School of the Earth, Ocean and Environment
Alicia Wilson, Director
Gwendelyn Geidel, Undergraduate Director
Joseph Quattro, Graduate Director
The School of the Earth, Ocean and Environment (SEOE) encompasses research and education in geoscience, marine science, and environment and sustainability. Degree programs in the SEOE appeal to students interested in topics ranging from natural and social sciences to the environment and humanities. Many SEOE students find opportunities to work closely with faculty mentors on field and laboratory-based research projects. The Belle Baruch Institute for Marine and Coastal Sciences provides a unique educational and research resource that is available to all SEOE students.
The SEOE bachelor’s degrees in geological and marine science provide students with broad backgrounds that encompass the physical, chemical and biological processes that control solid-earth, atmospheric and ocean systems. We also offer two degree programs focused in the area of environment and sustainability: a Bachelor of Arts degree, which emphasizes social and behavioral sciences, and a Bachelor of Science degree, with a broad-based natural science curriculum. In addition, we offer minors in environmental studies, geological sciences, geophysics, and marine science, which complement many primary areas of study. All of the SEOE degree areas prepare students for professional or graduate school and open a wide array of environmental career options that encompass conservation, sustainability and the development and management of natural resources.
Courses
ENVR 101 - Introduction to the Environment (3 Credits)
Analysis of environmental issues and the role of science in their identification and resolution.
Carolina Core: SCI
ENVR 101L - Introduction to the Environment Lab (1 Credit)
Demonstrations, field trips, data analyses, and discussion relating to environmental issues, such as sustainability, resource management, and pollution control.
Prerequisite or Corequisite: ENVR 101.
Carolina Core: SCI
ENVR 121 - Green Explorations (3 Credits)
Interdisciplinary seminar combining the intellectual exploration of ecological perspectives with the physical exploration of the local environment. First-year students only.
Cross-listed course: POLI 121
ENVR 122 - Green Engagements (3 Credits)
Interdisciplinary seminar on designing, researching, and implementing collaborative projects to promote ecological sustainability. First-year students only.
Cross-listed course: POLI 122
Graduation with Leadership Distinction: GLD: Community Service, GLD: Research
ENVR 200 - Natural History of South Carolina (4 Credits)
General review of plants, animals, and geological features of South Carolina, with an emphasis on connections to the natural world.
Carolina Core: SCI
ENVR 201 - Environmental Science and Policy I (4 Credits)
Introduction to interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary perspectives on environmental issues. Required for majors in the Environment and Sustainability Program. Integrative case studies address ways of understanding nature. Sophomore Standing.
ENVR 202 - Environmental Science and Policy II (4 Credits)
Continuing interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary exploration of relations between environment and society for majors in the Environment and Sustainability Program. Case studies raise issues, challenges, and strategies to achieving sustainability.
ENVR 231 - Introduction to Sustainability Management and Leadership (3-4 Credits)
Introduction to development, establishment, and implementation of sustainability management systems and organizational leadership for achieving environmental, social, and economic goals.
ENVR 295 - Green Technology in Germany (3 Credits)
Examination of roots and culture of environmentalism and related technological innovation in Germany. Comparison of green practices around the world to practices within Europe and U.S.
Cross-listed course: GERM 295
Graduation with Leadership Distinction: GLD: Community Service
ENVR 321 - Environmental Pollution and Health (3 Credits)
A survey of pollution (chemical, biological, physical) effects on environmental quality and public health with emphases on how each pollutant class behaves and affects individual and community health over acute to chronic exposure periods.
Cross-listed course: ENHS 321
ENVR 322 - Environmental Ethics (3 Credits)
Examination of principles and arguments surrounding moral issues involving the environment.
Cross-listed course: PHIL 322
Carolina Core: VSR
Graduation with Leadership Distinction: GLD: Community Service, GLD: Diversity and Social Advocacy, GLD: Professional and Civic Engagement Leadership Experiences, GLD: Research
ENVR 323 - Global Environmental Health (3 Credits)
Concerns in global environmental health, with a focus on toxic pollution and disease burden in developing countries. Investigation of international treaties, corresponding environmental pollution processes, and human health effects.
