Fred C. Dobbs, Chair
David J. Burdige, Chief Departmental Advisor
The Department of Ocean and Earth Sciences offers an undergraduate major in Ocean and Earth Science. Undergraduate majors select one of seven concentrations (biological oceanography, chemical oceanography, environmental sciences, physical oceanography, geology, marine science technology, Earth science education) that lead to the Bachelor of Science in Ocean and Earth Science. A minor in Ocean and Earth Science is also offered. Two graduate programs are offered: the Master of Science in Ocean and Earth Sciences and the Doctor of Philosophy in Oceanography.
The Master of Science degree in Ocean and Earth Sciences has both thesis and non-thesis options. Areas of emphasis in oceanography are biological oceanography, chemical oceanography, geological oceanography, and physical oceanography. Interdisciplinary studies are encouraged. The curriculum is designed to prepare graduates for professional practice in their area of interest.
The department receives considerable support from the Commonwealth and local philanthropic sources, as well as from private industry and area citizens. Establishment of the Virginia Graduate Marine Science consortium by the General Assembly in 1979 demonstrated the Commonwealth's determination to achieve excellence in marine science. The purpose of the consortium is to advance marine science instruction, research, training, and advisory services and to enhance Virginia's position in seeking funding to carry out these activities. Charter members of the consortium are Old Dominion University, the University of Virginia, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, and the College of William and Mary. The Samuel L. and Fay M. Slover endowment to Old Dominion University in 1986 has significantly accelerated the program of marine studies. In 1991, a Center for Coastal Physical Oceanography (CCPO) was established at Old Dominion University by the Commonwealth of Virginia. The center is a Designated Center for Excellence.
The Department of Ocean and Earth Sciences is housed in two buildings. The Oceanography/Physical Sciences Building contains state-of-the-art teaching laboratories, computer facilities, and research laboratories for biological, chemical and geological oceanography. The Center for Coastal Physical Oceanography is located in the Research I building and houses all of the department's physical oceanography laboratories. The department maintains a 55-foot research vessel, the R/V Fay Slover, primarily for estuarine and coastal studies. In addition to the Slover, the department has a number of small boats, suitable for near shore investigations.
Bachelor of Science—Ocean and Earth Science Major
David J. Burdige, Advisor
Students in the Ocean and Earth Science program focus on global systems that control environmental conditions on the planet. They also learn to develop solutions to complex environmental problems by working in interdisciplinary teams. All majors in the department complete courses in the basic sciences and mathematics, core courses in Earth systems science, and (in the three oceanography concentrations and the geology concentration) a capstone field research experience. In addition, students complete a suite of specialty courses according to one of the following concentrations. A minimum grade of C or higher in all major and prerequisite courses is required for graduation.
Biological, Chemical, and Physical Oceanography Concentrations
The three oceanography concentrations are designed for students considering graduate work or employment in the pure and applied fields of oceanography. If students select the biological oceanography concentration, they are strongly encouraged to minor in biology and select 12 credits from 300/400 level biology courses. If students select the chemical oceanography concentration, they are strongly encouraged to minor in chemistry and select the following courses: CHEM 211-CHEM 213, CHEM 212-CHEM 214, CHEM 321 and CHEM 322. If students select the physical oceanography concentration, they are strongly encouraged to minor in applied mathematics and select the following courses: MATH 312, MATH 316, MATH 317 and MATH 401.
Environmental Sciences Concentration
The environmental sciences concentration is designed for students broadly interested in earth and ocean sciences. Students in this concentration gain a solid background in basic sciences (e.g., chemistry, physics, math, and biology) while also taking courses in geology, oceanography, and atmospheric sciences. The concentration is also designed to allow students the freedom to focus their upper-level coursework in a disciplinary field in ocean and earth sciences they find most compelling. Student in this concentration will be prepared for a wide range of future scientific pursuits (including graduate studies in appropriate fields), as well as work (or graduate studies) that applies their skills to policy development and interpretation. Specific employment opportunities include work in local, state, and federal government agencies, environmental consulting firms, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
Geology Concentration
The geology concentration is designed for students with a wide range of professional goals in the sciences, engineering, business, and the arts. Students considering graduate work or employment in pure and applied fields of geology, including environmental geology, geological oceanography, hydrogeology, marine geology, geobiology, geophysics, and geochemistry, should build their backgrounds to support certification as a professional geologist (see later information). Students with a strong interest in geological applications of geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing tools should consider the geology concentration with a minor in geography; the certificate program in spatial analysis of coastal environments (see later description) also emphasizes this area of study.
Marine Science Technology Concentration
The marine science technology concentration is designed for students interested in the more practical and technical side of oceanography. Students in this concentration will gain practical skills in data acquisition and processing, field operations, and instrument design, assembly, operation, and maintenance. Whereas other concentrations in ocean and earth science emphasize more theoretical aspects of these fields, this concentration focuses on hands-on skills. Upon graduation, students in this concentration will be able to work closely with scientists, researchers, and engineers on wide ranging projects in the environmental science and technology fields. For example, these include potential job opportunities associated with Virginia's offshore wind resource development, which involve collecting and analyzing meteorological, oceanographic and environmental data, upgrading port and logistics facilities, and ensuring this development is compatible with other ocean uses.
Earth Science Education Concentration
The earth science education concentration is designed for students preparing to teach Earth science in secondary schools. This program meets the requirements for teacher licensure in Virginia as established by the Virginia Board of Education licensure regulations.
