- Marine Science Major
- Marine Science Minor
- Environmental Studies Major
- Environmental Studies Minor
- M.S. in Marine Science
- Course Descriptions
- Facilities
- Learning Outcomes
University of San Diego
Marine Science and Environmental Studies
Science & Technology 267
5998 Alcalá Park
San Diego, CA 92110
Phone: (619) 260-4795
Fax: (619) 260-6874
andrewsk@sandiego.edu
Department Chair
Zhi-Yong Yin, PhD
zyin@sandiego.edu
Media Contact
Liz Harman
harman@sandiego.edu
(619) 260-4682
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Course Descriptions
ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES Courses (ENVI)
MARINE SCIENCE Courses (MARS)
ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES Courses (ENVI)
104 Natural Disasters (3)
This course will give students an introduction to the earth and the dynamic natural processes that impact humanity and life in general. Man and nature are becoming increasingly intertwined as the human race continues to proliferate. This course will emphasize the fundamental scientific principles and processes related to natural disasters such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, severe weather, hurricanes, meteorite impacts, and climate change. Historic catastrophes will be emphasized. This course satisfies the Core Curriculum requirement for a physical science course without a laboratory. (Every semester)
109 Introduction to Physical Geography (4)
An introductory course to give students a comprehensive overview of the earth and its component systems. The emphasis of this course is the interactions among the atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere. Various global environmental issues also will be examined from the perspective of physical geography. Three lectures and one laboratory per week and some field experience, which may include an overnight trip. This course satisfies the Core Curriculum requirement for a physical science course with a laboratory. (Fall semester)
110 Introduction to Earth Systems (4)
Lecture and field investigations of geographic and geological processes. The objective of this course is to give students a comprehensive overview of the earth and its component systems. The emphasis of this course is the interactions among the atmosphere, lithosphere, and hydrosphere. Three lectures and one laboratory per week and some field experience, which may include an overnight trip. (Every semester)
112 Ecology and Environmental Biology (3)
Investigation of the natural environment and the relationship of its biotic and abiotic components. Topics include the ecosystem concept, population growth and regulation, and our modification of the environment. Two lectures per week and one laboratory every other week. Laboratory will include field trips, one of which will be an overnight trip to the desert. This course satisfies the Core Curriculum requirement for a life science and a laboratory. Cross-listed as BIOL 112. (Every semester)
121 Life in the Ocean (4)
An introduction to the organisms in the ocean, including their phylogenetic and ecological interrelationships. Biological principles and processes that are basic to all forms of life in the ocean will be stressed. This course will satisfy the Core Curriculum requirement for a life science and for a laboratory course. This course will not satisfy the requirements of the Marine Science major. Three lectures and one laboratory per week. (Every semester)
300 Environmental Issues (3)
This course is a consideration of environmental problems that confront our society today. By looking at controversial environmental issues, students will be encouraged to distinguish political interests and emotional hyperbole from scientific facts; furthermore, students will be presented examples of scientific facts that support different interpretations of an issue. Both environmental resolutions and their social implications will be considered. Three hours of lecture. Prerequisites: ENVI 104 or ENVI 109 or ENVI 110 (or equivalent physical science) and ENVI 121 or ENVI 112 (= BIOL 112) or BIOL 190. (Fall semester)
305 Environmental Assessment Practices (3)
An interdisciplinary approach to environmental decision making. An introduction to the law relative to environmental impact reports, their contents and development. Prerequisites: ENVI 104 or ENVI 109 or ENVI 110 and ENVI 112 or ENVI 121 or BIOL 190. (Fall semester)
312 Introduction to GIS (3)
An overview of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), including its history, role in complex spatial analysis projects, and geographic data management. Related technologies such as global positioning system (GPS) and remote sensing also will be introduced. Laboratory exercises will emphasize digital cartography using ArcView software. Two hours of lecture and one laboratory per week. Prerequisite: MATH 115.
313 Geospatial Information Systems for Organizations
An introduction to geographic, or geospatial, information systems (GIS) applied to business/organizational decision-making applications. The course includes conceptual knowledge that underlies the spatial dimensions of many decisions and hands-on use of desktop GIS software. Topics include concepts and techniques for managing, analyzing, visualizing, and disseminating spatial information. Application areas include entrepreneurship, marking, real estate, planning, public safety, transportation, economic development, and international issues. Prerequisite: ITMG 100 or equivalent or permission of instructor.