Cross-listed course: ENHS 323
ENVR 331 - Integrating Sustainability (3 Credits)
Multidisciplinary approach to interrelated environmental, economic and social problems facing humans at local, regional and global scales.
ENVR 342 - Environmental Anthropology: Cross-cultural Perspectives on Environmental Change (3 Credits)
Cross-cultural perspectives on environmental issues.
Cross-listed course: ANTH 342
ENVR 348 - Environmental Racism and Justice (3 Credits)
History of the environmental justice movement and the unequal distribution of environmental harms on low income, minority, and historically marginalized groups.
Cross-listed course: AFAM 348
ENVR 352 - Energy, Society and Sustainability (3 Credits)
The role of energy in shaping society and geographic settings, as well as how energy production and consumption are shaped by the societal values and norms in which it is extracted, produced, and consumed.
ENVR 399 - Independent Study (1-6 Credits)
Contract approved by instructor, advisor, and dean of the School of the Environment is required for undergraduate students.
Graduation with Leadership Distinction: GLD: Research
ENVR 460 - Congaree National Park: Field Investigations in Environmental Science (4 Credits)
ENVR 480 - Environmental Issues Seminar (3 Credits)
Collaborative study of a contemporary environmental issue. Field trips may be required.
ENVR 490 - Special Topics in Sustainability and the Environment (1-4 Credits)
Current developments in sustainability and global environmental issues selected to meet faculty and student interests. May be repeated as content varies.
ENVR 499 - Research in Environmental Science (1-3 Credits)
Independent student research in collaboration with faculty mentors. Contract approved by instructor, advisor, and department chair is required.
Graduation with Leadership Distinction: GLD: Research
ENVR 500 - Environmental Practicum (3 Credits)
Multidisciplinary research projects related to University or community environmental problems (e.g., energy, water conservation, solid waste, recycling).
ENVR 501 - Special Topics in the Environment (3 Credits)
ENVR 517 - Socionatural Coastlines in Global Perspective (3 Credits)
A discussion-based seminar course that examines nature-society relations in coastal regions globally. The course will use social theory to understand how uneven development processes shaped – and continue shaping – current coastlines. We will explore key topics including coastal capitalism, delta ecologies, and climate justice via several global case studies.
Cross-listed course: GEOG 517
ENVR 531 - Sustainability Management and Leadership Strategies (3-4 Credits)
Integrated management system principles and advanced leadership strategies to create sustainable development initiatives.
ENVR 533 - Sustainability Projects Course (3 Credits)
Research, development and implementation of sustainability projects throughout the campus and community.
ENVR 534 - Water and Sanitation in Global Perspective (3 Credits)
Interdisciplinary examination of the global policy challenge of ensuring equitable access to water and sanitation services for all.
ENVR 538 - Global Food Politics (3 Credits)
Political, social, and cultural landscapes of food and farming around the world; issues of agricultural production, trade, consumption, and food security.
Cross-listed course: GEOG 538
ENVR 540 - Decolonizing the Environment: Race, Nature, Power (3 Credits)
Critical examination of the ways ideas about nature and racial difference are conceptually and materially entwined with the production of social and environmental inequalities.
ENVR 548 - Environmental Economics (3 Credits)
An analysis of the economics aspects of environmental decay, pollution control, and natural resource use. Analysis of the ability of the market system to allocate resources efficiently when economic activity is accompanied by environmental damage. Discussion of alternative public policy approaches to pollution control and natural resource conservation.
Cross-listed course: ECON 548
ENVR 571 - Conservation Biology (3 Credits)
ENVR 572 - Freshwater Ecology (3 Credits)
GEOL 101 - Introduction to the Earth (4 Credits)
Origin and nature of the earth with emphasis on internal processes and phenomena such as earthquakes, volcanoes, and mountain building; surface processes, including landform evolution. Three lectures and three laboratory hours each week.
Carolina Core: SCI
GEOL 102 - Fossils and the Evolution of Life on Earth (4 Credits)
Basic overview of fossils, including dinosaurs, and their importance for understanding earth history and the evolution of life. Three lectures and three laboratory hours each week.