Requirements for all Concentration Areas
Lower-Division General Education
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Composition (grade of C or better required in both courses) | 6 | |
| English Composition (C or better required) | ||
| Introduction to Technical Writing (C or better required) | ||
| Oral Communication | ||
Met in the major by | ||
| Ocean and Earth Sciences Field Study I | ||
or OEAS 444 | Communicating Ocean Science to Informal Audiences | |
| Students in the Oceanography and Geology concentrations take OEAS 441. Students in Environmental Sciences, Marine Science Technology, and Earth Science Education concentrations take OEAS 444. | ||
| Mathematics | 3-4 | |
| Calculus I | ||
or MATH 205 | Calculus for Life Sciences | |
| MATH 205 only accepted in the Environmental Sciences and Marine Science Technology concentrations | ||
| Language and Culture | 0-6 | |
| Information Literacy and Research (met in the major by OEAS 130G) | ||
| Human Creativity | 3 | |
| Interpreting the Past | 3 | |
| Literature | 3 | |
| Philosophy and Ethics | 3 | |
| The Nature of Science | 8 | |
| Foundations of Chemistry I Lecture and Foundations of Chemistry I Laboratory | ||
| Foundations of Chemistry II Lecture and Foundations of Chemistry II Laboratory | ||
| Impact of Technology (met in the major by OEAS 220T for Earth Science Education, Environmental Sciences and Marine Science Technology concentrations) | 0-3 | |
| Human Behavior | 3 | |
| Total Hours | 32-42 | |
Students must select one of the following options:
Course Requirements – Biological Oceanography Concentration
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 121N & BIOL 122N | General Biology I and General Biology I Lab | 4 |
| BIOL 123N & BIOL 124N | General Biology II and General Biology II Lab | 4 |
| MATH 212 | Calculus II | 4 |
| OEAS 111N | Physical Geology | 4 |
| OEAS 130G | Research Skills and Information Literacy for the Natural Sciences | 3 |
| OEAS 306 | Oceanography | 3 |
| OEAS 307 | Oceanography Laboratory | 1 |
| PHYS 231N & PHYS 232N | University Physics I and University Physics II | 8 |
| OEAS 310 | Global Earth Systems | 4 |
| STAT 310 | Introductory Data Analysis | 3 |
| OEAS 406 | Matlab | 1 |
| OEAS 440 | Biological Oceanography | 4 |
| BIOL 292 | Evolution | 3 |
| BIOL 415W | Marine Ecology | 4-5 |
| or OEAS 451W | Data Collection and Analysis in Oceanography | |
| CHEM 211 | Organic Chemistry I Lecture | 3 |
| CHEM 212 | Organic Chemistry I Laboratory | 2 |
| CHEM 213 | Organic Chemistry II Lecture | 3 |
| CHEM 441 | Biochemistry Lecture | 3 |
| OEAS 441 & OEAS 442W | Ocean and Earth Sciences Field Study I and Ocean and Earth Sciences Field Study II (satisfies oral and upper-division written communication requirement) | 6 |
| Select two of the following electives: | 6 | |
| Aquatic Pollution | ||
| Physical Oceanography | ||
| Chemical Oceanography | ||
| Global Environmental Change | ||
| Environmental Geochemistry | ||
| Electronics and Oceanographic Instrumentation | ||
| Limnology: Biogeochemistry of Lakes | ||
| Hydrogeology | ||
| Population Ecology | ||
| Microbial Ecology of the Oceans | ||
| Data Collection and Analysis in Oceanography (if not taken in lieu of BIOL 415W) | ||
| Marine Molecular Ecology | ||
| Introduction to Mitigation and Adaptation Studies | ||
| Total Hours | 73-74 | |
Four-Year Plan - Biological Oceanography Concentration - BS
This is a suggested curriculum plan to complete this degree program in four years. Please consult information in this Catalog, Degree Works, and your academic advisor for more specific information on course requirements for this degree.
Course Requirements – Chemical Oceanography Concentration
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 121N & BIOL 122N | General Biology I and General Biology I Lab | 4 |
| BIOL 123N & BIOL 124N | General Biology II and General Biology II Lab | 4 |
| OEAS 111N | Physical Geology | 4 |
| OEAS 130G | Research Skills and Information Literacy for the Natural Sciences | 3 |
| CHEM 211 & CHEM 213 | Organic Chemistry I Lecture and Organic Chemistry II Lecture | 6 |
| MATH 212 | Calculus II | 4 |
| OEAS 306 | Oceanography | 3 |
| OEAS 307 | Oceanography Laboratory | 1 |
| PHYS 231N & PHYS 232N | University Physics I and University Physics II | 8 |
| OEAS 310 | Global Earth Systems | 4 |
| STAT 310 | Introductory Data Analysis | 3 |
| OEAS 406 | Matlab | 1 |
| OEAS 410 | Chemical Oceanography | 3 |
| OEAS 441 & OEAS 442W | Ocean and Earth Sciences Field Study I and Ocean and Earth Sciences Field Study II (satisfies oral and upper-division written communication requirement.) | 6 |
| Select one of the following: | 2-4 | |
| Analytical Chemistry Laboratory | ||
| Experimental Physical Chemistry I | ||
| Experimental Physical Chemistry II | ||
| Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory | ||
| Instrumental Analysis Laboratory | ||
| Biochemistry Laboratory | ||
| Advanced Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory | ||
| Select three of the following: | 9 | |
| Analytical Chemistry Lecture | ||
| Physical Chemistry Lecture I | ||
| Physical Chemistry Lecture II | ||
| Inorganic Chemistry | ||
| Intermediate Organic Chemistry | ||
| Instrumental Analysis Lecture | ||
| Biochemistry Lecture | ||
| Intermediate Biochemistry | ||
| Environmental Chemistry | ||
| Advanced Inorganic Chemistry | ||
| Select two of the following: | 6-7 | |
| Aquatic Pollution | ||
| Physical Oceanography | ||
| Global Environmental Change | ||
| Environmental Geochemistry | ||
| Waves and Tides | ||
| Limnology: Biogeochemistry of Lakes | ||
| Introduction to Geophysics | ||
| Geodynamics | ||
| Biological Oceanography | ||
| Introduction to Ocean Modeling and Prediction | ||
| Data Collection and Analysis in Oceanography | ||
| Microbial Ecology of the Oceans | ||
| Marine Molecular Ecology | ||
| Paleoceanography | ||
| Total Hours | 71-74 | |
Four-Year Plan - Chemical Oceanography Concentration - BS
This is a suggested curriculum plan to complete this degree program in four years. Please consult information in this Catalog, Degree Works, and your academic advisor for more specific information on course requirements for this degree.
Course Requirements – Physical Oceanography Concentration
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 121N & BIOL 122N | General Biology I and General Biology I Lab | 4 |
| BIOL 123N & BIOL 124N | General Biology II and General Biology II Lab | 4 |
| OEAS 111N | Physical Geology | 4 |
| OEAS 130G | Research Skills and Information Literacy for the Natural Sciences | 3 |
| MATH 212 | Calculus II | 4 |
| PHYS 231N & PHYS 232N | University Physics I and University Physics II | 8 |
| OEAS 306 | Oceanography | 3 |
| OEAS 307 | Oceanography Laboratory | 1 |
| STAT 310 | Introductory Data Analysis | 3 |
| OEAS 310 | Global Earth Systems | 4 |
| OEAS 405 | Physical Oceanography | 3 |
| OEAS 406 | Matlab | 1 |
| OEAS 415 | Waves and Tides | 3 |
| or OEAS 435 | Introduction to Ocean Modeling and Prediction | |
| OEAS 451W | Data Collection and Analysis in Oceanography | 4 |
| GEOG 402 | Geographic Information Systems | 3 |
| MATH 307 | Ordinary Differential Equations | 3 |
| or MATH 280 | Transfer Credit for Ordinary Differential Equations | |
| PHYS 319 | Analytical Mechanics | 3 |
| STAT 437 | Applied Regression and Time Series Analysis | 3 |
| OEAS 441 & OEAS 442W | Ocean and Earth Sciences Field Study I and Ocean and Earth Sciences Field Study II (satisfies oral and upper-division written communication requirement.) | 6 |
| Select two electives from one of the following three option areas: | 6 | |
Option A | ||
| Digital Techniques for Remote Sensing | ||
| Spatial Analysis of Coastal Environments | ||
| Advanced GIS | ||
| Introduction to Geophysics | ||
| Introduction to Ocean Modeling and Prediction (if not taken in lieu of OEAS 415) | ||
Option B | ||
| Partial Differential Equations | ||
| Applied Numerical Methods I | ||
| Mathematics in Nature | ||
| Introduction to Geophysics | ||
| Geodynamics | ||
Option C | ||
| Hydromechanics | ||
| Introduction to Coastal Engineering | ||
| Dynamics | ||
| Partial Differential Equations | ||
| Applied Numerical Methods I | ||
| Introduction to Mitigation and Adaptation Studies | ||
| Total Hours | 73 | |
Four-Year Plan - Physical Oceanography Concentration - BS
This is a suggested curriculum plan to complete this degree program in four years. Please consult information in this Catalog, Degree Works, and your academic advisor for more specific information on course requirements for this degree.
