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OCEAN 100 Explore Oceanography at UW (1)
Explores the research and experiences of the Oceanography school's faculty, graduate students, and undergraduate students. Intended for freshmen, new transfer students, and other considering oceanography as a major. Credit/no-credit only. Offered: A.
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OCEAN 102 The Changing Oceans (5) SSc/NSc
Explores case studies on how the ocean drives our planet's climate system and how humans have altered marine and coastal environments. Students consider societal factors affecting progress in marine science, changing popular attitudes toward the oceans, and key current policy implications of marine science. Offered: AWSpS.
View course details in MyPlan: OCEAN 102
OCEAN 121 Deep Sea Exploration: Submarine Volcanoes and Novel Life Forms (2) NSc
Examines the dynamic marine processes that shape the planet and cutting-edge oceanographic technologies used to explore the deepest oceans. Includes imagery of rarely seen submarine volcanic eruptions, hot springs, and novel life forms highlighting the interconnected geological-biological processes creating the most extreme environments on Earth. Course overlaps with: T GEOS 319. Offered: W.
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OCEAN 161 Introduction to Environmental Monitoring and Technology (5) NSc
Introduces a range of environmental monitoring technologies in the context of their scientific application and case studies spanning ocean, atmosphere, and land examples. Includes hands-on experience with sensors and working with data from various technologies and monitoring techniques. Integrates knowledge across environmental science, technology, and engineering. Offered: A.
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OCEAN 200 Introduction to Oceanography (3) NSc
Focuses on importance of ocean processes for the functioning of our planet. Interdisciplinary case studies are used to examine relationships and interactions at macro-, meso-, and microscales in the ocean. Case studies build upon previous topics and examines human influence on these systems. Intended for science majors. Offered: Sp.
View course details in MyPlan: OCEAN 200
OCEAN 201 Introduction to Oceanography Lab (2) NSc
Provides opportunities to experiment with oceanographic concepts through laboratory and field experiences. Students apply the scientific method of inquiry as it applies to the study of geology, physics, chemistry, and biology of the ocean. Emphasizes topics that explore current challenges faced by the ocean and its ecosystem. Co-requisite: OCEAN 200. I Offered: Sp.
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OCEAN 210 Integrative Oceans (4) NSc
Presents fundamentals of ocean science through regional case studies that illustrate the relationship between interdependent physical, chemical, biological, and geological process. Students apply tools from these scientific disciplines to understand major changes predicted for future oceanic environments. Prerequisite: either OCEAN 200, or OCEAN 250/BIOL 250/FISH 250. Offered: ASp.
View course details in MyPlan: OCEAN 210
OCEAN 215 Methods of Oceanographic Data Analysis (4)
Statistics, graphical representations, and analysis methods for oceanographic datasets using the PYTHON programming language. Prerequisite: MATH 125. Offered: A.
View course details in MyPlan: OCEAN 215
OCEAN 220 Introduction to Field Oceanography (3) NSc
Design and conduct a field study in oceanography. Focuses on active learning, deployment of instruments, data collection, interpretation, and presentation. Required field trip during spring break. Prerequisite: OCEAN 200 and OCEAN 215 Offered: Sp.
View course details in MyPlan: OCEAN 220
OCEAN 230 Rivers and Beaches (3/5) NSc
Introduction to Earth surface environments, the processes that shape them, how humans affect them and are affected by them. Field trips examine mountains, rivers, deltas/estuaries, beaches, and environments beyond. Focuses on linkages between these environments to illustrate coupling between landscapes and seascapes. Offered: jointly with ESS 230.
View course details in MyPlan: OCEAN 230
OCEAN 235 Arctic Change (2/3) SSc/NSc
Investigates the Arctic system of ocean, ice, atmosphere, and sea-floor; how human interact with it, and what the future of the Arctic means to the world. Includes sea-ice loss, climate impacts, and Arctic resource exploitation. Offered: Sp.
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OCEAN 240 Special Topics in Oceanography (1-5, max. 9) NSc
Selected topics of contemporary interest in oceanography such as hydrothermal vents, planetary volcanism, biogeochemical cycling, the ecology of Puget Sound, and the ocean's role in climate.
View course details in MyPlan: OCEAN 240
OCEAN 250 Marine Biology (3/5) NSc
Lecture-laboratory course in marine biology focusing on physical, biological, and social aspects of the marine environment. Topics include oceanography, ecology, physiology, behavior, conservation, fisheries, exploration, and activism. Weekend field trip. Honors section research project. Course equivalent to: FHL 250 (when FISH 250/BIOL 250/OCEAN 250 is 5 credits). Course overlaps with FHL 250 (when FISH 250/BIOL 250/OCEAN 250 is 3 credits ). Offered: jointly with BIOL 250/FISH 250; AS.