GEOL 103 - Environment of the Earth (4 Credits)
Analysis of basic energy cycles of the earth. Interaction of human activity with earth processes to affect the environment. Three lectures and three laboratory hours each week. Field trips required.
Carolina Core: SCI
GEOL 110 - Cultural Geology (3 Credits)
The growth of geological concepts, scientific and non-scientific. The impact of geological factors on human affairs. The role of time and evolution (biological and physical). Restricted to non-science majors.
Carolina Core: SCI
GEOL 201 - Observing the Earth (4 Credits)
An introduction to study of the earth through observation of ancient and modern earth systems in a field setting. Field trips required.
GEOL 205 - Earth Resources (3 Credits)
Mineral, energy, and water resources with emphasis on geological processes governing their distribution. Intended for non-science majors. Three lecture hours each week with occasional field trips.
Carolina Core: SCI
GEOL 215 - Coastal Environments of the Southeastern U.S. (3 Credits)
Coastal zones of South Carolina and neighboring states, including geologic history, geomorphology, stratigraphy, hydrogeology, shoreline processes, environmental issues, and effects of man. Not available for geological science or marine science major credit. Three lecture hours each week plus optional field trips.
Carolina Core: SCI
GEOL 215L - Coastal Environments of the Southeastern U.S. (Laboratory) (1 Credit)
Exercises examining coastal ecology, geomorphology, hydrogeology, shoreline processes, environmental issues, and human impact. Not available for marine science major credit. Two laboratory hours per week. Scheduled field trips required.
Prerequiste or
Cross-listed course: MSCI 215L
Carolina Core: SCI
GEOL 230 - Geology of the National Parks (3 Credits)
Examination of the geologic setting and scientific significance of selected National Parks. Three lecture hours.
Carolina Core: SCI
GEOL 302 - Rocks and Minerals (4 Credits)
GEOL 305 - Earth Systems through Time (4 Credits)
Survey of earth history, the evolution of continents and oceans, the history of life, and geological dating methods. Includes laboratory and recitation. Required field trips. Taught alternate years.
GEOL 315 - Surface and Near Surface Processes (4 Credits)
GEOL 318 - Field Studies in Geology (1 Credit)
GEOL 325 - Stratigraphy and Sedimentary Basins (4 Credits)
Overview of sedimentary basins, sediment transport, sedimentation, depositional environments, stratigraphy, seismic stratigraphy, eustacy, and sedimentary petrology. Includes laboratory and recitation. Required field trips.
Prerequisites: GEOL 302.
GEOL 335 - Processes of Global Environmental Change (4 Credits)
The science of global change, its relation to the hydrosphere, atmosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere. Global system science, biogeochemical cycles, paleoclimatology, glaciation, and eustacy.
Cross-listed course: MSCI 335
GEOL 345 - Igneous and Metamorphic Processes (4 Credits)
GEOL 355 - Structural Geology and Tectonics (4 Credits)
GEOL 371 - A View of the River (3 Credits)
GEOL 399 - Independent Study (1-6 Credits)
Contract approved by instructor, advisor, and department chair is required for undergraduate students.
Graduation with Leadership Distinction: GLD: Research
GEOL 498 - Undergraduate Research (3 Credits)
Student research on problems of regional and fundamental significance, supervised by a faculty member of the student’s choice. Emphasis is on the development of critical thinking and lucid scientific report writing.
Graduation with Leadership Distinction: GLD: Research
GEOL 499 - Undergraduate Research (3 Credits)
Student research on problems of regional and fundamental significance, supervised by a faculty member of the student’s choice. Emphasis is on the development of critical thinking and lucid scientific report writing.
Graduation with Leadership Distinction: GLD: Research
GEOL 500 - Field Geology (4-6 Credits)
GEOL 501 - Principles of Geomorphology (3 Credits)
GEOL 502 - Principles of Coastal Geomorphology (4 Credits)
GEOL 503 - Regional Stratigraphy and Biostratigraphy of North America (3 Credits)
Sedimentologic, biostratigraphic, and tectonic history of North America, approached from paleogeographic considerations with emphasis on the Atlantic Coastal Plain and Continental Margin. Three hours lecture and three hours recitation per week. Required field trips.
