict management frameworks to emerging international water issues.
Available via Ecampus
GEOG 450, LAND USE IN THE AMERICAN WEST, 3 Credits
Development of a conceptual framework for land use study; analysis of land as a resource, land use trends, land use principles, and management issues as related to planning, focusing on the American West, the fastest growing region in the nation.
GEOG 451, PLANNING PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES FOR RESILIENT COMMUNITIES, 4 Credits
Apply GIS skills and techniques to analyze and plan future land uses. Evaluate alternative models including suitability analysis to identify suitable land uses that incorporate community goals, comply with site constraints, and minimize use conflicts. Apply geodesign principles and practices to explore and analyze how land use planning decisions can impact the natural environment, local economies, and society. Assess regulatory and market-based implementation strategies. Evaluate how regional planning principles can promote smart growth and build resilient communities that minimize land use conflicts, mitigate hazard risk, and improve community livability.
Prerequisite: CE 202 with C- or better or FE 257 with C- or better or GEOG 360 with C- or better
Available via Ecampus
GEOG 452, ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT, 3 Credits
Environmental site assessment is a primary tool for environmental science professionals. Apply environmental science concepts to evaluate features of a specific natural area and conduct a land suitability analysis. Create a conceptual site design and management plan that complies with federal, state, and local regulations and environmental laws. CROSSLISTED as ENSC 452/GEOG 452.
Equivalent to: ENSC 452
Available via Ecampus
GEOG 453, EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE SCIENCE, 3 Credits
Explores the state of science on environmental change in the western United States and globally, including population and climate change, and the extent to which human behavior can affect drivers and outcomes of such changes. Develops skills in oral, visual, and written communication of science via both traditional and social media. Examines the best science available standard and addresses debates about advocacy in science.
GEOG 460, GIS AND SPATIAL DATA SCIENCE, 4 Credits
Focuses on practical applications of technologies and problem solving skills to spatial analysis within a geographic information system (GIS). Develops a foundation in spatial thinking and guides students through the process of designing and conducting spatial analyses applied to geographic problems. Builds skills using various forms of spatial data, models and techniques including spatial statistics and spatial data science. Emphasizes application and synthesis in a spatial analysis project including written and oral presentation.
Prerequisite: (GEOG 360 with C- or better or FE 257 with C- or better or CE 202 with C- or better) and (MTH 112 [C-] or MTH 112Z [C-] or MTH 251 [C-] or MTH 251H [C-]) and (ST 314 [C-] or ST 351 [C-] or ST 351H [C-])
Equivalent to: GEOG 362
Available via Ecampus
GEOG 462, PROGRAMMING FOR GEOSPATIAL ANALYSIS, 4 Credits
Explore the extension of geographic information systems (GIS) through programming. Examine design and writing of computer programs to automate geospatial analysis. Apply basic principles of programming languages to write, apply, and interpret results of scripts. Develop custom functions and analyze coding information to learn new skills. Emphasizes building foundations and pragmatic approaches to designing and constructing programs and scripts for geospatial analysis.
Prerequisite: GEOG 361 with C- or better or GEOG 460 with C- or better
Available via Ecampus
GEOG 463, ANALYTICAL WORKFLOWS FOR EARTH SYSTEMS SCIENCE, 4 Credits
Explores data science methods used to gather, validate, organize, analyze, and summarize large amounts of environmental and ecological information. Focuses on developing analytical workflows that are efficient, reproducible, and modular using tools such as the R coding language, RStudio, GitHub, and JupyterLab. Examines case studies including climate change, biodiversity assessments, epidemic modeling, marine spatial planning, and natural resource management.
Prerequisite: ST 314 with C- or better or ST 351 with C- or better or ST 351H with C- or better
GEOG 464, GEOSPATIAL PERSPECTIVES ON INTELLIGENCE, SECURITY AND ETHICS, 3 Credits
Applications and implications of geospatial science (GIS, remote sensing, and spatial analysis) in intelligence, human, environmental, and ethical domains. Concepts and practices of ethics in geospatial science, including data access, management, visualization, and decision-making.
Prerequisite: GEOG 360 with C- or better
Recommended: Senior standing
Available via Ecampus
GEOG 471, ADVANCED CARTOGRAPHY, 4 Credits
Explores advanced concepts, techniques, and theories of Cartography. Examines current research in color theory, typographic design, and other aspects of thematic, reference, and analytic maps. Focuses on the design, compilation, construction, and analysis of maps in multiple formats and created for diverse audiences. Constructs a professional level cartographic portfolio of work using GIS, publishing, and image editing software packages.
Prerequisite: GEOG 360 with C- or better
GEOG 472, INTERACTIVE CARTOGRAPHY, 4 Credits
Examines concepts, theories, and techniques of web programming, digital storytelling, online project management, and web-based cartographic principles. Explores the history, present, and potential future of online mapping libraries, technologies, and data. Builds foundational concepts for compiling, constructing, and analyzing interactive maps. Creates online, interactive web visualizations using open-source tools.
Prerequisite: GEOG 361 with C- or better or GEOG 370 with C- or better
GEOG 481, SATELLITE IMAGE ANALYSIS, 4 Credits
Intermediate concepts and techniques for satellite image processing including image enhancement, clustering, classification, machine learning, change detection, and time series analysis. Hands-on experience with open-source, large volume data and geospatial programming within Google Earth engine.
Prerequisite: (GEOG 380 with C- or better or GEOG 480 with C- or better) and (ST 314 [C-] or ST 351 [C-] or ST 351H [C-])
Available via Ecampus
GEOG 495, FIELD GEOGRAPHY SYNTHESIS, 3 Credits
Explore how geographers use field work to investigate landscapes such as mountains, forests, coasts, tundra and desert to understand how they were formed and explain how they have changed over time. Learn techniques for finding out how landscape processes impact humans and, in turn, how humans impact the environment around them. Apply geographic theories and concepts to synthesize, analyze and interpret the relationship between human communities and the environment through the planning and execution of field work.
Prerequisite: GEOG 295 with C- or better
Available via Ecampus
GEOG 499, SPECIAL STUDIES, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
GEOG 501, RESEARCH, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 24 credits.
Available via Ecampus
GEOG 503, THESIS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 999 credits.
GEOG 505, READING AND CONFERENCE, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
Available via Ecampus
GEOG 506, PROJECTS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 72 credits.
GEOG 507, SEMINAR, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
Available via Ecampus
GEOG 508, WORKSHOP, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
GEOG 510, INTERNSHIP, 1-15 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
Available via Ecampus
GEOG 511, HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHY OF GEOGRAPHY, 3 Credits
The historical development of research traditions in the discipline of geography. This includes an examination of changes in conceptual structures and current trends.
Available via Ecampus
GEOG 512, SOCIAL-ECOLOGICAL SYSTEMS, 3 Credits
Exploration of critical debates surrounding theories associated with social-ecological systems, resilience, vulnerability, adaptation, social learning, transformation, adaptive governance.
Recommended: 9 credits of graduate study.
GEOG 513, QUANTITATIVE METHODS FOR STUDYING SOCIAL-ECOLOGICAL SYSTEMS, 3 Credits
Explores quantitative tools used for studying social-ecological systems. Analyzes the concepts of resilience and fragility in social-ecological systems. Introduces methods from theoretical ecology, computer science, applied math and physics, placing them in the context of sustainability and resilience theory. Introduces network theory, dynamical systems theory and economics.