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OCEAN 261 Introduction to Ocean Technology (2) NSc
Introduces ocean science and technology in observational ocean science. Covers the basics of underwater sensor design, power, and data communication, and introduces the design and build process and the operational scope of the ERIS cabled observatory. Offered: S.
View course details in MyPlan: OCEAN 261
OCEAN 270 Aquatic Ecophysiology (5) NSc
Focuses on fundamental physiology, with an emphasis on processes relevant to living in a variety of aquatic environments. Includes a broad survey of taxa, from prokaryotes to mammals, and a variety of aquatic habitats. Prerequisite: BIOL 200. Offered: jointly with FISH 270/MARBIO 270.
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OCEAN 285 Physics Across Oceanography: Fluid Mechanics and Waves (3) NSc
In the context of oceanography applications, explores fluid mechanics, waves, light, acoustics, and heat transfer. Prerequisite: either MATH 125 or Q SCI 292, which may be taken concurrently; either PHYS 114 or PHYS 121; recommended: OCEAN 210 concurrently. Offered: A.
View course details in MyPlan: OCEAN 285
OCEAN 286 Physics Across Oceanography: Fluid Mechanics and Waves Laboratory (2) NSc
Laboratory and tutorial further exploring the oceanography applications of fluid mechanics, waves, light, acoustics, and heat transfer. Prerequisite: OCEAN 285, which must be taken concurrently; either MATH 125 or Q SCI 292, either of which may be taken concurrently; either PHYS 114 or PHYS 121. Offered: A.
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OCEAN 295 Chemistry of Marine Organic Carbon (5) NSc
Explores the movement of organic carbon through the global carbon cycle, in the context of earth sciences and marine biogeochemical cycles. Prerequisite: either CHEM 152 or CHEM 120. Offered: WSp.
View course details in MyPlan: OCEAN 295
OCEAN 300 Exploring Opportunities in Marine Science (1)
Explores academic, research, and career opportunities in the field of marine science and helps prepare students for graduation. Intended for junior and transfer students studying marine science. Credit/no-credit only. Offered: jointly with FISH 300/MARBIO 300; W.
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OCEAN 310 Marine Geology and Geochemistry (5) NSc
This course focuses on marine geologic processes including the formation and evolution of the ocean crust; marine sedimentation and diagenesis; subduction zone dynamics; the role of marine geology in seawater composition and sustaining the deep biosphere; and the relationship between marine geological processes and climate. Prerequisite: OCEAN 200; and either ESS 211 or ESS 212; and OCEAN 285, which may be taken concurrently. Offered: A.
View course details in MyPlan: OCEAN 310
OCEAN 320 Coastal Oceanography (5) NSc
The formation of, and processes within, coastal ocean systems emphasizing the geological evolution of coastal and estuarine environments and the physical dynamics within them, including waves, currents, river plumes, and sedimentary processes. Influences of physical processes on marine chemical cycling and biological productivity in the coastal ocean. Prerequisite: OCEAN 285; ESS 210. Offered: W.
View course details in MyPlan: OCEAN 320
OCEAN 330 Marine Biogeochemical Cycles (5) NSc
Covers the distribution of life and chemical elements in the ocean; the relationship between them; and the physical processes affecting these patterns. Emphasizes how marine organisms and the structure of marine ecosystems influence the fate of carbon and other elements in the ocean. Prerequisite: OCEAN 210; BIOL 200; and either OCEAN 295, CHEM 220, CHEM 223, or CHEM 237. Offered: Sp.
View course details in MyPlan: OCEAN 330
OCEAN 340 Interdisciplinary Topics in Oceanography (1-5) NSc
Special topics of an interdisciplinary nature setting ocean into a broader context.
View course details in MyPlan: OCEAN 340
OCEAN 351 Foundations of Ocean Sensors (3) NSc, RSN
Experiential learning giving students foundational knowledge of methods used to observe key quantities that characterize marine environments. Includes theory and application of sensor design and construction principles, in the context of inferences and hypothesis-testing about key physical, biological, chemical, and geological dynamics in the oceans. Prerequisite: OCEAN 200 and OCEAN 215. Offered: W.
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OCEAN 355 From Big Bang to the Blue Planet (3) NSc
Explores the origin and evolution of the Earth, ocean, atmosphere, and life, with an emphasis on climate as the integrator of changes in the biosphere, cryosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and lithosphere. Prerequisite: either CHEM 120 or CHEM 142; either PHYS 114 or PHYS 121; either BIOL 161, or BIOL 180.
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OCEAN 361 Ocean Technology I: Introduction to Underwater Observational Sensor Design and Build (2) NSc
Combines ocean science and technology in a design and build course utilizing the ERIS cabled observatory at the UW Oceanography dock. Students apply the basics of sensor design, power, and data communication to individual underwater observatory projects. Prerequisite: OCEAN 261, which may be taken concurrently. Offered: S.