GEOL 511 - Advanced Paleontology (3 Credits)
GEOL 515 - Marine Micropaleontology (4 Credits)
Marine microfossils; distribution, ecology, paleoecology, and biostratigraphy; use of microfossils in marine sediments to study oceanographic history.
Three lectures and two laboratory hours per week.
Cross-listed course: MSCI 515
GEOL 516 - Sedimentology (4 Credits)
Modern concepts of sediment composition, sedimentary facies, depositional environments, and stratigraphy. Includes laboratory.
Prerequisites: GEOL 325.
GEOL 518 - Surface to Subsurface Stratigraphy (3 Credits)
Surface to subsurface stratigraphic interpretation and techniques; litho- and biostratigraphy; geophysical log interpretation and subsurface presentation.
GEOL 520 - Isotope Geology and Geochronology (3 Credits)
Dating techniques for Pleistocene deposits, sediments, archaeological materials, igneous and metamorphic rocks.
GEOL 521 - Introduction to Geochemistry (3 Credits)
Investigation of low temperature chemical reactions controlling the geochemistry of the earth’s surface. Emphasis on CO2, carbonates, oxidation-reduction, thermodynamics, isotopes, biogeochemistry.
Cross-listed course: MSCI 521
GEOL 524 - Environmental Radioisotope Geochemistry (3 Credits)
GEOL 526 - Igneous Petrology (4 Credits)
Petrography and petrogenesis of igneous rocks; evolution of contrasting petrotectonic terranes. Three lectures and three laboratory hours per week.
Prerequisites: GEOL 202.
GEOL 527 - Metamorphic Petrology (4 Credits)
Petrography and petrogenesis of metamorphic rocks in orogenic belts. Three lectures and three laboratory hours per week.
Prerequisites: GEOL 202.
GEOL 531 - Plate Tectonics (3 Credits)
Geological and geophysical evidence for plate tectonics, detailed development of the plate tectonics model, and present areas of research, including measurements of plate motion using satellite geodesy.
Prerequisites: Must have passed two GEOL courses numbered 300 or above, or consent of instructor.
GEOL 537 - Field Methods in Geophysics (3 Credits)
Application of two or more geophysical field methods to a current geological problem. Independent study contract required.
GEOL 540 - Earth Science for Teachers I (3 Credits)
Survey of topics related to the origin, internal structure, and internal processes of the earth, including plate tectonics, earthquakes, volcanoes, and mountain building. Required field trips, two lectures, and three lab hours per week. Cannot be used in M.S. or PhD. programs in geology.
Cross-listed course: EDSE 548
GEOL 541 - Earth Science for Teachers II (3 Credits)
Surface processes acting on the earth; introduction to weather and climate, weathering, erosion, and sedimentary processes; landform evolution; ocean currents and tides, near-shore geologic processes. Required field trips, two lecture and three lab hours per week. Cannot be used in MS or PhD programs in geology.
Cross-listed course: EDSE 549
GEOL 542 - Methods in Geoscience Education Research (3 Credits)
Introduction to methods used in discipline-based education research and their application to research questions in the geosciences.
Prerequisites: C or better in least one course in GEOL, ENVR, MSCI or GEOG.
GEOL 545 - Geological Oceanography (3 Credits)
A comprehensive study of the origin and development of the major structural features of the ocean basins and the continental margins. Discussion of the techniques used in obtaining geologic data and the interpretation of sedimentary processes, vulcanism, and the stratigraphy of the ocean basins.
Cross-listed course: MSCI 545
GEOL 546 - Marine Geophysics (3 Credits)
Introduction to the nature and structure of the ocean floor as revealed by geophysical techniques. Two hours lecture and three hours laboratory.
GEOL 548 - Environmental Geophysics (4 Credits)
GEOL 550 - Sedimentary Simulations and Sequence Stratigraphy (4 Credits)
Problems of sequence stratigraphy resolved with graphic computer simulations. Sedimentary fill of basins by carbonates and/or clastics tracked as a function of rate of sediment accumulation, tectonic behavior, and sea level. Includes laboratory.
Prerequisites: GEOL 325.
