Our academic degree programs provides a robust understanding of oceanography in any of these four areas of emphasis:
- Biological Oceanography
The goal of biological oceanography is to understand what controls the abundance, kinds, and temporal variation of organisms in the sea. Our research and teaching programs are oriented toward a mechanistic understanding of processes. Our strengths are a core of modern summary courses ensuring an up-to-date overview of the discipline combined with a research program having the flexibility and resources to advance in virtually any direction.
- Chemical Oceanography
Chemical oceanography is the study of the mechanisms that control the distribution of elements and compounds in the ocean. Following the exploration of the 1960's and '70s, chemical oceanography is now focused on specific processes and their rates distributed throughout the world's oceans. Our school takes pride in being a leader in an interdisciplinary approach to the study of the chemical distribution of inorganic and organic, stable, and radioactive elements.
- Physical Oceanography
Physical oceanography focuses on describing and understanding the evolving patterns of ocean circulation and fluid motion, along with the distribution of its properties such as temperature, salinity and the concentration of dissolved chemical elements and gases. The ocean as a dynamic fluid is studied at a wide range of spatial scales, from the centimeter scales relevant to turbulent microstructure through the many thousand kilometer scales of the ocean gyres and global overturning circulation. Approaches include theory, direct observation, and computer simulation. Our research frequently takes place in the context of important multidisciplinary issues including the dynamics and predictability of global climate and the sustainability of human use in coastal and estuarine regions. Degrees offered: M. Sc. and Ph. D.
- Marine Geology and Geophysics
Marine Geology and Geophysics is involved with understanding the structure and mechanics of the Earth's crust that is overlain by world's oceans. Students learn about the history of the seabed and the processes (physical, chemical and biological) that shape its surficial and internal structure. Research is based upon in situ observations, and the development of physical and numerical models to describe them. Historical strengths within the option include ridge-crest processes and continental-margin sediment transport. Degrees: BS, MS and PhD.
We coordinate our academic plans of study with others on campus to offer interdisciplinary plans of study addressing some of the most challenging topics in the ocean sciences.
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