Course Requirements - Environmental Sciences Concentration
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| OEAS 111N | Physical Geology | 4 |
| OEAS 130G | Research Skills and Information Literacy for the Natural Sciences | 3 |
| BIOL 121N & BIOL 122N | General Biology I and General Biology I Lab | 4 |
| BIOL 123N & BIOL 124N | General Biology II and General Biology II Lab | 4 |
| PHYS 111N | Introductory General Physics | 4 |
| or PHYS 231N | University Physics I | |
| PHYS 112N | Introductory General Physics | 4 |
| or PHYS 232N | University Physics II | |
| OEAS 220T | Introduction to Meteorology | 3 |
| BIOL 291 | Ecology | 3 |
| or OEAS 320 | Sedimentology and Stratigraphy | |
| STAT 310 | Introductory Data Analysis | 3 |
| OEAS 306 | Oceanography | 3 |
| OEAS 307 | Oceanography Laboratory | 1 |
| OEAS 310 | Global Earth Systems | 4 |
| OEAS 406 | Matlab | 1 |
| OEAS 444 | Communicating Ocean Science to Informal Audiences (meets Oral Communication) | 3 |
| OEAS 451W | Data Collection and Analysis in Oceanography | 3-4 |
| or GEOG 402 | Geographic Information Systems | |
| Upper-Division Electives (all 300-400 Level OEAS courses) * | 19 | |
| Select courses from the list below for a total of 19 credits hours | ||
| Natural Hazards and Disasters (L) | ||
| Paleontology (L) | ||
| Minerals and Rocks (L) | ||
| Sedimentology and Stratigraphy (L; can be used as an elective only if not taken as required course above) | ||
| Geomorphology | ||
| Aquatic Pollution | ||
| Physical Oceanography | ||
| Chemical Oceanography | ||
| Structural Geology | ||
| Global Environmental Change | ||
| Environmental Geochemistry | ||
| Waves and Tides | ||
| Electronics and Oceanographic Instrumentation | ||
| Limnology: Biogeochemistry of Lakes | ||
| Spatial Analysis of Coastal Environments | ||
| Hydrogeology (L) | ||
| Introduction to Geophysics | ||
| Geodynamics | ||
| Biological Oceanography (L) | ||
| Population Ecology | ||
| Microbial Ecology of the Oceans (L) | ||
| Marine Molecular Ecology (L) | ||
| Introduction to Mitigation and Adaptation Studies | ||
| Sustainability Leadership | ||
| Research Methods in Math and Sciences | ||
| Paleoceanography | ||
| Total Hours | 66-67 | |
| * | For these upper-division courses please pay careful attention to prerequisites that may not necessarily also be required courses in the concentration. A minimum of two courses must have a structured laboratory or field requirement (indicated by L). Up to 4 credits of 200-level courses may be used to satisfy this upper-division requirement. Up to six credit hours of electives from departments outside of Ocean and Earth Sciences on an approved electives list can be used to satisfy this requirement (see the Chief Departmental Advisor for details). At least one writing-intensive "W" course must be taken within the major. |
Four-Year Plan - Environmental Sciences Concentration - BS
This is a suggested curriculum plan to complete this degree program in four years. Please consult information in this Catalog, Degree Works, and your academic advisor for more specific information on course requirements for this degree.
Course Requirements – Geology Concentration
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 121N & BIOL 122N | General Biology I and General Biology I Lab | 4 |
| BIOL 123N & BIOL 124N | General Biology II and General Biology II Lab | 4 |
| MATH 212 | Calculus II | 4 |
| OEAS 130G | Research Skills and Information Literacy for the Natural Sciences | 3 |
| OEAS 111N & OEAS 112N | Physical Geology and Historical Geology | 8 |
| PHYS 231N & PHYS 232N | University Physics I and University Physics II | 8 |
| OEAS 306 | Oceanography | 3 |
| OEAS 307 | Oceanography Laboratory | 1 |
| STAT 310 | Introductory Data Analysis | 3 |
| OEAS 310 | Global Earth Systems | 4 |
| OEAS 315 | Minerals and Rocks | 4 |
| OEAS 344W | Geomorphology | 3 |
| OEAS 320 | Sedimentology and Stratigraphy | 4 |
| OEAS 406 | Matlab | 1 |
| OEAS 411 | Structural Geology | 4 |
| OEAS 441 & OEAS 442W | Ocean and Earth Sciences Field Study I and Ocean and Earth Sciences Field Study II (satisfies oral and upper-division written communication requirement.) | 6 |
| Select one of the following: | 3-4 | |
| Hydrogeology | ||
| Introduction to Geophysics | ||
| Geodynamics | ||
| Data Collection and Analysis in Oceanography | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Paleontology | ||
| Internship in Ocean and Earth Sciences | ||
| Aquatic Pollution | ||
| Global Environmental Change | ||
| Environmental Geochemistry | ||
| Waves and Tides | ||
| Spatial Analysis of Coastal Environments | ||
| Hydrogeology (if not taken as an elective above) | ||
| Introduction to Geophysics (if not taken as an elective above) | ||
| Geodynamics (if not taken as an elective above) | ||
| Quaternary Geology | ||
| Data Collection and Analysis in Oceanography (if not take as an elective above) | ||
| Paleoceanography | ||
| Total Hours | 70-71 | |
Four-Year Plan - Geology Concentration - BS
This is a suggested curriculum plan to complete this degree program in four years. Please consult information in this Catalog, Degree Works, and your academic advisor for more specific information on course requirements for this degree.