Cross-listed course: MSCI 550
GEOL 553 - Marine Sediments (3 Credits)
GEOL 554 - Applied Seismology (3 Credits)
GEOL 555 - Elementary Seismology (3 Credits)
Basic elements of seismology. Mathematical development of seismic wave equations; measurement, description, and interpretation of seismic data.
Prerequisites: MATH 241.
GEOL 556 - Seismic Reflection Interpretation (3 Credits)
The interpretation of geologic structure using seismic sections. Recognition of apparent structure caused by velocity anomalies, multiples, and complex reflector geometry. Application to hydrocarbon exploration.
GEOL 557 - Coastal Processes (3 Credits)
Physical and geological processes controlling the formation and evolution of beach, barrier, and nearshore environments, including discussion of coastal management issues.
Cross-listed course: MSCI 557
GEOL 560 - Earth Resource Management (3 Credits)
An approach to problems of resource management by lecture and seminar using case studies in mineral, energy, hydrogeological, and environmental science.
Graduation with Leadership Distinction: GLD: Research
Experiential Learning: Experiential Learning Opportunity
GEOL 561 - Environmental Field Geology (6 Credits)
An introduction to field methods in sedimentology, structural geology, hydrogeology and geophysics with special reference to geological hazards and environmental problems.
GEOL 567 - Long-Term Environmental Change (3 Credits)
Climatic changes of the past and their impact on the physical landscape, with an emphasis on the Quaternary period.
Prerequisites: A 200-level course in physical geography or geology or equivalent.
Cross-listed course: GEOG 567
GEOL 568 - Introduction to Micrometeorology (3 Credits)
Small-scale processes in the atmospheric boundary layers, including energy budget, radiation, soil heat transfer, humidity, viscous flows, turbulence, momentum and heat exchanges, evaporation, and marine atmospheric boundary layer.
Cross-listed course: MSCI 568
GEOL 570 - Environmental Hydrogeology (3 Credits)
Environmental considerations of the hydrologic cycle, occurrence and movement of ground water, aquifer analysis, and water well emplacement and construction. Water quality, pollution parameters, and the geochemistry of selected natural systems. The effects of environmental problems, waste disposal, and urban development upon the aqueous geochemical regime.
GEOL 571 - Soil Hydrology (4 Credits)
GEOL 575 - Numerical Modeling for Earth Science Applications (3 Credits)
GEOL 579 - Air-Sea Interaction (3 Credits)
The physical mechanism responsible for interaction between the ocean and the atmosphere and the influence of air-sea interaction on atmospheric and oceanic dynamics and thermodynamics on a wide variety of spatial/temporal scales.
Cross-listed course: MSCI 579
GEOL 580 - Satellite Oceanography (3 Credits)
This course provides knowledge of various techniques used in satellite remote sensing of the oceans. Key skills will be developed in satellite data processing, image analysis, and hands-on research.
Cross-listed course: MSCI 580
GEOL 581 - Estuarine Oceanography (3 Credits)
GEOL 582 - Marine Hydrodynamics (3 Credits)
Basic principles of fluid statics and dynamics. Conservation of mass, momentum, and energy; viscosity, vorticity, and boundary layers with examples from the marine environment. Applications to and analysis of ocean currents and waves.
Cross-listed course: MSCI 582
GEOL 583 - Geology and Geochemistry of Salt Marshes (3 Credits)
Geological and geochemical processes in salt marshes. Methods of geological research in marshes, including instrumental techniques, sampling design, and data analysis. Two lectures per week plus four weekends of project-oriented fieldwork and/or equivalent lab work. Scheduled field trips are required.
Cross-listed course: MSCI 583
GEOL 600 - Senior Seminar in Geology and Geophysics (2 Credits)
Advanced research topics in geology and geophysics; critical reading of literature, technical presentations, and written reports. Senior standing.
GEOL 650 - Electron Microscopy and Microanalysis (4 Credits)
SEM, ESEM, TEM, and EMPA, WDS quantitative analysis, EDS semi-quantitative analysis, EBSD, methods of sample preparation, and applications in varieties of disciplines. Two lecture and three laboratory hours per week.
Prerequisites: CHEM 111 or equivalent.
GEOL 699 - Senior Thesis (3-6 Credits)
Senior capstone experience, research on a problem on fundamental significance, supervised by faculty member; must include field study component, written final project report, and oral presentation at departmental seminar.