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OCEAN 370 Marine Evolutionary Biology (5) NSc
Emphasizes geobiological patterns of marine evolutionary biology environment; processes of evolution; marine prokaryote and eukaryote diversity; and applications of evolutionary principles to ocean change, and conservation and management of marine biodiversity. Prerequisite: either FISH 270/OCEAN 270/MARBIO 270 or BIOL 220. Offered: jointly with FISH 370/MARBIO 370; Sp.
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OCEAN 401 Special Topics in Chemical Oceanography (3) NSc
View course details in MyPlan: OCEAN 401
OCEAN 402 Advanced Marine Biogeochemical Processes (3) NSc
Covers current research in chemical oceanography. Builds on fundamental knowledge of marine biogeochemical cycles and explores more deeply how marine organisms and humans impact the chemistry of the ocean. Prerequisite: OCEAN 330; recommended: OCEAN 210; OCEAN 295; and BIOL 200. Offered: A.
View course details in MyPlan: OCEAN 402
OCEAN 403 Southern Ocean: Climate and Ecosystems (5) NSc
Students gain an understanding of the Southern Ocean through the interaction of physical, chemical, and biological oceanographic processes and insight into current Southern Ocean research from University of Washington scientists. Covers the unique Southern Ocean and Antarctic ecosystems and how organisms are adapted to the extreme environment. Discusses how anthropogenic change is impacting Southern Ocean and Antarctic ecosystems. Prerequisite: OCEAN 330, which may be taken concurrently; recommended: coursework in environmental science; ecology; and climate. Offered: Sp.
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OCEAN 409 Marine Pollution (3) SSc/NSc
Explores anthropogenic impacts on the oceans and marine organisms. Examines how scientific understanding informs environmental management, thereby linking science and society. Students develop a detailed understanding of the major categories of anthropogenic pollutants on marine systems,how they impact the environment, their sources, and fates. Prerequisite: OCEAN 101, OCEAN 102, OCEAN 200, OCEAN 250/BIOL 250/FISH 250, or permission of instructor Offered: A.
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OCEAN 410 Marine Geology and Geophysics (4) NSc
Explores the geological and geophysical processes that form and shape the ocean basins and continental margins. Prerequisite: either OCEAN 310 or ESS 211 Offered: jointly with ESS 410; A.
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OCEAN 411 Special Topics in Marine Geology and Geophysics (3) NSc
View course details in MyPlan: OCEAN 411
OCEAN 412 Seismic Exploration (3) NSc
Introduction to theory and practice of seismic exploration. Application of refraction and reflection techniques to geologic investigations, tectonics and mineral exploration. Practice in the interpretation of subsurface structure. Prerequisite: ESS 311 or ESS 314, or OCEAN 285 and OCEAN 310. Offered: jointly with ESS 467; Sp.
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OCEAN 421 Special Topics in Physical Oceanography (3) NSc
View course details in MyPlan: OCEAN 421
OCEAN 423 Ocean Circulation and Climate (3) NSc
Quantitative treatment of ocean basin to global scale ocean circulation systems and their interaction with climate variability. Prerequisite: MATH 125; and PHYS 123 or OCEAN 285.
View course details in MyPlan: OCEAN 423
OCEAN 431 Special Topics in Biological Oceanography (3) NSc
Reviews current research. Topics include global change effects on marine organisms, marine pathogens and emerging diseases, introduced species, marine viruses, astrobiology, hydrothermal vents, symbiosis, animal physiology, larval forms and dispersal, biogeography, and environmental ethics.
View course details in MyPlan: OCEAN 431
OCEAN 432 Microbes in a Changing Ocean (3) NSc
Covers the major groups of marine bacteria and archaea, and their viruses, and the range of activities and interactions that enable microbes to thrive in a changing ocean. Prerequisite: OCEAN 330; recommended: introductory college-level coursework in all three of, or advanced college-level coursework in two of, biology, oceanography, or microbiology. Offered: W.
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OCEAN 443 Undergraduate Thesis: Proposal (3) NSc
Work closely with faculty mentors to conceptualize and write a proposal for independent thesis research. Prerequisite: OCEAN 220, OCEAN 310, OCEAN 320, or OCEAN 330
Offered: W.
View course details in MyPlan: OCEAN 443
OCEAN 444 Undergraduate Thesis: Research (2)
Work closely with faculty mentors to conduct thesis research as designed in OCEAN 443 in a field, laboratory, or other guided research setting. Prerequisite: OCEAN 443. Offered: Sp.
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OCEAN 445 Undergraduate Thesis: Data Analysis and Writing (3) NSc
Analyze results from senior thesis experiments and present results in a series of drafts and a final paper. Results are presented at a two-day long public research symposium and on the students; individual websites. Prerequisite: OCEAN 444. Offered: Sp.