Course Requirements – Marine Science Technology Concentration
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| OEAS 111N | Physical Geology | 4 |
| OEAS 130G | Research Skills and Information Literacy for the Natural Sciences | 3 |
| BIOL 121N & BIOL 122N | General Biology I and General Biology I Lab | 4 |
| BIOL 123N & BIOL 124N | General Biology II and General Biology II Lab | 4 |
| PHYS 111N | Introductory General Physics | 4 |
| or PHYS 231N | University Physics I | |
| PHYS 112N | Introductory General Physics | 4 |
| or PHYS 232N | University Physics II | |
| BIOL 291 | Ecology | 3-4 |
| or OEAS 320 | Sedimentology and Stratigraphy | |
| OEAS 220T | Introduction to Meteorology | 3 |
| OEAS 306 | Oceanography | 3 |
| OEAS 307 | Oceanography Laboratory | 1 |
| OEAS 310 | Global Earth Systems | 4 |
| STAT 310 | Introductory Data Analysis | 3 |
| OEAS 406 | Matlab | 1 |
| OEAS 416 | Electronics and Oceanographic Instrumentation | 3 |
| OEAS 444 | Communicating Ocean Science to Informal Audiences (meets Oral Communication) | 3 |
| OEAS 451W | Data Collection and Analysis in Oceanography | 4 |
| GEOG 402 | Geographic Information Systems | 3 |
| Upper-Division OEAS Electives* | 13 | |
| Paleontology | ||
| Minerals and Rocks | ||
| Sedimentology and Stratigraphy (can be used as an elective only if BIOL 291 is used to satisfy the concentration requirement) | ||
| Geomorphology | ||
| Aquatic Pollution | ||
| Physical Oceanography | ||
| Chemical Oceanography | ||
| Global Environmental Change | ||
| Environmental Geochemistry | ||
| Limnology: Biogeochemistry of Lakes | ||
| Waves and Tides | ||
| Total Hours | 67-68 | |
| * | For these upper-division courses please pay careful attention to prerequisites that may not necessarily also be required courses in the concentration. Up to 4 credits of 200-level courses may be used to satisfy this upper-division requirement. Up to six credit hours of electives from departments outside of Ocean and Earth Sciences can be used to satisfy this requirement (see the Chief Departmental Advisor for the list of these approved electives). At least one writing-intensive "W" course must be taken within the major. |
Four-Year Plan - Marine Science Technology Concentration - BS
This is a suggested curriculum plan to complete this degree program in four years. Please consult information in this Catalog, Degree Works, and your academic advisor for more specific information on course requirements for this degree.
Elective Credit
Elective credit may be needed to meet the minimum requirement of 120 credit hours.
Upper-Division General Education
For students in the Earth science education concentration, completion of the professional education courses satisfies this requirement. All other students can satisfy this requirement in one of four ways:
-
Option A. Approved Disciplinary Minor (a minimum of 12 hours determined by the department), or second degree or second major.
-
Option B: Interdisciplinary Minor (specifically 12 hours, 3 of which may be in the major)
-
Option C. International Business and Regional Courses or an approved Certification Program such as teaching licensure
-
Option D. Two Upper-Division Courses from outside the College of Sciences and not required by the major (6 hours)
Requirements for Graduation
Requirements for graduation in all options listed above except Earth science education include a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.00 overall and in the major with a grade of C or better in all major and prerequisite courses, 120 credit hours, which must include both a minimum of 30 credit hours overall and 12 credit hours in upper-level courses in the major program from Old Dominion University, completion of ENGL 110C, ENGL 211C or ENGL 221C or ENGL 231C, and the writing intensive (W) course in the major with a grade of C or better, and completion of Senior Assessment. Requirements for Earth science are noted under course requirements for Earth science education.
Earth Science Education Concentration
Due to changing University requirements, national accreditation standards, and the Virginia Board of Education licensure regulations, the teacher preparation programs in the College of Sciences are under constant revision. Any changes resulting from these factors supersede the program requirements described in this Catalog. Students are encouraged to obtain current program information from their advisors and the Office of Clinical Experiences website at www.odu.edu/oce.
Admission
Students must first declare the Ocean and Earth Science major, Earth science education concentration with the chief departmental advisor. All students must apply for and be admitted into the approved earth science teacher preparation program. Students must meet the required criteria for admission by passing the Virginia Board of Education prescribed assessments and earn the minimum required grade point averages (GPA).
Prescribed Virginia Board of Education Assessment for Admission to an Approved Teacher Education Program
Old Dominion University students seeking admission to an approved teacher education program must have submitted Praxis Core or approved alternative test of mathematics, reading, and writing (SAT or ACT).
For the most current information on the prescribed Virginia Board of Education admission assessment, visit the Office of Clinical Experiences website, http://www.odu.edu/oce and review the Professional Education Handbook.
Required grade point averages (GPA):
-
A cumulative GPA of 2.75 is required.
-
A major/content GPA of 2.75 is required - all Ocean, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences courses and all other science and mathematics content courses must be passed with a grade of C (2.0) or higher.
-
A professional education GPA of 2.75 is required – all professional education courses must be passed with a grade of C- or higher.
Although students may enroll in a limited number of education courses, students must be admitted into the approved earth science teacher preparation program prior to enrolling in any instructional strategies practicum education course. Students must also meet with an education advisor in the Office of Clinical Experiences.
Continuance
Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.75, a major/content GPA of 2.75 and a professional education GPA of 2.75. Ocean, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences content courses must be passed with a grade of C (2.0) or higher. Courses in the professional education core must be completed with a grade of C- or higher for continuance. A professional education GPA of 2.75 is required for continuance. Students must take and pass the Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment (VCLA) and the Praxis Subject Assessment, Earth and Spaces Sciences content knowledge (formerly Praxis II) prior to or while enrolled in the instructional strategies course. All assessments must be passed prior to the start of the Teacher Candidate Internship Orientation session.
Background Clearance Requirement
Old Dominion University requires a background clearance check of candidates interested in many of the professional education programs. Professional education programs have several field experiences that are required for continuance and graduation from the program. The background clearance must be successfully completed prior to a field experience placement. Candidates will be provided a field experience placement when the background check process is completed with resolution of any issues. The process to complete the ODU clearance background check is located at: http://www.odu.edu/success/academic/teacher-education/placement/background-checks. The ODU clearance process includes: an FBI fingerprint, a child protective service/social service review, and a Virginia State Police sex offender registry review. Candidates interested in the professional education programs are advised to complete this clearance process immediately upon entry into the program since the clearance process takes a minimum of eight weeks to complete.
Virginia Board of Education Prescribed Assessments for Licensure
-
Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment (VCLA) – a passing composite score of 470 is required on this reading and writing assessment
-
Praxis Subject Assessment, Earth and Spaces Sciences content knowledge (test code: 5571) – passing score of 156 required
To review more information on the Virginia Board of Education prescribed assessments visit the Office of Clinical Experiences website, www.odu.edu/oce.
Graduation
Requirements for graduation include completion of ENGL 110C, ENGL 211C or ENGL 221C or ENGL 231C, and the writing intensive (W) course in the major with a grade of C or better, completion of the Senior Assessment, a minimum cumulative 2.75 GPA, in the major area, and in the professional education core, with no grade less than a C in the major and C- in the professional education core; successful completion of the Teacher Candidate Internship and a minimum of 120 credit hours, which must include both a minimum of 30 credit hours overall and 12 credit hours in upper-level courses in the major program from Old Dominion University. Note that a C (2.0) must be earned in all Ocean, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences courses used to satisfy departmental requirements.