Recommended: Introductory Statistics with basic programming
GEOG 514, POLITICAL ECOLOGY, 3 Credits
Examines key theories and ideas emerging from political ecology, an interdisciplinary field that links human and physical geography by focusing on the role of multiscalar power relations in environmental change and resource access. Analyzes how political ecology frameworks can be applied in students’ own empirical research. Evaluates the field's potentials and limitations for scholars of human-environment geography.
GEOG 515, PROBLEM FORMULATION IN GEOGRAPHY AND GEOSPATIAL SCIENCE, 3 Credits
Formulates research questions, research designs, expected outcomes, and significance relevant to current research areas in geography and geospatial science.
Prerequisite: GEOG 511 with C or better
Available via Ecampus
GEOG 516, PARTICIPATORY RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS, 3 Credits
Explores participatory research design and methods from educating participants to engaging them as research partners. Builds practical skills for public engagement applied to quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods-based research, and emphasizes the potential for the empowerment of marginalized voices and transformative change. Prepares students to apply participatory components and approaches to their research topic and method of interest. Encourages students to critically reflect on power dynamics and ethical considerations in participatory research.
Recommended: 9 credits of graduate study
GEOG 523, SNOW HYDROLOGY, 3 Credits
Fundamentals of snow hydrology. Physical principles of snow formation, snowpack accumulation, energy balance, snowcover-climate interactions, snow metamorphism, snowpack ablation, snowpack/snowmelt chemistry, remote sensing of snow, avalances, field methods, snowmelt/runoff modeling techniques, and watershed processes.
GEOG 524, HYDROLOGY FOR WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT, 3 Credits
Examines watershed hydrology in the context of water resources management. Examines conceptual, quantitative, and geographic analyses of the hydrologic cycle. Explores historical and enduring challenges of watershed management for water extremes, water use, and climate.
GEOG 530, RESILIENCE-BASED NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT, 3 Credits
Causes and consequences of conflict over natural resource management at local to global scales; principles for managing social-ecological systems for resilience. Field trip(s) may be required; transportation fee charged.
GEOG 533, CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACTS, ADAPTATION AND VULNERABILITY, 3 Credits
Climate change poses challenges for human security and well-being, and for social and economic development. Evaluate how climate change impacts vary based on vulnerability, exposure, sensitivity, adaptive capacity, and risk.
GEOG 540, CONFLICT, COOPERATION, AND CONTROL OF WATER IN THE US, 3 Credits
Examine why nations rise and fall based on water availability and investigate why the United States is no exception. Explore how the US develops, protects, governs and manages its water resources and how it will cope with climate change and conflict. Discover resilience and sustainability through case studies.
Available via Ecampus
GEOG 541, THE WORLD'S WATER, 3 Credits
Investigate why water is a critical resource that supports life, livelihoods, and the environment. Understand that where rivers crosses political boundaries, the sharing of water presents challenges and opportunities. Interpret how international basins are governed; Evaluate how dams and water development affect ecology and people; and apply water conflict management frameworks to emerging international water issues.
Available via Ecampus
GEOG 550, LAND USE IN THE AMERICAN WEST, 3 Credits
Development of a conceptual framework for land use study; analysis of land as a resource, land use trends, land use principles, and management issues as related to planning, focusing on the American West, the fastest growing region in the nation.
GEOG 551, PLANNING PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES FOR RESILIENT COMMUNITIES, 4 Credits
Apply GIS skills and techniques to analyze and plan future land uses. Evaluate alternative models including suitability analysis to identify suitable land uses that incorporate community goals, comply with site constraints, and minimize use conflicts. Apply geodesign principles and practices to explore and analyze how land use planning decisions can impact the natural environment, local economies, and society. Assess regulatory and market-based implementation strategies. Evaluate how regional planning principles can promote smart growth and build resilient communities that minimize land use conflicts, mitigate hazard risk, and improve community livability.
Prerequisite: GEOG 560 with C or better
Available via Ecampus
GEOG 552, ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT, 3 Credits
Environmental site assessment is a primary tool for environmental science professionals. Apply environmental science concepts to evaluate features of a specific natural area and conduct a land suitability analysis. Create a conceptual site design and management plan that complies with federal, state, and local regulations and environmental laws.
Available via Ecampus
GEOG 553, EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE SCIENCE, 3 Credits
Explores the state of science on environmental change in the western United States and globally, including population and climate change, and the extent to which human behavior can affect drivers and outcomes of such changes. Develops skills in oral, visual, and written communication of science via both traditional and social media. Examines the best science available standard and addresses debates about advocacy in science.
GEOG 560, GISCIENCE I: INTRODUCTION TO GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SCIENCE, 4 Credits
Introduction to modern spatial data processing, development, and functions of geographic information systems (GIS); theory, concepts and applications of geographic information science (GIScience).
Available via Ecampus
GEOG 561, GISCIENCE II: ANALYSIS AND APPLICATIONS, 4 Credits
Applications-based course. Development and conduct of geospatial analyses using various spatial data structures, techniques and models. Students acquire, clean, integrate, manipulate, visualize and analyze geospatial data through laboratory work.
Prerequisite: GEOG 560 with C or better
Available via Ecampus
GEOG 562, PROGRAMMING FOR GEOSPATIAL ANALYSIS, 4 Credits
Explore the extension of geographic information systems (GIS) through programming. Examine design and writing of computer programs to automate geospatial analysis. Apply basic principles of programming languages to write, apply, and interpret results of scripts. Develop custom functions and analyze coding information to learn new skills. Emphasizes building foundations and pragmatic approaches to designing and constructing programs and scripts for geospatial analysis.
Prerequisite: GEOG 561 with C or better
Available via Ecampus
GEOG 563, ANALYTICAL WORKFLOWS FOR EARTH SYSTEMS SCIENCE, 4 Credits
Explores data science methods used to gather, validate, organize, analyze, and summarize large amounts of environmental and ecological information. Focuses on developing analytical workflows that are efficient, reproducible, and modular using tools such as the R coding language, RStudio, GitHub, and JupyterLab. Examines case studies including climate change, biodiversity assessments, epidemic modeling, marine spatial planning, and natural resource management.
Recommended: 9 credits of graduate coursework
GEOG 564, GEOSPATIAL PERSPECTIVES ON INTELLIGENCE, SECURITY AND ETHICS, 3 Credits
Applications and implications of geospatial science (GIS, remote sensing, and spatial analysis) in intelligence, human, environmental, and ethical domains. Concepts and practices of ethics in geospatial science, including data access, management, visualization, and decision-making.
Prerequisite: GEOG 560 with C or better
Available via Ecampus
GEOG 565, SPATIO-TEMPORAL VARIATION IN ECOLOGY AND EARTH SCIENCE, 4 Credits
Objectives and techniques of spatial and temporal analysis. Point patterns, geostatistics, spectral analysis, wavelet analysis, interpolation, and mapping.
GEOG 566, ADVANCED SPATIAL STATISTICS AND GISCIENCE, 4 Credits
Provides advanced graduate students from a variety of disciplines in earth science and ecology the opportunity to structure and conduct spatio-temporal analyses using available software tools and their own datasets for their graduate research.