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OCEAN 450 Climatic Extremes (4) NSc
Course examines Earth history for extreme climatic conditions to predict future climate changes. Numerical climate models use PC-based computer programs to identify processes and feedbacks that control climate. Offered: W.
View course details in MyPlan: OCEAN 450
OCEAN 452 Marine Geospatial Information Science (3) NSc
Introduces the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), seafloor mapping, hydrographic surveying, and spatial analysis in ocean science. Emphasizes sampling and analysis of spatially-referenced data about the coastal and marine environments, integrating these technologies in an applied research setting. Offered: jointly with FISH 452; A.
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OCEAN 454 Hydrothermal Systems: An Interdisciplinary View (3) NSc
Provides a general, interdisciplinary overview of seafloor hydrothermal systems including important geological, chemical, and biological processes. Topics include tectonic and volcanic controls on hydrothermal systems, water/rock reactions, phase separation, temporal variability, fluxes to the deep sea, micro- and macro biology. Offered: W.
View course details in MyPlan: OCEAN 454
OCEAN 461 Advanced Ocean Technology - Project Design and Management (2) NSc
Project management practicum in the design, build, operations, and management of observational ocean science technology. Students oversee and mentor ongoing design and build projects, with attention to design criteria and deployment timelines. Prerequisite: OCEAN 361. Offered: S.
View course details in MyPlan: OCEAN 461
OCEAN 462 Ocean Technology Studio (1-5, max. 15) NSc
Hands-on experience to build technical, science, and management skills in ocean technology through small group projects. Projects may include instrument design and building, data analysis, and/or participation in an on-going ocean technology initiative. Offered: AWSp.
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OCEAN 475 Current Research in Climate Science Seminar (3, max. 6)
Weekly lectures focusing on a particular aspect of climate from invited speakers, complemented by class discussion, readings, and final paper. Promotes interdisciplinary understanding of climate concepts. Prerequisite: either ESS 201, ATM S 211, or ATM S 321. Offered: jointly with ATM S 475/ESS 475; A.
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OCEAN 477 Seminar in Marine Biology (3) NSc
Reviews current research in marine biology. Emphasizes critical readings and discussion of primary literature. Prerequisite: FISH 250, OCEAN 250, or BIOL 250; Q SCI 381, STAT 220, or STAT 311. Offered: jointly with BIOL 477/FISH 477; W.
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OCEAN 479 Research in Marine Biology (1-15, max. 15)
Individual research on topics in marine biology. Research projects supervised by an individual faculty member. Projects may include laboratory work, fieldwork, and literature surveys. Prerequisite: BIOL 250/FISH 250/OCEAN 250; Q SCI 381. Offered: jointly with BIOL 479/FISH 479/MARBIO 479; AWSpS.
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OCEAN 480 Global Ocean - Human Culture (3) SSc/NSc
Theme and project-based exploration of the role of the ocean basins in human history, poetry, music and the arts related to the seas, the evolution of ships, development of trade routes, modern marine commerce and communications, living and non-living resources, hazards, projection of sea power, entertainment and recreation, ocean science-modulation of climate, exploration of exotic submarine hydrothermal systems, and oceans beyond earth. Prerequisite: permission of instructor; recommended: Capability to conduct upper-division academic inquiry into selected themes, including an ability to conceive of, and implement an engaging project that will be presented and graded at the end of the class. Well established writing ability. Offered: W.
View course details in MyPlan: OCEAN 480
OCEAN 481 Puget Sound and Estuarine Oceanography (3) NSc
Explores fundamental physical-biological processes in estuarine systems, using Puget Sound as a primary example. Topics include effects of circulation and mixing on residence time, nutrients, phytoplankton, zooplankton, and fish. Also covers hypoxia, the estuarine turbidity maximum, the intertidal zone, harmful algal blooms, and effects of climate change. Offered: W.
View course details in MyPlan: OCEAN 481
OCEAN 482 The Changing Arctic Ocean (3) NSc
Investigates the interacting physical, chemical, and biological components of the Arctic ocean-ice-atmosphere system, including the most recent scientific advances. Considers the impacts of Arctic Change on Arctic and global climate, marine organisms and ecosystems, native communities, and future exploitation of an ice-free summer ocean. Prerequisite: OCEAN 200 or OCEAN 210 and BIOL 180, BIOL 200 or BIOL 220. Offered: Sp, even years.
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OCEAN 492 Friday Harbor Apprenticeship (9/15) NSc
Intensive, full-time research training experience where teams of students work on focused research problems guided by a group of faculty, postdoctoral, and graduate student mentors. Research questions vary.
View course details in MyPlan: OCEAN 492
OCEAN 494 Field Experiences in Marine Science (1-15, max. 30) NSc
For participants in oceanography field work. Specific content varies and is individually evaluated. Credit does not apply to major requirements without approval.