Course Requirements – Earth Science Education Concentration
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 121N & BIOL 122N | General Biology I and General Biology I Lab | 4 |
| STAT 310 | Introductory Data Analysis | 3 |
| PHYS 111N & PHYS 112N | Introductory General Physics and Introductory General Physics | 8 |
| OEAS 111N | Physical Geology | 4 |
| OEAS 112N | Historical Geology | 4 |
| OEAS 130G | Research Skills and Information Literacy for the Natural Sciences | 3 |
| OEAS 220T | Introduction to Meteorology | 3 |
| OEAS 303 | Paleontology | 3 |
| OEAS 306 | Oceanography | 3 |
| OEAS 310 | Global Earth Systems | 4 |
| OEAS 315 | Minerals and Rocks | 4 |
| OEAS 320 | Sedimentology and Stratigraphy | 4 |
| OEAS 344W | Geomorphology | 3 |
| PHYS 408 | Astronomy for Teachers | 3 |
| OEAS 441 & OEAS 442W | Ocean and Earth Sciences Field Study I and Ocean and Earth Sciences Field Study II (satisfies oral communication and upper-division writing intensive requirement) | 6 |
| or | ||
| Communicating Ocean Science to Informal Audiences and Research Methods in Math and Sciences (an alternative to OEAS 441-OEAS 442W for the Earth science education emphasis; satisfies oral communication requirement) | ||
| Additional electives as needed to meet 120 credit hours; upper-division OEAS electives recommended | 2 | |
| Total Hours | 61 | |
The Professional Education core courses and requirements are as follows:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| STEM 101 | Step 1 – Inquiry Approaches to Teaching STEM | 1 |
| STEM 102 | Step 2 - Inquiry Based STEM Lesson Design | 1 |
| STEM 201 | Knowing and Learning in STEM Education | 3 |
| STEM 202 | Classroom Interactions in STEM Education | 3 |
| STEM 401 | Project Based Instruction in STEM Education | 3 |
| STEM 402 | Perspectives on STEM | 3 |
| STEM 485 | Apprentice Teaching | 9 |
| OEAS 468W | Research Methods in Math and Sciences | 3 |
| Total Hours | 26 | |
Four-Year Plan - Earth Science Education Concentration - BS
This is a suggested curriculum plan to complete this degree program in four years. Please consult information in this Catalog, Degree Works, and your academic advisor for more specific information on course requirements for this degree.
Practicum Experiences
Students majoring in Ocean and Earth science have the chance to participate in a practicum—a hands-on course-length experience that closely ties their classroom learning with "real life." All students must complete OEAS 441/OEAS 442W, Field Study (or OEAS 444-OEAS 445 for earth science education track students). In addition, Earth science education track students must complete STEM 485, which places them in science classrooms in secondary schools. All students may complete an internship (OEAS 368) with a municipal, state, or federal government agency, a non-governmental organization, or a business. In addition, Honors students may develop a senior research project in OEAS 487.
Honors Program in Ocean and Earth Science
Students admitted by the faculty to the Ocean and Earth science honors program engage in supervised individual study in areas of their interest. Honors students must complete all courses required by the department with a minimum grade point average of 3.50 and a total of at least three credits in one of the following courses:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| OEAS 487 | Honors Research in Ocean and Earth Sciences | 1-3 |
| OEAS 497 | Special Problems and Research | 1-3 |
Professional Geologist Certification
Ocean and Earth science graduates who work for several years as geologists and then pass a national standardized test can be certified as a Professional Geologist by the Commonwealth of Virginia or other states. The standardized tests commonly cover the following topics (listed in order of emphasis on the test): Research, Field Methods, and Communications; Structural Geology; Hydrogeology; Sedimentology/Stratigraphy; Petrology; Geomorphology; Engineering Geology; Mineralogy; Geophysics; Paleontology; Geochemistry; Mining Geology; and Petroleum Geology.
Credit by Examination
Students with prior training or experience may receive credit for three hours of OEAS 111N by passing the DANTES Physical Geology exam. Both tests are administered by the Testing Center. Because OEAS 111N is a four credit course students must also complete a physical geology laboratory course (one credit) in order to use this advanced placement credit. Interested students should contact the chief departmental advisor about this course. Students may also refer to the Policy on Prior Learning Assessment Credit Options at the Undergraduate Level found in this Catalog.
Ocean and Earth Science Minor
Juniors and seniors with declared majors in biology, biochemistry, chemistry, computer science, engineering, mathematics, or physics are eligible to enter the minor program in Ocean and Earth Science. Specific course prerequisites will be strictly enforced and students with majors in other disciplines should consult with the chief departmental advisor in the Department of Ocean and Earth Sciences before applying to the program. Applicants must have already declared a major and have a minimum GPA of 2.00. Students wishing to pursue a minor in Ocean and Earth Science may elect to emphasize any aspect of biological, chemical, physical, or geological science from course offerings available to Ocean and Earth Science majors, and must complete 12 credit hours of OEAS coursework at the 300 and/or 400 level. The following courses do not satisfy the minor requirements: OEAS 302, OEAS 402, and OEAS 426.
For completion of a minor, a student must have a C or better in each course taken for the minor including prerequisites and a minimum overall cumulative grade point average of 2.00 in all courses specified as a requirement for the minor exclusive of lower-level courses and prerequisite courses. A minimum of six hours in upper-level courses in the minor requirement must be completed through courses offered by Old Dominion University.
Certificate in Spatial Analysis of Coastal Environments (Undergraduate and Graduate)
The certificate in spatial analysis of coastal environments provides an interdisciplinary program for students wishing to pursue careers in coastal management or research, remote sensing, or geographic information systems (GIS) applications. Rendered upon completion of the requirements, the certificate is an academic affidavit comprised of courses in geography and ocean and earth science and is administered by the two departments. Students must take courses in the areas listed below and complete them with a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher and no grade below a C (2.00). Students must complete a minimum of six hours in upper-level courses required for the certificate through courses offered by Old Dominion University.
The certificate is available to postgraduate professionals who meet the requirements. Students with comparable professional experience may be able to show competence in selected courses through examination.
Students seeking undergraduate certification complete the 400-level courses, and those seeking graduate certification complete the 500-level courses.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | ||
| GEOG 404/504 | Digital Techniques for Remote Sensing | 3 |
| GEOG 462/562 | Advanced Spatial Analysis | 3 |
| Interpretive Analysis Courses | 6 | |
| Select two of the following: | ||
| Conservation Biology | ||
| Marine Geography | ||
| Coastal Geography | ||
| Applied Cartography/GIS * | ||
| Topics in Geography * | ||
| Oceanography | ||
| Geomorphology | ||
| Special Topics * | ||
| Capstone Seminar | 3 | |
| Spatial Analysis of Coastal Environments | ||
| Total Hours | 15 | |
| * | Advanced approval required |
OCEAN, EARTH AND ATMOSPHERIC SCIENCES Courses
OEAS 106N. Introductory Oceanography. 4 Credits.