MSCI 101 - The Ocean Environment (4 Credits)
Origin and evolution of the oceans, plate tectonics, ocean circulation, waves and tides, seawater and sediment composition, and influences on biology. Three lecture and three laboratory hours per week. Scheduled field trips required.
Carolina Core: SCI
MSCI 102 - The Living Ocean (4 Credits)
Origin, evolution, and diversity of marine life, biological production, trophic dynamics, nutrient cycles, marine resources, and environmental concerns. Three lecture and three laboratory hours per week. Scheduled field trips required.
Carolina Core: SCI
MSCI 210 - Oceans and Society (3 Credits)
A nontechnical introduction to human interactions with the marine environment: marine organisms, marine systems, and the physical and chemical characteristics of oceans and estuaries. Not available for marine science major credit.
Carolina Core: SCI
MSCI 210L - Oceans and Society Laboratory (1 Credit)
Experiments and exercises which illustrate how specific components of marine environments are structured, function, and can be measured. Two laboratory hours per week. Not available for marine science major credit. Attendance on designated field trips may be required.
Prerequisite or Corequisite: MSCI 210.
Carolina Core: SCI
MSCI 215 - Coastal Environments of the Southeastern US (3 Credits)
Coastal zones of South Carolina and neighboring states, including geologic history, geomorphology, stratigraphy, hydrogeology, shoreline processes, environmental issues, and effect of man. Not available for geological science or marine science major credit. Three lecture hours each week plus optional field trips.
Carolina Core: SCI
MSCI 215L - Coastal Environments of the Southeastern U.S. (Laboratory) (1 Credit)
Exercises examining coastal ecology, geomorphology, hydrogeology, shoreline processes, environmental issues, and human impact. Two laboratory hours per week. Scheduled field trips required. Not available for marine science major credit.
Cross-listed course: GEOL 215L
Carolina Core: SCI
MSCI 305 - Ocean Data Analysis (3 Credits)
MSCI 311 - Biology of Marine Organisms (4 Credits)
MSCI 313 - The Chemistry of the Sea (4 Credits)
Biogeochemical cycling, carbonate chemistry, climate change, hydrothermal vents, stable isotopes, trace metals, radioactive tracers, mass balance, and properties of sea water. Three lecture and three laboratory hours per week.
MSCI 314 - Physical Oceanography (4 Credits)
MSCI 335 - Processes of Global Environmental Change (4 Credits)
The science of global change, its relation to the hydrosphere, atmosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere. Global system science, biogeochemical cycles, paleoclimatology, glaciation, and eustacy.
Cross-listed course: GEOL 335
MSCI 375 - The Deep Sea (3 Credits)
The Deep Sea is an interdisciplinary, scientific survey of the geology, biology, chemistry, and physical setting of the deep-sea (more than 1000 m depth).
MSCI 390 - Policy and Marine Science (3 Credits)
Analysis of past and current issues in global and national marine policy. Relationship between science and policymakers.
MSCI 399 - Independent Study (1-6 Credits)
Contract approved by instructor, advisor, and department chair is required for undergraduate students.
Graduation with Leadership Distinction: GLD: Research
MSCI 450 - Principles of Biological Oceanography (3 Credits)
MSCI 460 - Field and Laboratory Investigations in Marine Science (1-4 Credits)
Intensive inquiry-based investigations combining oceanographic field sampling with laboratory measurements of collected samples using modern analytical instrumentation, and with analysis and integration of data into a final research report. Most of the course is conducted in residence at a marine field site.
Graduation with Leadership Distinction: GLD: Professional and Civic Engagement Internships, GLD: Research
MSCI 495 - Internship in Marine Science (0-6 Credits)
Internship experience that offers practical field or laboratory experience in oceanography and/or related marine sciences. Course content varies and will be announced by title in schedule of courses. Usually conducted off campus and student must be able to access internship on their own.
MSCI 496 - Undergraduate Research (3 Credits)
Student research on problems of fundamental significance in collaboration with faculty mentors. Emphasis on critical thinking, problem solving, proposal development, scientific writing, and professional presentation. Nine hours of laboratory, field, or library work per week.