314 Introduction to Maps and Spatial Data Analysis (3)
Use of maps as an analytical tool. Topics include: map reading; the use of maps as a medium for describing and analyzing various types of spatially-distributed data; stereoscopic interpretation and cartographic representation of landforms, vegetation, and land use. Laboratory exercises will use ArcView software. Two hours lecture and one three-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite: MATH 115. (Fall semester)
315 Geographic Information Systems (3)
Theory and practice of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) as a tool for the display and manipulation of spatial data. Applications include: urban planning; land use classification; biomass analysis; crop monitoring; forest resource assessment and management; and disaster assessment, management, and recovery. Laboratory exercises will use ArcInfo software. Two hours of lecture and one laboratory per week. Prerequisites: ENVI 313 OR ENVI 314 and MATH 115 or consent of instructor. (Spring semester)
331W Coastal Environmental Science (4)
An interdisciplinary study of physical, chemical, and biological processes in the oceans with an emphasis on coastal environments. Topics include coastal oceanography, nutrient distribution and geochemical cycles, primary productivity, food webs and fisheries, and benthic habitats. This course examines the interactions between abiotic forces in the oceans and the organisms that live in a variety of habitats. Environmental issues will be connected to major scientific themes. Three lectures and one laboratory per week. Prerequisites: CHEM 151/151L and ENVI 121 or BIOL 221/221L. (Fall semester)
420 Introduction to Remote Sensing (4)
An introduction to remote sensing technology and its applications in earth science. This course will cover principles of remote sensing, aerial photography, photogrammetry, electronic multispectral imaging, and methods of digital image processing and analysis. Applications of remote sensing in marine and terrestrial environments and integration of remote sensing and geographic information systems also will be discussed. Three lectures and one laboratory per week and some field trips. Prerequisites: ENVI 312 or ENVI 313 or ENVI 314 and at least one course in physical science, or consent of instructor.
485 Environmental Geology (4)
This course will provide an in-depth examination of the geologic principles and issues pertinent to the environmental consulting industry. It will include a discussion of geologic hazards including floods, mass wasting, earthquakes, and erosion. An examination of the geology of groundwater occurrence, groundwater flow, and groundwater development and management will also be addressed. Specific examples from the San Diego region will be emphasized. Three lectures and one laboratory per week. Prerequisites: ENVI 104 or ENVI 109 or ENVI 110 and MATH 115 or Calculus; or consent of instructor. (Spring semester)
487 Surface Water Hydrology (4)
A course to cover principles of surface water hydrology and methods to solve hydrologic problems related to urbanization, soil and water conservation, and water resources management. The components of the hydrologic cycle and the concept of water balance will be discussed in detail. This course also will cover various methods of hydrologic computation, the basics of watershed modeling, applications of GIS in hydrology, and issues especially relevant to Southern California. Three lectures and one laboratory per week and some field trips. Prerequisites: ENVI 104 or ENVI 109 or ENVI 110, or consent of instructor. An introductory course in statistics is recommended.
494 Special Topics in Environmental Studies (2-4)
Topics of special interest and/or unique opportunity. Prerequisites: Upper-division standing and consent of instructor or chair of Marine Science and Environmental Studies; other prerequisites may apply. (Every semester)
495 Senior Seminar (1)
The techniques of seminar presentation will be studied by preparing and presenting individual seminars on topics of interest. Enrollment for credit is limited to, and required of, all senior students majoring in Environmental Studies. Prerequisites: Completion of two units of ENVI 496, 498 or 499. (Every semester)
496 Research (1-3)
Directed research in environmentally related areas of the student’s choosing. Since many of the projects may be interdisciplinary in nature, the student must contact the chair of Marine Science and Environmental Studies well in advance of enrolling in the class. (Every semester)
497 Undergraduate Laboratory Assistant (1)
Assist laboratory instructor in all aspects of an Environmental Studies laboratory. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Unit counts toward graduation, but not toward major/minor. Pass/fail only. (Every semester)
498 Internship (1-3)
Experience in the practical and experimental application of the field. Students will be involved in research projects conducted by agencies and institutions outside the University, such as state parks, government agencies, research facilities, or marine industries. Enrollment is arranged on an individual basis according to a student’s interest and background, and is dependent on positions available and faculty approval. Two units taken in consecutive semesters recommended, but variations can be arranged with instructor or chair of Marine Science and Environmental Studies in advance. Maximum of 3 units. Pass/fail only. (Every semester)
499 Independent Study (1-2)
An in-depth study of an environmental problem of the student’s choosing. Guidance and coordination will be offered through a weekly meeting. The student will be required to submit a written report. Prerequisite: Consent of the chair of Marine Science and Environmental Studies. (Every semester)
MARINE SCIENCE Courses (MARS)
101 Physical Aspects of the Ocean / 3 UNITS
The chemistry and physics of sea water, its circulation and physical properties; tides; currents; waves; and shoreline processes will be studied. The topography and geology of the ocean basin and the distribution and nature of marine sediments will also be studied. This course will satisfy the core curriculum requirement for a physical science and, when a laboratory is offered as a part of the course, for a core curriculum laboratory course, but will not satisfy the requirements of the marine science major without the consent of the chair of marine science and environmental studies. Two lectures and one laboratory or field experience per week; may be taught without laboratory. (every semester)
120 Introduction to Physical Oceanography / 4 UNITS