Introductory course emphasizing the geology, chemistry, physics and biology of the oceans. Laboratory emphasizes practice of basic scientific methods. Knowledge of the metric system, scientific notation, ratio and proportion, and graphing is required. Field trip required.
OEAS 108N. Understanding Global Climate Change. 4 Credits.
What is the science behind global climate change? How reliable are forecasts of future global warming? This course examines these questions to evaluate the likelihood and potential severity of anthropogenic climate change in the coming centuries. It includes an overview of the physics of the greenhouse effect, an overview of the global carbon cycle and its role as a global thermostat; an examination of predictions and reliability of model forecasts of future climate change; and examination of local impacts of global climate change (e.g., sea level rise in the Tidewater area).
OEAS 110N. Earth Science. 4 Credits.
This is an introductory course in geological sciences. The course relates the principles of natural science to Earth as a planet, its resources, and its environment. The effects of geologic processes on the environment are stressed. A student receiving credit for OEAS 110N cannot receive credit for OEAS 111N.
OEAS 111N. Physical Geology. 4 Credits.
This course introduces the student to the study of the materials, structures, and processes of the Earth. Present terrestrial resources are interpreted in terms of the internal and surface processes that formed them. A student receiving credit for OEAS 111N cannot receive credit for OEAS 110N.
OEAS 112N. Historical Geology. 4 Credits.
The evolution of the continents, ocean basins, mountain chains, and the major life forms throughout Earth's history are studied chronologically and are related to the physical and biological changes that have caused them. Prerequisite: OEAS 110N or OEAS 111N.
OEAS 126N. Honors: Introductory Oceanography. 4 Credits.
Open only to students in the Honors College. Special honors section of OEAS 106N. In addition to broad coverage of the geology, chemistry, physics and biology of the ocean, students will read scientific papers with current environmental problems. There will be several field trips to nearby ecosystems.
OEAS 130G. Research Skills and Information Literacy for the Natural Sciences. 3 Credits.
This course is designed to introduce students to a range of research and information literacy skills necessary for natural scientists. The course will introduce students to the wide range of research being undertaken in the natural sciences (e.g., oceanography, geology, physics, biology, and chemistry). The course involves directed reading, exercises in information retrieval, and the synthesis of information from a range of sources into scientific essays and oral presentations.
OEAS 195. Topics. 1-4 Credits.
Special topics in physical, geological, chemical or biological oceanography.
OEAS 196. Topics. 1 Credit.
Special topics in phsical, geological, chemical, or biological oceanography.
OEAS 220T. Introduction to Meteorology. 3 Credits.
This course is an introduction to the basic principles governing both day-to-day weather and the average of weather, or climate. Specific focus will be given to the tools used to measure weather and the ways in which these tools have impacted our understanding of weather in the past and present. Links will be made between the technology-based improvements of our understanding of weather and the impact on the lives of humans throughout recent history. Students will learn about how weather forecasts are made, and how the quality of these forecasts affects our lives.
OEAS 250N. Natural Hazards and Disasters. 4 Credits.
This course introduces the science behind some of Earth's natural phenomena that can, and often do, result in major loss of life or catastrophic damage to property. It includes an overview, with relevant case studies, of earthquakes, tsunamis, landslides, volcanic eruptions, tropical cyclones (hurricanes), tornadoes, floods, droughts, and space weather. The impact of global climate change and sea level rise on vulnerable populations is examined and current risk assessment and mitigation practices are discussed.
OEAS 295. Special Topics. 3 Credits.
An investigation of a selected problem in physical, geological, chemical, or biological oceanography. Prerequisite: sophomore standing or permission of the instructor.
OEAS 302. Environmental Geology. 3 Credits.
Geologic resources and processes that limit human activities and pose significant hazards. Does not satisfy OEAS major degree requirements. Prerequisites: junior standing and an 8-hour sequence in a General Education science course.
OEAS 303. Paleontology. 3 Credits.
This course introduces the concepts of paleontology, focusing on the relationship between the evolution of life (particularly invertebrates) and the development of Earth. Field work will also include studies in paleoecology and sedimentary facies. Two field trips are recommended. Prerequisite: OEAS 111N.
OEAS 306. Oceanography. 3 Credits.
General survey of physical, geological, chemical and biological oceanography. The application of skills from mathematics, geology, physics, biology and chemistry for the solution of oceanographic problems. Prerequisites: MATH 211 or MATH 205, BIOL 121N or BIOL 136N and BIOL 122N or BIOL 137N, CHEM 121N-CHEM 122N, OEAS 111N, and PHYS 111N or PHYS 231N.
OEAS 307. Oceanography Laboratory. 1 Credit.
Laboratory experiments designed to complement topics presented in the companion lecture course, OEAS 306. Students taking OEAS 306 are strongly encouraged to take this laboratory class concurrently with OEAS 306. Ocean and Earth Science majors are required to take this class. Prerequisites: BIOL 122N or BIOL 137N, BIOL 124N, CHEM 122N, CHEM 124N, and OEAS 111N. Pre- or corequisite: OEAS 306.
OEAS 310. Global Earth Systems. 4 Credits.
Core course for ocean and earth sciences majors that examines the processes linking the Earth's atmosphere, lithosphere, and hydrosphere into an interactive system. Prerequisites: BIOL 121N or BIOL 136N, BIOL 122N or BIOL 137N, CHEM 121N, CHEM 122N, and OEAS 111N, all with a grade of C or better.
OEAS 315. Minerals and Rocks. 4 Credits.
The course introduces the main igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks and their mineral composition. Laboratory exercises include mineral identification by physical and microscopic optical properties, the identification of rocks in hand samples, and basic training with the Brunton compass. Field work includes training in introductary facies analysis, and the analysis of sedimentary rock structures, unconformities, volcanic, plutonic, and metamorphic rock units, clastics and carbonates. Prerequisites: OEAS 111N, CHEM 121N, and CHEM 122N.
OEAS 320. Sedimentology and Stratigraphy. 4 Credits.
The origin, transport, and deposition of sediments with emphasis on interpretation of sediment sequences, principles and methods of correlation. Laboratory exercises involve field sampling, textural analyses, and sedimentary structures. Field trip required. Prerequisites: OEAS 110N or OEAS 111N.
OEAS 344W. Geomorphology. 3 Credits.
Geologic processes that shape the earth's surface. Laboratory studies involve interpretation of topographic maps, soil maps, and aerial photographs. Field trip required. This is a writing intensive course. Prerequisites: OEAS 112N, OEAS 320 AND either ENGL 211C or ENGL 221C or ENGL 231C with a grade of C or better; or permission of instructor.
OEAS 367. Cooperative Education. 1-3 Credits.