Graduation with Leadership Distinction: GLD: Research
MSCI 497 - Undergraduate Research (3 Credits)
Student research on problems of fundamental significance in collaboration with faculty mentors. Emphasis on critical thinking, problem solving, proposal development, scientific writing, and professional presentation. Nine hours of laboratory, field, or library work per week.
Graduation with Leadership Distinction: GLD: Research
MSCI 498 - Undergraduate Research (3 Credits)
Student research on problems of fundamental significance in collaboration with faculty mentors. Emphasis on critical thinking, problem solving, proposal development, scientific writing, and professional presentation. Nine hours of laboratory, field, or library work per week.
Graduation with Leadership Distinction: GLD: Research
MSCI 499 - Undergraduate Research (3 Credits)
Student research on problems of fundamental significance in collaboration with faculty mentors. Emphasis on critical thinking, problem solving, proposal development, scientific writing, and professional presentation. Nine hours of laboratory, field, or library work per week.
Graduation with Leadership Distinction: GLD: Research
MSCI 501 - Principles of Geomorphology (3 Credits)
MSCI 502 - Principles of Coastal Geomorphology (4 Credits)
MSCI 503 - Environmental Microbiology (3 Credits)
An overview of the microbial world including a survey of the distribution, functioning, and diversity of microorganisms in natural systems. Discusses the crucial roles that microorganisms play in ecosystem function, biogeochemical cycles, and environmental quality.
Cross-listed course: BIOL 502
MSCI 505 - Senior Seminar (1 Credit)
CL: 2020.
MSCI 509 - MATLAB-Based Data Analysis in Ocean Sciences (3 Credits)
MATLAB-based course in processing, analysis, and visualization of large oceanographic data sets. Includes scalar and vector time series measured at fixed locations as well as shipboard surveys of oceanographic characteristics varying both in 3-D and in time. Methods and techniques are relevant to other geoscience disciplines.
Prerequisites: MATH 141.
MSCI 510 - Invertebrate Zoology (4 Credits)
MSCI 511 - Advanced Paleontology (3 Credits)
MSCI 515 - Marine Micropaleontology (4 Credits)
Marine microfossils; distribution, ecology, paleoecology, and biostratigraphy; use of microfossils in marine sediments to study oceanographic history.
Three lectures and two laboratory hours per week.
Cross-listed course: GEOL 515
MSCI 521 - Introduction to Geochemistry (3 Credits)
Investigation of low temperature chemical reactions controlling the geochemistry of the earth’s surface. Emphasis on CO2, carbonates, oxidation reduction, thermodynamics, isotopes, biogeochemistry.
Cross-listed course: GEOL 521
MSCI 524 - Environmental Radioisotope Geochemistry (3 Credits)
MSCI 525 - Marine Plants (4 Credits)
MSCI 535 - Fishery Management (3 Credits)
Management and conservation of aquatic and marine resources, with emphasis on fisheries. Data procurement and analysis; commercial and recreational fisheries; sociological, political, legal, and environmental factors that affect fishery management; and fish biodiversity.
Prerequisites: BIOL 301.
Cross-listed course: BIOL 535
MSCI 536 - Ichthyology (4 Credits)
MSCI 537 - Aquaculture (3 Credits)
MSCI 538 - Behavior of Marine Organisms (4 Credits)
MSCI 545 - Geological Oceanography (3 Credits)
A comprehensive study of the origin and development of the major structural features of the ocean basins and the continental margins. Discussion of the techniques used in obtaining geologic data and the interpretation of sedimentary processes, vulcanism, and the stratigraphy of the ocean basins.
Cross-listed course: GEOL 545
MSCI 550 - Sedimentary Simulations and Sequence Stratigraphy (4 Credits)
Problems of sequence stratigraphy resolved with graphic computer simulations. Sedimentary fill of basins by carbonates and/or clastics tracked as a function of rate of sediment accumulation, tectonic behavior and sea level. Includes laboratory.
Prerequisites: GEOL 301.