GEOG 571, ADVANCED CARTOGRAPHY, 4 Credits
Explores advanced concepts, techniques, and theories of Cartography. Examines current research in color theory, typographic design, and other aspects of thematic, reference, and analytic maps. Focuses on the design, compilation, construction, and analysis of maps in multiple formats and created for diverse audiences. Constructs a professional level cartographic portfolio of work using GIS, publishing, and image editing software packages.
GEOG 572, INTERACTIVE CARTOGRAPHY, 4 Credits
Examines concepts, theories, and techniques of web programming, digital storytelling, online project management, and web-based cartographic principles. Explores the history, present, and potential future of online mapping libraries, technologies, and data. Builds foundational concepts for compiling, constructing, and analyzing interactive maps. Creates online, interactive web visualizations using open-source tools.
GEOG 580, REMOTE SENSING I: PRINCIPLES AND APPLICATIONS, 4 Credits
Fundamentals of satellite remote sensing and image analysis. Topics include physical principles of remote sensing from the ultraviolet to the microwave, sensors and sensor technology, and environmental applications of remote sensing through image analysis.
Recommended: GEOG 201
Available via Ecampus
GEOG 581, SATELLITE IMAGE ANALYSIS, 4 Credits
Intermediate concepts and techniques for satellite image processing including image enhancement, clustering, classification, machine learning, change detection, and time series analysis. Hands-on experience with open-source, large volume data and geospatial programming within Google Earth engine.
Prerequisite: GEOG 580 with C- or better
Available via Ecampus
GEOG 595, FIELD GEOGRAPHY OF OREGON, 3 Credits
Investigate how geographers use field work to study landscapes such as mountains, forests, coasts, tundra and desert to understand how they were formed and explain how they have changed over time Apply techniques for finding out how landscape processes impact humans and, in turn, how humans impact the environment around them. Apply geographic theories and concepts to synthesize, analyze and interpret the relationship between human communities and the environment through the planning and execution of field work in Oregon.
GEOG 596, FIELD RESEARCH IN GEOMORPHOLOGY AND LANDSCAPE ECOLOGY, 3 Credits
Natural history interpretation of disturbance and recovery processes and management implications in forest-stream landscapes of western Oregon. Course consists of field experience and several seminars. Transportation and lodging fee charged.
Recommended: 9 graduate credits in sciences or engineering.
GEOG 599, SPECIAL STUDIES, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 24 credits.
GEOG 601, RESEARCH, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 36 credits.
GEOG 603, THESIS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 999 credits.
GEOG 605, READING AND CONFERENCE, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
GEOG 607, SEMINAR, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
GEOG 608, WORKSHOP, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
GEOG 616, MANAGEMENT OF SPONSORED RESEARCH, 1 Credit
Prepare for fundamental pre-award and post-award administration of research projects as expected of principal investigators. Explore the process of matching proposal solicitations and proposed research. Examine similarities and difference among grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts; budget development and tracking, including facilities and administrative costs; major topics in research integrity; and hiring. Discuss navigation of conflicts among project personnel. Recognize major differences between research administration within and outside of academia.
GEOG 699, SPECIAL STUDIES, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 24 credits.
Geophysics (GPH)
GPH 501, RESEARCH, 1-16 Credits
Original research work that will not be part of the data used in a thesis.
This course is repeatable for 24 credits.
GPH 503, THESIS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 999 credits.
GPH 505, READING AND CONFERENCE, 1-16 Credits
Independent reading and library research on specialized topics in geophysics, guided by discussions with supervising faculty. A written report may be required.
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
GPH 507, SEMINAR, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 48 credits.
GPH 601, RESEARCH, 1-16 Credits
Original research work that will not be part of the data used in a thesis.
This course is repeatable for 36 credits.
GPH 603, THESIS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 999 credits.
GPH 605, READING AND CONFERENCE, 1-16 Credits
Independent reading and library research on specialized topics in geophysics guided by discussions with supervising faculty. A written report may be required.
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
GPH 607, SEMINAR, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 48 credits.
GPH 630, ELEMENTS OF SEISMOLOGY, 4 Credits
Survey of basic concepts in global seismology: world seismicity; elastic structure of the earth; seismic wave paths in the earth; locating earthquakes; earthquake focal mechanisms, magnitudes, stress drop, energy; stress and strain, elasticity, wave equation, plane waves in homogeneous and layered media, surface waves, free oscillations; ray theory; seismometry; earthquake prediction. Laboratory exercises include interpretation and analysis of seismograms from global seismographic networks.
Recommended: Differential equations.
GPH 641, ELECTROMAGNETIC METHODS IN GEOPHYSICS, 3 Credits
Survey of electromagnetic (EM) methods in geophysics. Review of electromagnetic theory, Maxwell's equations in the quasi-static limit, the diffusion of EM fields in a layered conductor, qualitative discussion of EM fields in 2- and 3-D conductors. EM techniques, including DC resistivity, magnetotellurics, controlled source EM, induced polarization, and long-period magnetometer array methods. Applications to exploration, to basic research on crustal structure and to studies of upper-mantel conductivity.
Recommended: Upper-division EM course.
GPH 642, EARTH MAGNETISM, 3 Credits
Geomagnetism and magnetic potential: general morphology and secular change; internal and external sources; principles of paleomagnetism, including field and laboratory procedures; origin of remnant magnetism in rocks and the controlling physical and chemical processes; the origin of the Earth's magnetic field.
GPH 650, GEOPHYSICAL INVERSE THEORY, 4 Credits
Survey of the theory and applications of inverse methods currently used in the geophysical sciences for the interpretation of inaccurate and inadequate data. Backus-Gilbert inverse theory, resolution, regularization methods (such as damped least squares) for linear and non-linear problems, stochastic inversion, and extremal models. Applications to seismic, gravity, magnetic and electromagnetic data.
Recommended: Linear algebra
GPH 651, GEODYNAMICS I, 3 Credits
Application of the techniques of continuum mechanics to geological problems. Thermal and subsidence history of the lithosphere; stress and strain in the earth; elasticity and flexure of the lithosphere; gravitational compensation.
GPH 665, GEOPHYSICAL FIELD TECHNIQUES, 3 Credits
Instrumentation, field methods and interpretation of gravimetric, magnetic, electrical and seismic prospecting techniques. Students will be required to collect, reduce, analyze, and interpret data.
GPH 689, SPECIAL TOPICS IN GEOPHYSICS, 1-4 Credits
Special topics of current interest in geophysics, not covered in detail in other courses. May be repeated on different topics for credit.
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
Marine Resource Management (MRM)
MRM 501, RESEARCH AND SCHOLARSHIP, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 24 credits.
MRM 503, THESIS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 999 credits.
MRM 505, READING AND CONFERENCE, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
MRM 506, PROJECTS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 72 credits.
MRM 507, SEMINAR, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 48 credits.
MRM 508, WORKSHOP, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 24 credits.
MRM 510, INTERNSHIP, 1-12 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
MRM 525, SPECIAL TOPICS IN MARINE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT, 1-4 Credits
This course is repeatable for 24 credits.