View course details in MyPlan: OCEAN 494
OCEAN 496 Study Abroad: Oceanography (1-15, max. 30) NSc
For participants in UW study abroad program. Specific content varies and is individually evaluated. Credit does not apply to major requirements without approval.
View course details in MyPlan: OCEAN 496
OCEAN 497 Advanced Special Topics in Oceanography (1-15, max. 15)
View course details in MyPlan: OCEAN 497
OCEAN 499 Undergraduate Research (1-15, max. 24)
Individual research supervised by a faculty member. May involve laboratory work, fieldwork, or literature surveys. Offered: AWSpS.
View course details in MyPlan: OCEAN 499
OCEAN 500 Proposal Writing and Professional Development Seminar for Entering Graduate Students (1/2, max. 3)
Seminar for entering graduate students in the School of Oceanography. Topics include development of a research proposal suitable for submission to the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program competition, oral communication skills, peer review, time and stress management, communication with advisors and committee members, and post-graduate career planning. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Credit/no-credit only. Offered: A.
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OCEAN 502 Marine Geospatial Information Science (3)
Introduces the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), seafloor mapping, hydrographic surveying, and spatial analysis in ocean science. Emphasizes sampling and analysis of spatially-referenced data about the coastal and marine environments, integrating these technologies in an applied research setting. Offered: jointly with FISH 502; A.
View course details in MyPlan: OCEAN 502
OCEAN 504 Seismic Exploration (3)
Introduction to theory and practice of seismic exploration. Application of refraction and reflection techniques to geologic investigations, tectonics and mineral exploration. Practice in the interpretation of subsurface structure. Offered: Sp.
View course details in MyPlan: OCEAN 504
OCEAN 506 Interdisciplinary Seminar in Oceanography (1-3, max. 12)
Lectures, discussions, and work on selected problems of an interdisciplinary nature. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.
View course details in MyPlan: OCEAN 506
OCEAN 507 Puget Sound and Estuarine Oceanography (3)
Explores fundamental physical-biological processes in estuarine systems, using Puget Sound as a primary example. Topics include effects of circulation and mixing on residence time, nutrients, phytoplankton, zooplankton, and fish. Also covers hypoxia, the estuarine turbidity maximum, the intertidal zone, harmful algal blooms, and effects of climate change. Offered: W.
View course details in MyPlan: OCEAN 507
OCEAN 508 The Changing Arctic Ocean (3)
Investigates the interacting physical, chemical, and biological components of the Arctic ocean-ice-atmosphere system, including the most recent advances and considering the impacts of Arctic Change on Arctic and global climate, marine organisms and ecosystems, native communities, and future exploitation of an ice-free summer ocean. Offered: Sp.
View course details in MyPlan: OCEAN 508
OCEAN 509 Seminar (1, max. 30)
Introduction to current research topics for beginning graduate students. Credit/no-credit only. Offered: AWSp.
View course details in MyPlan: OCEAN 509
OCEAN 510 Physics of Ocean Circulation (3)
Structure of ocean basins; physical properties of seawater and the equation of state; heat, salt, fresh water budgets; tidal potential; Coriolis effect and geostrophic balance; major current systems and water masses; mixing, stirring in the ocean; simple waves; modern experimental methods in physical oceanography. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Offered: A.
View course details in MyPlan: OCEAN 510
OCEAN 511 Introduction to Fluid Dynamics (4)
Eulerian equations for mass-motion; Navier-Stokes equation for viscous fluids, stress-strain relations; Kelvin's theorem, vortex dynamics; potential flows, flows with high-low Reynolds numbers; boundary layers, surface gravity waves; sound waves, and linear instability theory. Prerequisite: either a course in partial differential equations or permission of instructor. Offered: jointly with AMATH 505/ATM S 505; A.
View course details in MyPlan: OCEAN 511
OCEAN 512 Geophysical Fluid Dynamics I (4)
Dynamics of rotating stratified fluid flow in the atmosphere/ocean and laboratory analogues. Equations of state, compressibility, Boussinesq approximation. Geostrophic balance, Rossby number. Poincare, Kelvin, Rossby waves, geostrophic adjustment. Ekman layers. Continuously stratified dynamics: Inertia-gravity waves, potential vorticity, quasigeostrophy. Prerequisite: OCEAN 511 or ATM S 505/AMATH 505. Offered: jointly with ATM S 509; W.
View course details in MyPlan: OCEAN 512
OCEAN 513 Geophysical Fluid Dynamics II (3)
Theories, models of large-scale dynamics of oceans, atmospheres. Potential vorticity, Q principles; Rossby waves, ray tracing, Green's function, setup of general circulation; atmospheric "channels" versus ocean "basins"; wave-mean flow interaction, mountain drag, internal momentum flux; "Lagrangian" motion of particles, tracers; cascades, eddy flux of heat, moisture, Q. Prerequisite: OCEAN 512. Offered: Sp.