The chemistry and physics of sea water, its circulation and physical properties; tides; currents; waves; shoreline processes; and the topography of the ocean basin will be studied. This course is intended for students majoring in marine science or minoring in environmental studies. Three lectures and one laboratory per week. Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in CHEM 111 or 151/151L, or consent of instructor. (every semester)
427 Marine Environment / 3 UNITS
A study of the oceans, their influence on the rest of the planet, and threats to their stability. Topics include utilization of marine resources, marine conservation, global climate patterns generated by the oceans, and marine pollution. Three lectures per week. Prerequisites: ENVI 331W or MARS 451W, and ENVI 110, or consent of instructor. (fall semester)
450 Geological Oceanography / 4 UNITS
The origin and geologic history of the ocean basin, with a detailed investigation of the theory of plate tectonics, sedimentation processes in the oceans, and paleoceanography. Three lectures and one laboratory per week; some weekend field trips may be required. Prerequisites: BIOL 221/221L, ENVI 110, MARS 120, and MATH 115. (fall semester)
451W Biological Oceanography / 4 UNITS
An integrated study of marine organisms and their environments, stressing ecological, behavioral, and physiological relationships. Near shore, deep sea, and open ocean environments will be covered. A weekend field trip may be required. Three lectures and one laboratory per week. Prerequisites: BIOL 190, 221/221L, and 300. Cross-listed as BIOL 451W. (fall semester)
452 Physical and Chemical Oceanography / 4 UNITS
An interdisciplinary, in-depth study of the physics and chemistry of ocean water, ocean circulation, waves, and tides. Three lectures and one laboratory per week. Prerequisites: CHEM 152/152L, MARS 120, MATH 150, and PHYS 137 or 271. (spring semester)
468 Marine Ecology / 3 UNITS
Discussions of the ecological relationships within the sea, including such topics as production, community structure, and biogeography. Communities discussed may range from the coast to the deep sea, and cover plankton, nekton, and benthic communities. Three hours per week consisting of lectures and seminars. (spring semester)
471 Near Shore Processes / 3 UNITS
Physical and chemical processes which influence coastal sediment and water mass distribution, and chemical composition. Topics include currents and ocean circulation patterns on the continental shelf, coastal erosion and deposition, river flux and its influence on the chemical composition of seawater, sediment transport, and chemical reactions in estuaries and bays. The impact of human activities on coastal areas will also be covered. Three lectures per week. Prerequisites: CHEM 152/152L, MARS 120, and PHYS 136 or 270.
473 Climatology / 4 UNITS
A course to cover principles of climatology and methods of climatic data analysis. The fundamentals of climatology, methods and technologies used in acquiring and analyzing climatic data, and current issues such as human-induced climatic changes will be discussed. This course will cover the Earth’s energy budget and temperature, moisture in the atmosphere and precipitation, winds and the general circulation, and climates in different regions of the world. Three lectures and one laboratory a week. Prerequisites: MARS 110 and MATH 120, or consent of instructor.
474 History of the Earth and Climate / 3 UNITS
A survey of the history of the earth system focusing on ocean-atmosphere-ice sheet dynamics and their interaction on past global climate change. Topics include geologic record of past climate cycles, causal mechanisms of past climate change, and the scientific basis of global warming. Three lectures per week. Prerequisites: ENVI 110 and MARS 120, or consent of instructor.
478 Boundary Layer Flow / 3 UNITS
The interactions between fluid dynamic processes in the oceans and the organisms that live in different habitats. The main objective is to provide a descriptive and conceptual understanding of boundary layer fluid dynamics at several scales from whole ocean basins to flow around organisms. Examples will illustrate physical aspects of fluid dynamics; biological fluid dynamics with an emphasis on feeding, locomotion, and dispersal; and geological and geochemical aspects of sediment-sea water interactions. Three lectures per week. Prerequisites: PHYS 136 and 137, or consent of instructor.
493 Methods in Marine Science / 1-3 UNITS
Training and practice in the gathering, analysis, interpretation, and communication of marine scientific data. Designed to extend and integrate the sampling and analytical procedures of marine science. Selected instrumentation and techniques, field experience, and laboratory time will be emphasized. Shipboard experiences, weekend, or extended field trips may be required. Course may be repeated for credit only upon approval of the chair of marine science and environmental studies.
494 Special Topics in Marine Science / 2-4 UNITS
Topics of special interest and/or unique opportunity. Prerequisites: Upper-division standing and consent of the instructor or pathway advisor.
495 Senior Seminar / 1 UNIT
The techniques of seminar presentation will be studied by preparing and presenting individual seminars on topics of interest with emphasis from their pathway. Enrollment for credit is limited to, and required of all, senior students majoring in marine science. (every semester)
496 Research / 1-3 UNITS
Students develop and/or assist in research projects in various fields of marine science. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. (every semester)
497 Undergraduate Laboratory Assistant / 1 UNIT
Assist laboratory instructor in all aspects of a Marine Science laboratory. Unit counts toward graduation, but not toward the major/minor. Pass/fail only. (every semester)
498 Internship / 1-3 UNITS
Experience in the practical and experimental application of marine science. Students will be involved in projects conducted by agencies and institutions outside the university, such as state parks, government agencies, research facilities, or marine industries. Enrollment is arranged on an individual basis according to a student’s interest and background, and is dependent on positions available and faculty approval. A maximum of 3 upper-division units can be earned toward fulfillment of the requirements of the major. Pass/fail only. (every semester)
499 Independent Study / 1-2 UNITS
Independent study designed for individual student needs. Prerequisite: Consent of the chair of marine science and environmental studies. (every semester)