Available for pass/fail grading only. Student participation for credit based on the academic relevance of the work experience, criteria, and evaluative procedures as formally determined by the department and the Career Management program prior to the semester in which the experience is to take place. Prerequisites: junior standing and permission of the department.
OEAS 368. Internship in Ocean and Earth Sciences. 1-3 Credits.
Available for pass/fail grading only. Students gain on the job work experience related to their undergraduate curriculum. Prerequisites: junior standing, permission of department and a 3.00 grade point average.
OEAS 369. Practicum. 1-3 Credits.
Field experience in ocean, earth and atmospheric sciences. (qualifies as a CAP experience) Prerequisite: junior standing, permission of department and must have declared ocean and earth sciences major or minor.
OEAS 395. Special Topics. 1-4 Credits.
Lectures, field and laboratory studies. An investigation of a selected problem in physical, geological, chemical, or biological oceanography. Prerequisites: permission of the instructor.
OEAS 402/502. Field Experiences in Oceanography for Teachers. 3 Credits.
Field and laboratory experiences in oceanography including hands-on experience using equipment and methods suitable for middle and secondary education professionals. Course will provide understanding of oceanic processes using simple field and laboratory experiments. Not available for credit for OEAS majors and minors. Prerequisite: background in K-12 Education.
OEAS 403W/503. Aquatic Pollution. 3 Credits.
This course will present basic ecological principles relevant to water pollution and ecotoxicology. Topics will include runoff, eutrophication, water and sewage treatment, industrial waste, oil pollution, pesticides, and plastics in the sea. Case studies provide focal points for consideration of issues in making decisions and setting policy. This is a writing intensive course. Prerequisites: grade of C or better in ENGL 211C, ENGL 221C, or ENGL 231C. Pre- or corequisites: a grade of C or better in OEAS 306.
OEAS 405/505. Physical Oceanography. 3 Credits.
Physics of the ocean: properties of seawater and their distribution; water mass formation; mass and energy flows; waves; tides; models; estuarine and coastal processes. An elective for science and engineering majors. Prerequisites: C or better in MATH 211 and either PHYS 232N or two semesters of hydraulics.
OEAS 406/506. Matlab. 1 Credit.
This course is designed to introduce students to Matlab programming and to develop skills utilizing this program for data analysis Prerequisites: C or better in MATH 211 or permission of instructor.
OEAS 410/510. Chemical Oceanography. 3 Credits.
Chemical composition of the ocean and the chemical, biological, geological and physical processes controlling it. Prerequisites: CHEM 121N-CHEM 122N and CHEM 123N-CHEM 124N, OEAS 306 or consent of instructor.
OEAS 411/511. Structural Geology. 4 Credits.
Recognition, habitat, and origin of deformed geologic structures. Relationships between structural patterns and tectonic settings. Laboratory sessions emphasize cartographic and stereographic projections, map interpretation, and hand sample evaluation. Weekend field trip required. Prerequisite: OEAS 320 or permission of instructor.
OEAS 412/512. Global Environmental Change. 3 Credits.
An examination of the development of the earth as a habitable planet, from its origin to human impacts on global biogeochemical cycles on land, and in the oceans and atmosphere. Prerequisites: OEAS 306 and OEAS 310.
OEAS 413/513. Environmental Geochemistry. 3 Credits.
This course examines geochemical processes at and near the Earth’s surface, focusing on the concentration, speciation and reactivity of elements in soils, waters, sediments and the atmosphere. The course examines both the thermodynamic and kinetic controls on these processes, and the role of biology as a mediator (or facilitator) of these processes. Anthropogenic impacts on natural geochemical processes are also examined. Prerequisites: CHEM 121N-CHEM 122N and CHEM 123N-CHEM 124N, OEAS 111N and OEAS 310.
OEAS 415/515. Waves and Tides. 3 Credits.
Causes, nature, measurement and analysis of water waves and tides. Mathematical and graphical application to wave and tide problems. Prerequisites: C or better in MATH 212 and PHYS 232N or permission of the instructor.
OEAS 416/516. Electronics and Oceanographic Instrumentation. 3 Credits.
The course will consist of brief lectures and hands-on laboratory exercises, in which students will learn to build, use, and debug electronic devices relevant to ocean and earth science applications. Topics covered will include circuit theory, power supplies and budgets, transducers and amplifiers, computerized data acquisition, instrument control, signal conditioning and resolution. Prerequisites: PHYS 232N or 112N, OEAS 306, OEAS 310, STAT 310 or STAT 330.
OEAS 418/518. Limnology: Biogeochemistry of Lakes. 3 Credits.
Chemical cycling in lakes and reservoirs, and interactions with biological and physical processes; quantitative modeling of lake geochemistry. Prerequisite: OEAS 306.
OEAS 419/519. Spatial Analysis of Coastal Environments. 3 Credits.
The course integrates remotely sensed and field techniques for scientific investigation and practical management of coastal environmental systems. Spatial modeling of coastal processes and management tools using geographic information system (GIS). Prerequisites: GEOG 404/GEOG 504.
OEAS 420/520. Hydrogeology. 3 Credits.
Topics covered will include the occurrence and movement of surface and subsurface water, the nature and distribution of permeable rocks and strata, field techniques used in ground-water studies, and the flow of ground-water to wells. Prerequisites: OEAS 320, MATH 211, PHYS 111N-PHYS 112N or PHYS 231N-PHYS 232N, or permission of the instructor.
OEAS 426/526. Concepts in Oceanography for Teachers. 3 Credits.
This web-based course will provide a practical introduction to oceanography for earth science teachers. It is particularly aimed at current science teachers attempting to become certified in earth science education. Topics will include discussions of geological, biological, physical and chemical oceanography. Not available for credit for OEAS majors and minors. Prerequisite: junior standing or permission of the instructor.
OEAS 430/530. Introduction to Geophysics. 3 Credits.
Introduction to the physics of the earth, including plate tectonics, volcanism, earthquakes and seismology, gravity, the Earth's magnetic field, geophysical remote sensing, and mantle convection. Prerequisites: OEAS 111N, MATH 211, and PHYS 111N-PHYS 112N or PHYS 231N-PHYS 232N.
OEAS 434/534. Geodynamics. 3 Credits.
A qualitative and quantitative description of physical processes in the Earth and environmental sciences. Topics include stress and strain, plate elasticity and flexure, heat flow, fluid mechanics, material rheology, and groundwater flow. Emphasis will be placed on developing an understanding of Earth dynamics using real-world examples, including numerical exercises. Corequisite: PHYS 232N. Prerequisites: OEAS 111N, MATH 211, MATH 212, and PHYS 231N.
OEAS 435. Introduction to Ocean Modeling and Prediction. 3 Credits.
Introduction to concepts and theories of numerical ocean circulation models and their applications in physical oceanography, computational fluid dynamics, environmental problems and ocean forecast systems. Prerequisites: OEAS 405 or OEAS 306; permission of instructor or CEE 330.