View course details in MyPlan: OCEAN 513
OCEAN 514 Waves (3)
Application of marine hydrodynamics principles to wave motion in oceans. Offered: W.
View course details in MyPlan: OCEAN 514
OCEAN 515 Ocean Circulation: Observations (3)
Modern large- and mesoscale ocean observations, interpreted in terms of contemporary circulation theories. Spectrum of temporal variability; eddies and eddy fluxes; ventilation; advection and diffusion in the abyss; transports of heat and salt; climatic scale of variability; modern methods for determining circulation. Prerequisite: OCEAN 510 or permission of instructor. Offered: Sp.
View course details in MyPlan: OCEAN 515
OCEAN 517 Methods and Measurements in Physical Oceanography (3)
Principal instruments and experimental methods of physical oceanography. Devices and systems that measure pressure, temperature, electrical conductivity, sea state, and velocity. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.
View course details in MyPlan: OCEAN 517
OCEAN 518 Scientific Writing and Graphics (2)
Covers principles of scientific writing; methods of ensuring clarity in writing for scientific journals and research proposals; principles of graph construction; and authorship, peer review, and citations. For graduate students in Earth-science related fields. Credit/no-credit only. Offered: jointly with ATM S 519/ESS 519.
View course details in MyPlan: OCEAN 518
OCEAN 519 Seminar in Physical Oceanography (1, max. 9)
View course details in MyPlan: OCEAN 519
OCEAN 520 Marine Chemistry (3)
Processes controlling the chemical composition of seawater. Chemical distributions in the ocean, marine physical chemistry, chemical equilibrium, and concepts of mass balance. Mechanisms and models used to explain distributions of stable and radioactive isotopes, gases, trace metals, and biochemicals in the world's oceans. Offered: A.
View course details in MyPlan: OCEAN 520
OCEAN 521 Aquatic Chemistry (3)
Application of physical chemistry and thermodynamics to processes that control chemical composition of natural waters. Equilibrium approach. Acid/base chemistry, the carbonate system, dissolution and precipitation, metal ions in solution, oxidation-reduction chemistry, silicate mineral reactions. Offered: W.
View course details in MyPlan: OCEAN 521
OCEAN 522 Marine Organic Geochemistry (3)
Sources, reactions, and fates of organic molecules in the marine environment along with the stable isotope geochemistry of marine organic substances. Prerequisite: CHEM 237 and CHEM 239 or permission of instructor.
View course details in MyPlan: OCEAN 522
OCEAN 523 Geochemical Cycles (4)
Descriptive, quantitative aspects of earth as biogeochemical system. Study of equilibria, transport processes, chemical kinetics, biological processes; their application to carbon, sulfur, nitrogen, phosphorus, other elemental cycles. Stability of biogeochemical systems; nature of human perturbations of their dynamics. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Offered: jointly with ATM S 508/CHEM 523.
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OCEAN 529 Seminar on Chemical Oceanography (*, max. 30)
Lectures, discussions, and readings on selected problems of current interest. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Offered: AWSp.
View course details in MyPlan: OCEAN 529
OCEAN 530 Marine Bacteria, Archaea, and Viruses (3)
Explores the role of marine microorganisms in transformations of dissolved and particulate organic matter. Covers the functional and phylogenetic diversity of bacteria, archaea, and viruses in the marine environment; the fate of organic carbon in the microbial loop; and the interrelationship of the carbon cycle with other biogeochemical cycles. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Offered: W, odd years.
View course details in MyPlan: OCEAN 530
OCEAN 531 Marine Phytoplankton and Biogeochemistry (3)
Covers phytoplankton in the marine environment: evolution, ecology, primary productivity, and physiology, emphasizing their role in the global carbon cycle; spatial and temporal distributions of phytoplankton and how these patterns may change as ocean conditions change; and methods for determining distributions and rates in different ocean ecosystems. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Offered: W, even years.
View course details in MyPlan: OCEAN 531
OCEAN 532 Marine Zooplankton Ecology (3)
Examines the role of zooplankton in ecosystems and biogeochemical cycles. Covers the distribution and abundance of zooplankton in space and time; small-scale distributions; morphology and behavior; population dynamic, energetics, and secondary production; trophic structure and dynamics; biogeography; impacts of climate change; and models of populations and food chains.
View course details in MyPlan: OCEAN 532
OCEAN 533 Marine Benthic Ecology (3)
Analyzes marine communities associated with the porous boundaries of the ocean, from sedimented seafloor and hydrothermal vents to sea ice (inverted benthos); emphasizing nutrition to these communities, including sinking organic aggregates, themselves porous habitats, and the role of symbiosis. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Offered: W, even years.
View course details in MyPlan: OCEAN 533
OCEAN 535 Biological Oceanography (3)
Examines major patterns and processes in upper ocean pelagic ecosystems, emphasizing quantitative analysis of mechanisms controlling production and abundances of organisms, from plankton to fish. Introduces interdisciplinary study of effects of anthrogenically induced changes in climate and ocean chemistry on organisms, ecosystem processes, and biogeochemical cycles. Offered: A.
