Applied Ocean Science Curricular Program

Description

Applied Ocean Science is a multidisciplinary program focused on the application of advanced technology to ocean exploration and observation. Applied Ocean Science (AOS) students perform research in marine acoustics, optics, electromagnetics, geophysics, ecology, sediment transport, coastal processes, physical oceanography and air-sea interaction. The emphasis is on the resolution of key scientific issues through novel technological development.

The science focus of the Scripps AOS program is complemented by parallel Applied Ocean Science programs in both the Mechanical Engineering (MAE) and Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) Departments. Students have access to professors, courses and research facilities across all three departments.

Program of Study

The AOS academic program is designed to provide both a broad background and a core technical base to support the diverse interests and activities of the students. Early participation in an ongoing research project is encouraged. However, specialization and focus on  a specific thesis topic is not required until the second or third year of the program. Required courses include SIO 214, Introduction to Fluid Mechanics and the two quarter Wave Physics sequence SIO 202 A-B. Two of the four SIO introductory courses, (SIO 210, 240, 260, 280), must be completed during the first year, with the remaining two courses required prior to passing the doctoral qualifying exam at the end of the third year. In addition, the applied math sequence, SIO 203 A-B or MAE 294 A-B is taken in either the first or second year of study. The AOS Seminar (SIO 208) serves as a communications bridge across the program; enrollment in this seminar is required during the student's entire period of study. Beyond these core courses, the majority of each student's academic program is tailored to individual interests.

The AOS departmental examination, held at the end of the first year, is based on the core technical courses SIO 214A, SIO 202A–B, and two of the four introductory courses (chosen by the student). The exam has both oral and written components.