OEAS 440/540. Biological Oceanography. 4 Credits.
Marine organisms and their relationship to physical and chemical processes in the ocean. Laboratory study of local marine organisms, marine ecosystem and sampling techniques. Includes identification, data analysis and field trips. Prerequisites: OEAS 306 and STAT 130M or STAT 310.
OEAS 441. Ocean and Earth Sciences Field Study I. 3 Credits.
Interdisciplinary investigation of selected sites in Southeast Virginia that includes field sampling, sample analyses, data interpretation and integration, and group report preparation and presentations. Focuses on development of research questions and site selection, field sampling, sample analyses and interpretation. Oral presentations of results will be made by each student. Prerequisites: OEAS 306 and OEAS 310; CHEM 123N and CHEM 124N, BIOL 123N or OEAS 303; PHYS 112N or PHYS 232N; MATH 212; STAT 310; all prerequisite courses must be passed with a grade of C or better.
OEAS 442W. Ocean and Earth Sciences Field Study II. 3 Credits.
Interdisciplinary investigation of selected sites in Southeast Virginia that includes field sampling, sample analyses, data interpretation and integration, and group report preparation and presentations. Focuses on site selection and evaluation mapping, sampling, and sample analyses. Oral presentations of results will be made by each student. This is a writing intensive course. Prerequisites: a grade of C or better in ENGL 211C or ENGL 221C or ENGL 231C; OEAS 441.
OEAS 444. Communicating Ocean Science to Informal Audiences. 3 Credits.
This course provides Earth Science Education students with instruction on presenting scientific information to informal audiences (K through adult). The course provides techniques and practical experience in designing informal lessons. For Earth Science Education track students, OEAS 444 and OEAS 445 can replace OEAS 441/OEAS 442W. It is available as an elective for all other students. Prerequisites: OEAS 306 or OEAS 310.
OEAS 445. Communicating Ocean Science to Informal Audiences. 3 Credits.
This course provides Earth Science Education students with instruction on presenting scientific information to informal audiences (K through adult). Students will develop more in-depth presentations and extended practice presenting their materials on the Virginia Aquarium floor. For Earth Science Education track students, OEAS 444 and OEAS 445 can replace OEAS 441/OEAS 442W. It is available as an elective for all other students. Prerequisite: OEAS 444.
OEAS 446/546. Quaternary Geology. 3 Credits.
Geological effects of Cenozoic climate changes and tectonic movements on marine and terrestrial systems. Weekend field trips to study landscapes and deposits in the coastal plain and Appalachian provinces. Prerequisite: OEAS 344W.
OEAS 448/548. Population Ecology. 3 Credits.
This course uses conceptual and mathematical models to understand how populations grow and persist in space and time. Both plants and animals are discussed. Prerequisite: MATH 211.
OEAS 451W/551. Data Collection and Analysis in Oceanography. 4 Credits.
This course introduces students to the basic numerical tools used to obtain and analyze information in the ocean and earth sciences. The students will use various oceanographic instruments to obtain data at different locations of the Chesapeake Bay. Data obtained with those instruments will be processed and analyzed using data analysis techniques discussed in class. The data will then be used to answer a particular question related to the temporal and spatial variability in a natural system. This is a writing intensive class. Prerequisites: OEAS 310 and MATH 211. Pre- or corequisite: OEAS 306.
OEAS 452. Microbial Ecology of the Oceans. 3 Credits.
Marine microbes thrive in all oceanic habitats including what would be considered extreme environmental conditions. This course studies the role that these microbes play in biogeochemical cycling and food web dynamics in the oceans (the microbial loop). Throughout the course, students will learn about different microbial functional groups and the processes they mediate in marine systems, which include virtually all geochemical reactions occurring in the oceans. Students will learn through lectures, readings written by experts in the field, and class discussions. Prerequisite: OEAS 306 or OEAS 310 or permission of the instructor.
OEAS 453W/553. Marine Molecular Ecology. 4 Credits.
This course will explore the ecology of marine organisms using molecular techniques and data. Molecular ecology covers a wide variety of sub-disciplines, including genetics, physiology, ecology, and evolution. The course will explore basic theory in population genetics, ecology, and evolution and cover nucleic acid techniques and their applications. This is a writing intensive course. Prerequisite: BIOL 291 or BIOL 292 or BIOL 293 or BIOL 303 or BIOL 331 or OEAS 306.
OEAS 466W/566. Introduction to Mitigation and Adaptation Studies. 3 Credits.
Students will be introduced to the science underpinning mitigation of human-induced changes in the Earth system, including but not limited to climate change and sea level rise, and adaptation to the impacts of these changes. The course will cover the environmental hazards and the opportunities and limitations for conservation, mitigation and adaptation. This is a writing intensive course. Cross listed with BIOL 466W and IDS 466W. Prerequisite: BIOL 291 or permission of instructor.
OEAS 467/567. Sustainability Leadership. 3 Credits.
In this class, students will discover what makes a leader for sustainability. They will consider a range of global and local crises from a leadership point of view in the context of sustainability science, which addresses the development of communities in a rapidly changing social, economic, and environmental system-of-systems environment. The course will be based on taking a problem-motivated and solution-focused approach to the challenges considered. The course includes a service learning project focusing on a leadership experience in solving a real-world environmental problem. Prerequisite: BIOL 466W or OEAS 466W or IDS 466W.
OEAS 468W. Research Methods in Math and Sciences. 3 Credits.
Emphasizes the tools and techniques used to solve scientific problems. Topics include use and design of experiments, use of statistics to interpret experimental results, mathematical modeling of scientific phenomena, and oral and written presentation of results. Students will perform four independent inquiries, combining skills from mathematics and science to solve research problems. This is a writing intensive course. Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in ENGL 211C or ENGL 221C or ENGL 231C and OEAS 306 or OEAS 310 and STEM 201.
OEAS 487. Honors Research in Ocean and Earth Sciences. 1-3 Credits.
Supervised study in a field of individual interest. Research results are reported in a public oral presentation and a thesis. Prerequisite: senior standing and admission to the Academic Honors Program.
OEAS 490. Paleoceanography. 3 Credits.
This course will provide an overview of how marine sediments are used to reconstruct Earth's climate history over the past 600 million years. Students will discuss the factors that control modern climate and explore how these variables led to cycles of Greenhouse and Icehouse worlds in the past. Finally, students will discuss how past and modern climate records can be used to predict future climate change. Prerequisites: general chemistry, OEAS 111N and OEAS 112N.
OEAS 495/595. Special Topics. 1-4 Credits.
Lectures, field and laboratory studies. An investigation of a selected problem in physical, geological, chemical, or biological oceanography. Prerequisites: junior standing and permission of the instructor.
OEAS 497. Special Problems and Research. 1-3 Credits.
Independent reading and study on a topic to be selected with the direction of an instructor. Prerequisite: junior standing.