View course details in MyPlan: OCEAN 535
OCEAN 539 Seminar in Biological Oceanography (*, max. 30)
Lectures, discussions, and work on selected problems of current interest. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Offered: AWSp.
View course details in MyPlan: OCEAN 539
OCEAN 540 Marine Geology and Geophysics Processes (3)
Synthesis of processes that form ocean basins and fill them with sediment, including: plate tectonics and the creation, evolution, and subduction of ocean crust; accumulation of terrestrial, biogenic, and authigenic sediments; and the history of paleoceanographic events recorded in the seafloor. Offered: W.
View course details in MyPlan: OCEAN 540
OCEAN 541 Marine Sedimentary Processes (3)
Investigates fundamental process of marine sedimentation, including equations characterizing boundary-shear flows, initiation of grain motion, bedload and suspended-load transport, and sediment accumulation. Applies concepts to sediment dispersal in rivers, deltas, estuaries, beaches, continental shelves, slopes, and rises, with emphasis on the relationships between active processes and resulting deposits.
View course details in MyPlan: OCEAN 541
OCEAN 544 Subseafloor Hydrogeology and Geochemistry (3)
Introduces the occurrence, composition, and movement of groundwater in the ocean crust and its role in a wide range of geologic and biogeochemical processes. Includes basic theories of groundwater motion, heat transport, solute transport, and hydromechanics with applications to diverse subseafloor environments ranging from mid-ocean ridges to subduction zones. Offered: Sp.
View course details in MyPlan: OCEAN 544
OCEAN 545 Oceanic Lithosphere (3)
Basic principles of elasticity, fluid flow, and heat transport with specific applications to the formation and evolution of the oceanic lithosphere. Includes deformation of the earth, flow in porous media, heat transport, and marine seismological and potential field techniques. Prerequisite: OCEAN 540. Offered: jointly with ESS 568.
View course details in MyPlan: OCEAN 545
OCEAN 546 Continental-Margin Sedimentation (3)
Detailed evaluation of recent studies into processes forming strata on continental margins, including the diverse time scales ranging from sediment transport to sequence stratigraphy. Highlights the linkages with physical oceanographic processes, the fates of geochemical components, and the relationship to biological communities. Offered: jointly with ESS 546.
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OCEAN 549 Seminar in Geological and Geophysical Oceanography (*, max. 30)
Lectures, discussions, and field and laboratory work on selected problems of current interest. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Offered: AWSp.
View course details in MyPlan: OCEAN 549
OCEAN 550 Geochemistry and Geophysics of Melt Generation (3)
Mantle flow beneath mid-ocean ridges and hotspots, major element systematics, constraints from trace elements and isotopes on melting and mantle reservoirs, melt extraction, and crustal thickness and axial topography. Prerequisite: OCEAN 544 or permission of instructor.
View course details in MyPlan: OCEAN 550
OCEAN 552 Seminar in Geophysics and Geological Data Analysis (1)
Practical geophysical data analysis, map projections, gridding multibeam bathymetry processing, gravity and magnetic anomalies, downward continuation, magnetic inversion, seismic refraction and reflection, and microearthquake locations. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.
View course details in MyPlan: OCEAN 552
OCEAN 554 Paleoclimate Proxies (3)
Provides a critical evaluation of the most commonly applied paleoclimate proxies from the ocean, land, and ice sheets. Offered: jointly with ATM S 554/ESS 554.
View course details in MyPlan: OCEAN 554
OCEAN 558 Climate Modeling (3)
Principles of Earth system modeling. Emphasis on atmosphere, ocean sea ice, and land-surface components. Climate forcing. Appropriate use of models. Topics of current interest including carbon cycle, atmosphere chemistry, and biogeochemistry. Prerequisite: either ATM S 587/OCEAN 587/ESS 587, ATM S 504 or ATM S 505. Offered: jointly with ATM S 559/ESS 559.
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OCEAN 559 Advanced Seminar on Mid-Ocean Ridge Processes (*, max. 9)
Lectures, discussions, and practical work on selected topics of current interest in mid-ocean ridge research. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.
View course details in MyPlan: OCEAN 559
OCEAN 560 Atmosphere/Ocean Interactions (3)
Observations and theory of phenomena of the coupled atmosphere-ocean system. El Nino/Southern Oscillation; decadal tropical variability; atmospheric teleconnections; midlatitude atmosphere-ocean variability. Overview of essential ocean and atmospheric dynamics, where appropriate. Prerequisite: OCEAN 512/ATM S 509 Offered: jointly with ATM S 560.
View course details in MyPlan: OCEAN 560
OCEAN 569 Topics in Physical Oceanography (1-4, max. 30)
Lecture series on topics of major importance in physical oceanography. Offered: AWSp.