MRM 530, PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE OF MARINE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT, 3 Credits
Introduces learners to the core concepts/skills required for guiding the management of the interactions between human and natural marine systems. Particular attention is given to the concept and framework of Ecosystem-Based Management, the goal of which is to conserve, maintain and restore ecosystem functions to promote the economic and ecological sustainability of marine ecosystems and human communities that depend on the services they provide. Tomorrow’s marine resource managers must be capable of identifying, requesting, analyzing, synthesizing, and combining natural and social science with experiential knowledge and human/social capital to generate meaningful policy and management recommendations and strategies.
MRM 599, SPECIAL TOPICS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 24 credits.
Oceanography (OC)
OC 003, UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH, 0 Credits
Engage in research activities appropriate to the discipline; and through the research experience, acquire skills, techniques, and knowledge relevant to the field of study. In consultation with a faculty mentor, engage in research activity, and make and execute a plan for a project.
Available via Ecampus
OC 004, INTERNSHIP, 0 Credits
Provides basic personal and professional skills that can be used within and outside of a work setting. Through practice, this experience guides students in building and maintaining positive professional relationships, networking/mentoring relationships, and enhances students’ understanding of the connection between theory and practice in their respective disciplines.
Available via Ecampus
OC 103, *EXPLORING THE DEEP: GEOGRAPHY OF THE WORLD'S OCEANS, 4 Credits
Introduces non-science students to the oceans, including marine geology and chemistry, ocean currents, coastal and biological processes. Field trip required, transportation fee charged. Lec/lab. (Bacc Core Course)
Attributes: CPPS – Bacc Core, Perspectives, Physical Science
Equivalent to: GEO 103H, OC 103H
Available via Ecampus
OC 199, SPECIAL TOPICS IN OCEANOGRAPHY, 1-4 Credits
Introduction to topics of current interest in oceanography for lower-division undergraduates. May be repeated for credit when topic varies.
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
OC 201, *OCEANOGRAPHY, 4 Credits
Plate tectonics and the geological structure of ocean basins; physical and chemical properties of seawater; Earth's energy budget; large-scale circulation of the atmosphere and ocean; marine sediment properties and transport; Earth history recorded in marine sediments; the carbon cycle in the atmosphere and sea; and the ecology of pelagic and benthic systems.
Attributes: CPPS – Bacc Core, Perspectives, Physical Science
Equivalent to: OC 201H
Available via Ecampus
OC 201H, *OCEANOGRAPHY, 4 Credits
Plate tectonics and the geological structure of ocean basins; physical and chemical properties of seawater; Earth's energy budget; large-scale circulation of the atmosphere and ocean; marine sediment properties and transport; Earth history recorded in marine sediments; the carbon cycle in the atmosphere and sea; and the ecology of pelagic and benthic systems.
Attributes: CPPS – Bacc Core, Perspectives, Physical Science; HNRS – Honors Course Designator
Equivalent to: OC 201
OC 202, +*INTRODUCTION TO BIOLOGICAL OCEANOGRAPHY, 4 Credits
Examines critical processes and patterns of life in the ocean and how they affect the air we breathe, the food we eat, and the habitability of the planet. Explores principles and practice of biological oceanography as an interdisciplinary science, focusing on origins of life; energy capture and trophic transfers; diverse organisms and habitats; and contributions by historic and current scientists. Observations, experiments, and analyses during laboratory classes reinforce concepts, and provide hands-on practice with contemporary methods and technologies.
Attributes: CFSI – Core Ed - Scientific Inquiry & Analysis; CPBS – Bacc Core, Perspectives, Biological Science
OC 295, INTRODUCTION TO FIELD OCEANOGRAPHY - LAND, 1 Credit
OC 295 is preparatory for the intensive OC 296 field portion at sea. Students will learn about the collection of samples and data using methods and instruments that are common in sea-going oceanography and help plan the cruise.
Prerequisite: OC 201 (may be taken concurrently) with D- or better or OC 201H (may be taken concurrently) with D- or better
OC 296, INTRODUCTION TO FIELD OCEANOGRAPHY - SEA, 2 Credits
The sea-going field portion of OC 295 onboard a large research vessel. During the multi-day cruise students will collect oceanographic data and samples from the coastal ocean. Students who complete OC 295 and OC 296 will learn how to collect data and samples on the high seas, conduct preliminary analyses of data, and contribute to the development of scientific knowledge. Serves as an introduction to upper-division course work in oceanography.
Prerequisite: OC 295 with P or better
OC 298, INTRODUCTION TO PHYSICAL OCEANOGRAPHY, 4 Credits
Identifies and describes fundamental physical oceanographic phenomena with an emphasis on large-scale physical property variability and ocean circulation. Addresses topical aspects such as stratification, light in the ocean, mixing, boundary layer processes, coastal upwelling, and ocean eddies. Explains non-intuitive behavior of fluids on a rotating planet. Emphasizes physical processes related to biological, chemical, and geological oceanography. Examines Earth's global energy balance through the synthesis of the physical processes. Uses simplified predictive models to test theoretical concepts.
Prerequisite: (OC 201 with C- or better or OC 201H with C- or better) and (MTH 112 [C-] or MTH 112Z [C-] or MTH 251 [C-] or MTH 251H [C-])
OC 301, OCEANOGRAPHIC DATA ANALYSIS, 4 Credits
Applies quantitative and graphical methods to characterize and to test relationships between diverse oceanographic data. Develops skills to interpret data based on source, timescale, and statistics. Enhances proficiency in communicating conclusions and uncertainties regarding relationships between ocean processes.
Prerequisite: (OC 201 with C- or better or OC 201H with C- or better) and (ST 351 [C-] or ST 351H [C-])
OC 332, COASTAL OCEANOGRAPHY, 3 Credits
Examines aspects of the physics, geology, biology and chemistry of the coastal ocean. Describes and explains fundamental features and processes of the coastal ocean, including waves, tides and tsunamis, beach erosion, wind-driven upwelling, El Niño and climate change. Uses and analyzes online data sources, and gain experience interpreting and displaying data about conditions in the coastal ocean. Evaluates relationships between wind, waves and the response of the coastal ocean to predict the short- and long-term variability.
OC 333, *OCEANS, COASTS, AND PEOPLE, 3 Credits
Explores contemporary issues related to human interactions with our oceans and coastal zone at global, regional and local scales. Uses perspectives from the natural and social sciences to analyze the origins of these interactions. Evaluates how changes to the way oceans coasts and people interact can lead to changes in ocean and coastal health and the wellbeing of diverse stakeholders. Identifies evidence-based mitigation and adaptation solutions to improve the resilience of interconnected human, coastal and ocean systems.
Attributes: CSGI – Bacc Core, Synthesis, Contemporary Global Issues
Recommended: OC 201
Available via Ecampus
OC 340, BIOLOGICAL OCEANOGRAPHY, 4 Credits
Covers advanced examination of the ocean as an ecosystem with emphasis on the processes affecting the production and structure of oceanic communities. Examines flow of energy and matter from primary producers through primary consumers up to higher trophic levels and assess the impacts of physical and chemical oceanic environment on these flows. Examines microbial and benthic processes. Discusses current topics including, such as hypoxia, ocean acidification and harmful algal blooms.