Cross-listed course: GEOL 550
MSCI 552 - Population Genetics (3 Credits)
MSCI 553 - Marine Sediments (3 Credits)
MSCI 555 - Conservation and Health in Marine Systems (3 Credits)
Introduces the field of conservation and explores the intersection between conservation and environmental health with a particular focus on coastal and marine case studies.
MSCI 557 - Coastal Processes (3 Credits)
Physical and geological processes controlling the formation and evolution of beach, barrier, and nearshore environments, including discussion of coastal management issues.
Cross-listed course: GEOL 557
MSCI 566 - Ecosystem Analysis (3 Credits)
The formulation and simulation of compartment models of marine and terrestrial ecosystems with complex nutrient cycling, food chains, and energy flow. Analog and digital simulation techniques. Ecosystem stability and sensitivity. Organization, structure, and diversity of an ecosystem.
MSCI 568 - Introduction to Micrometeorology (3 Credits)
Small-scale processes in the atmospheric boundary layers, including energy budget, radiation, soil heat transfer, humidity, viscous flows, turbulence, momentum and heat exchanges, evaporation, and marine atmospheric boundary layer.
Cross-listed course: GEOL 568
MSCI 574 - Marine Conservation Biology (3 Credits)
Exploration of how human activities affect marine natural populations, species, communities and ecosystems, including threats to biodiversity; approaches to marine conservation; and ecological and evolutionary responses to anthropogenic disturbance.
Prerequisites: BIOL 301.
Cross-listed course: BIOL 574
MSCI 575 - Marine Ecology (3 Credits)
MSCI 575L - Marine Ecology Laboratory (1 Credit)
MSCI 576 - Marine Fisheries Ecology (3 Credits)
MSCI 577 - Ecology of Coral Reefs (4 Credits)
MSCI 578 - Physiological and Pollution Ecology of Marine Organisms (3 Credits)
Functional adaptation of marine plants and animals to ecological stresses including pollution. Three lecture hours per week.
Prerequisites: MSCI 311 or equivalent.
MSCI 579 - Air-Sea Interaction (3 Credits)
The physical mechanism responsible for interaction between the ocean and the atmosphere and the influence of air-sea interaction on atmospheric and oceanic dynamics and thermodynamics on a wide variety of spatial/temporal scales.
Cross-listed course: GEOL 579
MSCI 580 - Satellite Oceanography (3 Credits)
This course provides knowledge of various techniques used in satellite remote sensing of the oceans. Key skills will be developed in satellite data processing, image analysis, and hands-on research.
Cross-listed course: GEOL 580
MSCI 581 - Estuarine Oceanography (3 Credits)
MSCI 582 - Marine Hydrodynamics (3 Credits)
Basic principles of fluid statics and dynamics. Conservation of mass, momentum, and energy; viscosity, vorticity, and boundary layers with examples from the marine environment. Applications to and analysis of ocean currents and waves.
Cross-listed course: GEOL 582
MSCI 583 - Geology and Geochemistry of Salt Marshes (3 Credits)
Geological and geochemical processes in salt marshes. Methods of geological research in marshes including instrumental techniques, sampling design, and data analysis. Two lectures per week plus four weekends of project oriented fieldwork and/or equivalent lab work. Scheduled field trips are required.
Cross-listed course: GEOL 583
MSCI 585 - Coastal Tropical Oceanography (4 Credits)
Descriptive oceanography of mangrove and coral reef coasts with emphasis on physical processes. Taught as an extended field experience with daily lectures and guided research activities.
Prerequisites: MSCI 312.
MSCI 590 - Beach-Dune Interactions (3 Credits)
Influence of wind on coastal systems, with emphasis on nearshore currents, sediment transport and bedforms, aeolian transport, and dunes.
Minimum Junior standing required.
Cross-listed course: GEOG 590
MSCI 599 - Topics in Marine Science (1-3 Credits)
Current developments in marine science selected to meet faculty and student interests. Course content varies and will be announced by title in schedule of courses.
MSCI 624 - Aquatic Chemistry (3 Credits)
MSCI 627 - Marine Phytoplankton (3 Credits)
Examines the physiology and ecology of phytoplankton, including environmental controls on community composition, primary productivity, and detection and characterization of water quality (eutrophication) and harmful algal blooms.
Cross-listed course: BIOL 627