View course details in MyPlan: OCEAN 569
OCEAN 570 Marine Microbial Interactions (1-3, max. 9)
View course details in MyPlan: OCEAN 570
OCEAN 572 Marine Protist Ecology (1-3, max. 9)
Examines the phagotrophic (protozoa) and mixotrophic (both photosynthetic and phagotropic) protists, including: interactions with predators and prey; and adaptations to changing environments, evolutionary, and ecological implications of mixotrophy. Prerequisite: OCEAN 532 or permission of instructor. Offered: Sp.
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OCEAN 578 Advanced Topics in Biological Oceanography (*, max. 18)
Specialized research areas. Topic varies each year. Offered at Friday Harbor Laboratories. Prerequisite: permission of director of Friday Harbor Laboratories. Offered: S.
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OCEAN 580 Aquatic Kinetics (3)
Reaction rates and mass transport in water. Theories of chemical kinetics; experimental results from: CO2 hydrolysis, Fe, Mn, and H2S oxidation, stable isotope fractionation, mineral dissolution; homogeneous, heterogeneous, microbial catalysis; reaction and transport at air-water, sediment-water, and O2/H2S interfaces. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.
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OCEAN 583 Isotope Biogeochemistry (3)
The use of stable isotopes to study biogeochemical cycles in the oceans and atmosphere; specifically carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur cycles. Isotopic effects during photosynthesis, respiration, organic matter degradation. CaCO3 dissolution, methanogenesis, nitrification/denitrification, and sulfate reduction. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.
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OCEAN 584 Ocean Tracers and Mixing (3)
The applications of tracers to studies of ocean circulation and ventilation. Processes within the ocean for which tracers have provided important information include gas exchange, mixed layer dynamics, thermocline ventilation, deep water formation and spreading, and mixing. Knowledge of partial differential equations suggested.
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OCEAN 586 Current Research in Climate Change (2, max. 20)
Weekly lectures focusing on a particular aspect of climate (topic to change each year) from invited speakers (both UW and outside), plus one or two keynote speakers, followed by class discussion. Credit/no-credit only. Offered: jointly with ATM S 586/ESS 586.
View course details in MyPlan: OCEAN 586
OCEAN 587 Fundamentals of Climate Change (3)
Examines Earth's climate system; distribution of temperature, precipitation, wind ice, salinity, and ocean currents; fundamental processes determining Earth's climate; energy and constituent transport mechanisms; climate sensitivity; natural climate variability on interannual to decadal time scales; global climate models; predicting future climate. Offered: jointly with ATM S 587/ESS 587.
View course details in MyPlan: OCEAN 587
OCEAN 588 The Global Carbon Cycle and Climate (3)
Oceanic and terrestrial biogeochemical processes controlling atmospheric CO2 and other greenhouse gases. Records of past changes in the earth's carbon cycle from geological, oceanographic, and terrestrial archives. Anthropogenic perturbations to cycles. Develop simple box models, discuss results of complex models. Offered: jointly with ATM S 588/ESS 588; W.
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OCEAN 589 Paleoclimatology: Data, Modeling, and Theory (3)
Evidence for past changes in land and sea surface temperature, in precipitation and atmospheric dynamics, and in ocean circulation: both long and interannual timescales. Paleoclimate modeling and theory. Time series analysis and climate noise. Rapid climate change. Statistical reconstruction of interannual variability. Offered: jointly with ATM S 589/ESS 589.
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OCEAN 590 Advanced Topics in Oceanography (9-18, max. 18)
Advanced topics examining specialized and interdisciplinary areas of oceanographic research. Offered at Friday Harbor Laboratories. Prerequisite: permission of Director of Friday Harbor Laboratories. Offered: S.
View course details in MyPlan: OCEAN 590
OCEAN 593 Climate Science Seminar (1)
Focuses on how to communicate climate science to many different audiences through careful construction of figures and through written and oral communication. Credit/no-credit only. Offered: jointly with ATM S 593/ESS 593; W.
View course details in MyPlan: OCEAN 593
OCEAN 596 Climate Science Capstone Project ([1-5]-, max. 5)
Climate capstone directed by a mentor, may be a group effort, and may encompass curriculum development, internships, workshop organization, etc., capturing interdisciplinary aspects of climate science and effective communication of climate science. Offered: jointly with ATM S 596/ESS 596; AWSpS.
View course details in MyPlan: OCEAN 596
OCEAN 600 Independent Study or Research (*-)
Offered: AWSpS.
View course details in MyPlan: OCEAN 600
OCEAN 700 Master's Thesis (*-)
Offered: AWSpS.
View course details in MyPlan: OCEAN 700
OCEAN 800 Doctoral Dissertation (*-)
Offered: AWSpS.
View course details in MyPlan: OCEAN 800