Prerequisite: (OC 201 with C- or better or OC 201H with C- or better) and (BI 221 [C-] or BI 221H [C-])
Equivalent to: OC 440
OC 350, CHEMICAL OCEANOGRAPHY, 4 Credits
Examines chemical properties and processes in the ocean, including composition of sea water, elemental fluxes, and chemical reactions across marine interfaces. Explores reservoirs, sources, and sinks of the major and minor element found in seawater, and the use of tracers and isotopic clocks to study oceanic biogeochemical cycles. Emphasizes interactions between biological, chemical, and physical processes as well as thermodynamic and kinetic predictions for reactions in seawater. Applies oceanographic data analysis tools to determine processes that control the distribution of major nutrients, carbon, and trace metals.
Prerequisite: CH 122 with C- or better or CH 232 with C- or better or CH 232H with C- or better
Equivalent to: OC 450
OC 360, GEOLOGICAL OCEANOGRAPHY, 4 Credits
Examines sedimentary (mainly) processes and products in the ocean and their significance, including the large-scale structure and geomorphology of the ocean basins and margins; how sediment is delivered to (or produced in) the ocean; how waves, currents, and gravity redistribute it; and how it accumulates in various depositional environments to form the stratigraphic record. Covers methods and challenges of deciphering sedimentary archives to better understand Earth history on time scales of events to millions of years.
Prerequisite: (GEO 201 with C- or better or OC 201 with C- or better or OC 201H with C- or better) and (MTH 227 [C-] or MTH 241 [C-] or MTH 241H [C-] or MTH 245 [C-] or MTH 251 [C-] or MTH 251H [C-])
Equivalent to: OC 460
Recommended: Basic understanding of seawater nutrient and carbonate chemistry, patterns and drivers of ocean primary productivity, global surface ocean and thermohaline circulation, and basic plate tectonics including convergent and divergent margins
OC 399, SPECIAL TOPICS IN OCEANOGRAPHY, 1-4 Credits
Equivalent to: OC 399H
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
OC 399H, SPECIAL TOPICS IN OCEANOGRAPHY, 1-4 Credits
Attributes: HNRS – Honors Course Designator
Equivalent to: OC 399
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
OC 401, RESEARCH PROJECTS, 1-16 Credits
Field and laboratory research in oceanography for undergraduates, resulting in a written report.
This course is repeatable for 24 credits.
Available via Ecampus
OC 403, THESIS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 24 credits.
OC 405, READING AND CONFERENCE, 1-4 Credits
Independent library research and reading in specialized topics in oceanography for undergraduates, guided by discussions in conferences with faculty. A written report may be required.
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
OC 407, SEMINAR, 1-3 Credits
Undergraduate seminar on current developments in the oceanographic research literature, with student presentations and group discussions. A written report may be required.
Equivalent to: OC 407H
This course is repeatable for 12 credits.
OC 407H, SEMINAR, 1-3 Credits
Undergraduate seminar on current developments in the oceanographic research literature, with student presentations and group discussions. A written report may be required.
Attributes: HNRS – Honors Course Designator
Equivalent to: OC 407
This course is repeatable for 12 credits.
OC 410, INTERNSHIP, 1-16 Credits
Pre-career professional experience under joint faculty and employer supervision.
This course is repeatable for 48 credits.
Recommended: 12 credits of upper-division college courses
Available via Ecampus
OC 430, PRINCIPLES OF PHYSICAL OCEANOGRAPHY, 4 Credits
Fundamental principles of physical oceanography; conservation of mass, heat, momentum and vorticity; equations governing motion in the ocean; geostrophy; planetary boundary layers; wind-driven and thermohaline circulation. Descriptive oceanography; application of the fundamental principles to the ocean; examination of the major current systems; water mass analysis. Offered annually.
Recommended: One year each of college physics and college calculus.
OC 433, COASTAL AND ESTUARINE OCEANOGRAPHY, 3 Credits
Circulation of the coastal ocean including continental shelf circulation, upwelling, coastal jets, undercurrents, coastal-trapped waves. Fundamentals of surface waves and tides; tsunamis, wind generation, breaking waves. Estuary classification and circulation patterns; shallow-water processes and beach morphology. Offered alternate years.
Recommended: One year of college physics and one year of calculus.
OC 434, ESTUARINE ECOLOGY, 4 Credits
Integrated and synthetic training in the ecological processes of estuarine environments, with emphases on ecological interactions among organisms and the biogeochemical cycling of carbon and nitrogen. Topics include geomorphology, estuarine physics and chemistry, primary and secondary producers, ecosystem metabolism, element cycling, food webs, fisheries, restoration, management, and impacts of climate. Field trip required, transportation fee charged. CROSSLISTED as FW 434/OC 434.
Equivalent to: FW 434
Available via Ecampus
OC 436, ACOUSTICAL OCEANOGRAPHY, 3 Credits
Explore the principles of using sound as a sampling tool and the applications of acoustics in a variety of marine disciplines. Examine the physics of underwater sound and sound propagation in the ocean, including the effects of oceanographic variability such as temperature/salinity stratification, seafloor/surface reflections, internal waves, turbulence, and presence of biological organisms. Break down the principles underlying acoustic remote sensing methods in oceanography including sonar, sub-bottom profilers, acoustic tomography, and passive acoustic detection. Explore modern research in acoustical oceanography, and the associated scientific literature.
Prerequisite: (PH 213 with C or better or PH 213H with C or better) and OC 430 [C]
OC 444, ^POLAR OCEANOGRAPHY, 3 Credits
Explores the physical, chemical and biological oceanography of the Arctic and Antarctic and examines anthropogenic impacts; both direct (resource utilization), and indirect (climate change). Covers a broad range of topics to introduce students to polar oceanography through a series of lectures, interactive classes, documentaries, relevant literature, the analysis of real polar data, and a range of formal and informal written assignments aimed at a variety of audiences. Promotes authentic scientific inquiry and enhances communication skills.
Attributes: CSWC – Core Ed - Writing Intensive Curriculum (WIC); CWIC – Bacc Core, Skills, Writing Intensive Curriculum (WIC)
Prerequisite: OC 298 with C- or better and OC 340 [C-] and OC 350 [C-]
Equivalent to: OC 334
OC 449, ECOLOGICAL THEORIES IN BIOLOGICAL AND FISHERIES OCEANOGRAPHY DATA, 4 Credits
Students will learn the ecological theories applied in fisheries oceanography research and analytical techniques used to quantify fisheries oceanography processes. Sessions will be presented in the context of fundamental ecological research, including effects of environmental and climate variability on production and distribution of species and communities. A specific emphasis is toward analyses of large spatio-temporal data.
Prerequisite: (MTH 252 with C or better or MTH 252H with C or better or MTH 228 with C or better) and (ST 351 [C] or ST 351H [C]) and (OC 440 (may be taken concurrently) [C] or BI 370 [C] or BI 370H [C])
OC 453, CHEMISTRY OF NATURAL WATERS, 4 Credits
Explores fundamental concepts for understanding the thermodynamics and kinetics of chemical changes in natural waters. Applies techniques for predicting the speciation and reactions of gaseous, dissolved and solid phases, with an emphasis on quantifying equilibrium chemistry. Focuses on a range of natural environments including oceans, rivers, lakes, groundwaters, and soils in order to develop an intuition of the behavior of chemicals in nature. Emphasizes acid-base chemistry, gas-liquid equilibrium, metal chemistry, surface chemistry, oxidation and reduction chemistry.
Prerequisite: CH 123 with C- or better or CH 233 with C- or better or CH 233H with C- or better
OC 465, CENOZOIC PALEOCEANOGRAPHY, 3 Credits
Examines key intervals of the Earth’s ocean-climate history over the past 65 million years and events that have acted to have a major effect on the Earth’s climate including processes that have changed ocean circulation (plate tectonics, ocean basin evolution), climate forcing mechanisms, and ocean biology/productivity. Reviews commonly used paleoceanographic techniques including proxies used to reconstruct ocean temperatures, productivity, and oxygen.
Prerequisite: (OC 201 with C- or better or OC 201H with C- or better) and (GEO 201 [C-] or GEO 202 [C-] or GEO 202H [C-])
OC 474, EARLY LIFE HISTORY OF FISHES, 4 Credits
Overview of diversity of development patterns in fishes; emphasis on morphology, life history, and evolution. Offered alternate years. CROSSLISTED as FW 474/OC 474.
Equivalent to: FW 474
Recommended: FW 315
OC 495, ADVANCED FIELD OCEANOGRAPHY 1, 2 Credits
Design a field-based research project based on a synthesis of relevant oceanographic literature and relevant sampling techniques. Prepare and plan for an oceanographic cruise or data collection effort for a student-led research project.
Prerequisite: (OC 340 with C- or better or OC 350 with C- or better or OC 360 with C- or better) and (OC 340 [C-] or OC 350 [C-] or OC 360 [C-])
Equivalent to: OC 495X
OC 496, ADVANCED FIELD OCEANOGRAPHY 2, 4 Credits
Participate in the collection of oceanographic data and samples as described in research proposals previously submitted as part of OC 495. Analyze data and samples as described in research plans and prepare a written report of findings.
Prerequisite: OC 495 with C- or better
Equivalent to: OC 496X
OC 498, GRAND CHALLENGES IN OCEANOGRAPHY, 3 Credits
Examines how natural and anthropogenic perturbations of the ocean propagate across spatial and temporal scales and how observations and conceptual models have been used to identify and constrain ocean processes and state variables. Integrates knowledge and information across a range of oceanographic disciplines, including physics, chemistry, geology, and biology. Explores the practical and ethical challenges of learning how the ocean modulates climate and provides economic resources to a variety of stakeholders at local, regional and global scales.
Prerequisite: OC 332 (may be taken concurrently) with C- or better and OC 333 (may be taken concurrently) [C-] and OC 340 (may be taken concurrently) [C-] and OC 350 (may be taken concurrently) [C-] and OC 360 (may be taken concurrently) [C-]
OC 499, SPECIAL TOPICS IN OCEANOGRAPHY, 1-4 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
OC 501, RESEARCH, 1-16 Credits
Original research work that will not be part of the data used in a thesis.
This course is repeatable for 24 credits.
OC 503, THESIS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 999 credits.
OC 505, READING AND CONFERENCE, 1-16 Credits
Independent reading and library research on specialized topics in oceanography, guided by discussions with supervising faculty. A written report may be required.
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
OC 506, PROJECTS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 72 credits.
OC 507, SEMINAR, 1-3 Credits
Student presentations and discussions of current research literature or personal research results. Original research presentations by visiting scientists, OSU faculty and graduate students presenting final thesis results. Other sections and specific topics by arrangement.
This course is repeatable for 48 credits.
OC 508, WORKSHOP, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 24 credits.
OC 512, BASIC MATLAB FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTISTS AND ENGINEERS, 2 Credits
MATLAB desktop environment will be introduced and basic programming and data analysis skills will be developed, with an emphasis on writing optimized routines to analyze data sets utilizing matrix algebra and vectorization of functions. Basic graphics and visualization will be covered, including two-dimensional and three-dimensional graphing, contouring and movies.
OC 515, OREGON COAST MATH CAMP, 3 Credits
Selected topics from differential calculus, integral calculus, ordinary and partial differential equations, statistics, linear algebra and vector calculus. Two-week course taught at Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport, Oregon, before fall term begins.
Recommended: Differential and integral calculus and linear algebra
OC 522, OCEAN BIOGEOCHEMICAL DYNAMICS, 4 Credits
Examines what keeps ocean systems in balance, and determines their response to perturbation. Covers connections between physical transport and biogeochemical reaction rates and energetics, taught from the perspective of key ocean biogeochemical cycles.
Recommended: Bachelor's degree in a scientific field
OC 523, OCEAN ECOLOGICAL DYNAMICS, 4 Credits
Major characteristics of ocean biota and ocean ecosystems. Main themes will be centered on the bioenergetics of marine systems at levels ranging from the individual to ocean biomes, and on how ocean biota facilitates diverse marine biogeochemical processes.
OC 528, MICROPROBE ANALYSIS, 3 Credits
Theory and application of electron microprobe analysis to problems in geology, engineering, chemistry, physics, and biology.
Equivalent to: GEO 528
OC 533, COASTAL AND ESTUARINE OCEANOGRAPHY, 3 Credits
Circulation of the coastal ocean including continental shelf circulation, upwelling, coastal jets, undercurrents, coastal-trapped waves. Fundamentals of surface waves and tides; tsunamis, wind generation, breaking waves; shallow-water processes and beach morphology. Offered alternate years.
Recommended: One year of college physics and one year of calculus.
OC 534, ESTUARINE ECOLOGY, 4 Credits
Integrated and synthetic training in the ecological processes of estuarine environments, with emphases on ecological interactions among organisms and the biogeochemical cycling of carbon and nitrogen. Topics include geomorphology, estuarine physics and chemistry, primary and secondary producers, ecosystem metabolism, element cycling, food webs, fisheries, restoration, management, and impacts of climate. Field trip required, transportation fee charged. CROSSLISTED as FW 534/OC 534.
Equivalent to: FW 534
Available via Ecampus
OC 536, ACOUSTICAL OCEANOGRAPHY, 3 Credits
Explore the principles of using sound as a sampling tool and the applications of acoustics in a variety of marine disciplines. Examine the physics of underwater sound and sound propagation in the ocean, including the effects of oceanographic variability such as temperature/salinity stratification, seafloor/surface reflections, internal waves, turbulence, and presence of biological organisms. Break down the principles underlying acoustic remote sensing methods in oceanography including sonar, sub-bottom profilers, acoustic tomography, and passive acoustic detection. Explore modern research in acoustical oceanography, and the associated scientific literature.
Recommended: Background in oceanography or a fluid dynamics related discipline; physics that included wave propagation (e.g., electromagnetics); and mathematics that included differential equations
OC 549, ECOLOGICAL THEORIES IN BIOLOGICAL AND FISHERIES OCEANOGRAPHY DATA, 4 Credits
Students will learn the ecological theories applied in fisheries oceanography research and analytical techniques used to quantify fisheries oceanography processes. Sessions will be presented in the context of fundamental ecological research, including effects of environmental and climate variability on production and distribution of species and communities. A specific emphasis is toward analyses of large spatio-temporal data.
Recommended: (MTH 252 or MTH 228) and ST 351 and (OC 440 or BI 370)
OC 553, CHEMISTRY OF NATURAL WATERS, 4 Credits
Explores fundamental concepts for understanding the thermodynamics and kinetics of chemical changes in natural waters. Applies techniques for predicting the speciation and reactions of gaseous, dissolved and solid phases, with an emphasis on quantifying equilibrium chemistry. Focuses on a range of natural environments including oceans, rivers, lakes, groundwaters, and soils in order to develop an intuition of the behavior of chemicals in nature. Emphasizes acid-base chemistry, gas-liquid equilibrium, metal chemistry, surface chemistry, oxidation and reduction chemistry.
Recommended: One year of college-level chemistry
OC 562, SEDIMENTARY PROCESSES IN THE OCEAN BASINS, 3 Credits
An integrated view of sediment processes in the ocean basins from a source to sink perspective, with a special emphasis on the interpretation of the historical record.
Recommended: OC 550 and one year each physics and calculus and geology.
OC 574, EARLY LIFE HISTORY OF FISHES, 4 Credits
Overview of diversity of development patterns in fishes; emphasis on morphology, life history, and evolution. Offered alternate years. CROSSLISTED as FW 574/OC 574.
Equivalent to: FW 574
Recommended: FW 315
OC 599, SPECIAL TOPICS IN OCEANOGRAPHY, 1-4 Credits
This course is repeatable for 12 credits.
OC 601, RESEARCH, 1-16 Credits
Original research work that will not be part of the data used in a thesis.
This course is repeatable for 36 credits.
OC 603, THESIS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 999 credits.
OC 605, READING AND CONFERENCE, 1-16 Credits
Independent reading and library research on specialized topics in oceanography, guided by discussions with supervising faculty. A written report may be required.
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
OC 606, PROJECTS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 84 credits.
OC 607, SEMINAR, 1-3 Credits
Student presentations and discussion of current research literature or personal research results. Original research presentations by visiting scientists, OSU faculty and graduate students presenting final thesis results. Other sections and specific topics by arrangement.
This course is repeatable for 48 credits.
OC 608, WORKSHOP, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 24 credits.
OC 630, OCEAN WAVE MECHANICS I, 3 Credits
Linear wave boundary value problem formulation and solution, water particle kinematics, shoaling, refraction, diffraction, and reflection. Linear long wave theory with applications to tides, seiching, and storm surge. CROSSLISTED as CE 630/OC 630.
Equivalent to: CE 630
OC 631, OCEAN WAVE MECHANICS II, 3 Credits
Second in the sequence of ocean wave engineering mechanics, covers the following topics: introduction to long wave theory, wave superposition, wave height distribution, and the wind-wave spectrum, introduction to wave forces, and basic nonlinear properties of water waves. May include additional selected topic in wave mechanics. CROSSLISTED as CE 631/OC 631.
Prerequisite: CE 630 with C or better or OC 630 with C or better
Equivalent to: CE 631
OC 646, PHYSICAL/BIOLOGICAL INTERACTIONS IN THE UPPER OCEAN, 4 Credits
Variability in physical oceanic processes in the upper ocean and relationship to spatial and temporal variations in biomass, growth rates, and other biological patterns in the organisms of ocean surface waters. The relationship between variability in ocean physical phenomena and ecosystem dynamics, including the requirements of sampling design for upper ocean ecological studies. Time and space scales of physical and biological phenomena in the upper ocean. Offered alternate years. Offered alternate years, typically fall term.
OC 649, SPECIAL TOPICS IN BIOLOGICAL OCEANOGRAPHY, 1-4 Credits
Special topics of current interest in biological oceanography not covered in detail in other courses. May be repeated for credit when topic varies.
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
OC 657, SEDIMENT BIOGEOCHEMISTRY, 3 Credits
An overview of early diagenetic processes in marine sediments and the interdisciplinary approaches used to quantify material transformations at the seafloor.
Recommended: OC 550
OC 659, SPECIAL TOPICS IN CHEMICAL OCEANOGRAPHY, 1-4 Credits
Special topics of current interest in chemical oceanography not covered in detail by other courses. May be repeated for credit when topic varies.
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
OC 660, PALEOCEANOGRAPHY, 3 Credits
Large-scale changes in the oceanic and atmospheric system, as recorded in marine sediments, and their implications for understanding global environment changes. Chemical, physical, and biological proxies for oceanic and atmospheric processes in the geologic record period. Evidence for changing global climate at time scales longer than the historical record; the oceanic history of the Late-Cenozoic ice ages, long term evolution of climate change patterns, catastrophic global environmental events, and application of quantitative models to the past. Current research topics in paleoceanography. Offered alternate years.
Recommended: OC 560
OC 662, NEARSHORE HYDRODYNAMICS, 3 Credits
Briefly reviews wave processes in the nearshore, and concentrates on the wave-averaged circulation with an eye towards it potential effects on bathymetric change.
Equivalent to: CE 662
Recommended: Previous courses related to water wave mechanics and differential equations
OC 664, NEARSHORE SEDIMENT TRANSPORT, 3 Credits
To study the dynamics of a nearshore wave field propagating over a shoaling bathymetry, the response of sediments and morphology to those motions, emergent morphology due to the coupled system, anthropogenic influences and mitigation.
Recommended: General physics, integral and differential calculus; nearshore hydrodynamics.
OC 669, SPECIAL TOPICS IN GEOLOGICAL OCEANOGRAPHY, 1-4 Credits
Subjects of current interest in geological oceanography not covered in depth in other courses. May be repeated for credit when topic varies.
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
OC 670, FLUID DYNAMICS, 4 Credits
Fundamentals of fluid dynamics: conservation laws of mass, momentum, and energy; inviscid and viscous flows; boundary layers; vorticity dynamics; irrotational and potential flow. Offered annually.
Recommended: One year of college physics; mathematics through differential equations and vector calculus.
OC 671, GEOPHYSICAL FLUID DYNAMICS I, 4 Credits
Introduces the concepts of rotation and density stratification on classical fluid dynamics principles. Topics including dynamics of rotating and stratified fluids, potential vorticity, geostrophic motion; inviscid shallow-water theory, Poincare, Kelvin, and Rossby waves; geostrophic adjustment, quasigeostrophic approximation, Ekman layers, two-layer and continuously stratified models.
Prerequisite: OC 670 with C or better
OC 672, GEOPHYSICAL FLUID DYNAMICS II, 4 Credits
Analyzes and solves problems on advanced dynamics of rotating and stratified fluids. Applies multi-layer and continuously stratified quasi-geostrophic theory and thermodynamic Boussinesq approximation. Topics including vertical modes, linear barotropic and baroclinic planetary (Rossby) waves, wave dispersion and group velocity; omega equation, pressure coordinates, pressure tendency, baroclinic development; Sverdrup balance, ventilated thermocline, potential vorticity homogenization, circumpolar flow and mid-depth meridional overturning; baroclinic instability and atmospheric general circulation.
Prerequisite: OC 671 with C or better
OC 673, DESCRIPTIVE PHYSICAL OCEANOGRAPHY, 4 Credits
Explores fundamental mass, force, and energy balances of the ocean; geostrophy; planetary boundary layers; wind-driven and thermohaline circulation; vorticity; air-sea fluxes of heat, salt, moisture, and momentum. Applies these balances through descriptive examination of the ocean-global heat budget; surface current systems; abyssal circulation. Study of variability on a variety of time and space scales. Uses instrumentation and platforms used for observing the ocean.
Prerequisite: ATS 515 with C or better or OC 670 with C or better or OEAS 530 with C or better
OC 674, TURBULENCE, 4 Credits
Governing equations, turbulent kinetic energy, vorticity dynamics; turbulent transports of mass and momentum; statistical description of turbulent flows, spectral dynamics; turbulent boundary layers, planetary boundary layers in the atmosphere and ocean, convective mixed layers, stable boundary layers; deep ocean turbulence. Offered alternate years.
Prerequisite: OC 670 with C or better
OC 675, NUMERICAL MODELING OF OCEAN DYNAMICS, 4 Credits
Review of computer (numerical) models used to simulate the dynamics of fluids, specifically in the context of Earth’s oceans. Describe and contrast finite-difference, finite-volume and spectral numerical methods, common physical approximations, hardware (CPUs/GPUs), and software used to simulate ocean dynamics. Code a 2D shallow-water model and, separately, configure existing code to simulate quasi-geostrophic dynamics, 3D non-hydrostatic turbulence (large-eddy simulation) and primitive equation (hydrostatic) ocean systems. Design a research question and apply a numerical model to answer this question in the final project.
Prerequisite: OC 670 with C or better
Recommended: Proficiency in at least one coding language (e.g., Python, Julia, Fortran, MATLAB)
OC 678, OCEAN REMOTE SENSING, 4 Credits
Theory and applications of satellite remote sensing observations of the ocean with emphasis on strengths and limitations in the measurements. Topics include review of electricity and magnetism, absorption and scattering in the atmosphere (radiative transfer), satellite orbital mechanics, measurements of ocean color, infrared remote sensing, microwave radiometry, scatterometry, and satellite altimetry. Offered alternate years.
OC 679, SPECIAL TOPICS IN PHYSICAL OCEANOGRAPHY, 1-4 Credits
Subjects of current interest in physical oceanography, not covered in depth in other courses. May be repeated for credit when topic varies.
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
OC 680, STABILITY OF GEOPHYSICAL FLUID FLOWS, 4 Credits
Linear perturbation analysis applied to geophysical flows. These methods provide both quantitative and conceptual insight into the formative stages of turbulent flow. Emphasis is on practical numerical methods for the solution of differential eigenvalue problems. Examples are drawn from a wide range of geophysical flow instabilities, based in part upon student interests.
Prerequisite: OC 670 with C or better
Recommended: Multivariate calculus, matrix calculus, Matlab and concurrent enrollment in OC 670
OC 681, GEOPHYSICAL WAVES, 4 Credits
Fundamentals of wave dynamics applied to geophysical fluids. Hyperbolic waves--linear and nonlinear; characteristics; shock waves. Dispersive waves--linear waves, dispersion relations, group velocity; isotropic and anisotropic dispersion; nonlinear solitary waves. Application to geophysical waves--surface gravity, capillary, internal gravity, Kelvin, planetary, coastal. Offered alternate years.
Prerequisite: OC 670 with C or better
OC 682, DATA ANALYSIS IN THE TIME AND SPACE DOMAINS, 4 Credits
Theory of classical and modern techniques for analysis of data in the time and space domains with applications to real oceanographic and atmospheric data. Topics include correlation analysis, regression analysis, EOF analysis, objective mapping, interpolation, filtering, sampling errors, and confidence tests. Offered alternate years.
Recommended: MTH 341 and MTH 342 and MTH 418 and OC 608 and ST 314 and a working knowledge of Matlab, IDL, or FORTRAN
OC 683, DATA ANALYSIS IN THE FREQUENCY AND WAVE NUMBER DOMAINS, 4 Credits
Theory of classical and modern techniques for analysis of data in the frequency and wavenumber domains with applications to real oceanographic and atmospheric data. Topics include sampling theory, one-dimensional autospectral analysis, multidimensional autospectral analysis, coherence and phase analysis, bi-spectral analysis, wavelet analysis, and confidence tests. Offered alternate years.
Equivalent to: ATS 683
Recommended: MTH 341 and MTH 342 and MTH 418 and OC 608 and ST 314 and a working knowledge of Matlab, IDL, or FORTRAN
OC 691, PROPOSAL WRITING, 3 Credits
Teaches the use of NSF Fastlane. Includes a discussion of ethics and fairness in reviewing, a review of real proposals by faculty, a simulated NSF funding panel, and then development of a real proposal, for review purposes. This will relate directly to the student's current thesis or project. The course enables graduate students from all disciplines to develop rigorous, well thought-out proposals. It should be taken early enough in the program so that the proposal process contributes to their research progress.
OC 808, WORKSHOP, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
Ocean, Earth, and Atmospheric Sciences (OEAS)
OEAS 500, CASCADIA FIELD TRIP, 2-4 Credits
A field course to various locations within the Cascade volcanic arc, Coast Range and Oregon Coast. Introduction to the range of physical and biological science topics to be covered in OEAS 520, OEAS 530 and OEAS 540 in field settings; the linkages between these topics, and their impact on humans, with case examples. Students will practice math skills, and collect samples and data to be used in laboratory sessions in the later courses. Offered annually. Transportation fee charged.
This course is repeatable for 4 credits.
OEAS 511, CEOAS GRADUATE STUDENT SUCCESS, 1 Credit
Introduces new graduate students in the College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences to specific College and University resources available to them to help them be successful. Helps produce a cohort of graduate students early in their graduate careers.
Equivalent to: OEAS 511X
OEAS 515, SCIENTISTS AS WRITERS, 3 Credits
Focuses on strategies for writing for scientists, including stages of drafting and revising part or all of a thesis or research proposal, graduate thesis chapter, or scientific manuscript. Examines scientific proposal, thesis, and manuscript structure, constructive reviewing, and responding to feedback. Explores strategies for setting and meeting writing goals, grounded in literature on the psychology of successful academic writers. Develops a personalized, sustainable daily writing routine to avoid binge-writing.
Equivalent to: OEAS 515X
OEAS 520, THE SOLID EARTH, 4 Credits
Movement of mass and energy within the Earth and into/out of its outer surface, expressed as plate tectonics, earthquakes, heat flow, volcanoes, geomagnetic field; composition, structure, hydrology and aging of ocean crust; lithosphere creation, recycling and mantle overturn. Marine sedimentation, sources and transport, continental weathering, tectonics-climate interactions, glacial history and sea level response. Geohazards, storm events, beach and estuary processes. Offered annually. Lec/lab.
Recommended: One year each of physics, chemistry and calculus
OEAS 530, THE FLUID EARTH, 4 Credits
Fundamental principles of fluid circulation in the atmosphere and ocean. Atmospheric chemistry, radiation, thermodynamics, and dynamics. Conservation of mass, heat, momentum and vorticity in the ocean; equations governing motion; geostrophy; planetary boundary layers; wind-driven and thermohaline circulation. Air-sea fluxes and global circulation models; climate change. Offered annually. Lec/lab.
Recommended: One year each of physics, chemistry, calculus, or science and a field course
OEAS 540, THE BIOGEOCHEMICAL EARTH, 4 Credits
Integrating fundamental concepts in biological and chemical oceanography to understand energy and material transformations in estuarine, coastal and open ocean habitats. Topics include structure and function of marine ecosystems, biogeochemical cycles, and human impacts. Offered annually. Lec/lab.
Recommended: One year of physics, chemistry, and calculus