Scripps Institution of Oceanography
[ graduate program | courses | faculty ]
UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION OFFICE:
Galbraith Hall
188
http://sioundergrad.ucsd.edu
Introduction
Scripps Institution of Oceanography is one of the oldest, largest, and most important centers for marine science research, education, and public service in the world. Its preeminence in the marine sciences is reflective of its excellent programs, distinguished faculty and research scientists, and outstanding facilities. Scripps Institution was founded in 1903 as an independent biological research laboratory, which became an integral part of the University of California in 1912. At that time, the laboratory was given the Scripps name in recognition of donors Ellen Browning Scripps and E. W. Scripps. Research and education at Scripps encompasses physical, chemical, biological, geological, and geophysical studies of the oceans. Among the hundreds of research programs that may be under way at any one time are studies of air-sea interaction, climate prediction, earthquakes, the physiology of marine organisms, the geological history of the ocean basins, and multidisciplinary aspects of global change and the environment.
The Undergraduate Program
The Scripps Institution of Oceanography Department offers over forty-five undergraduate courses covering a wide breadth of earth and marine sciences on several different levels. There are several introductory classes for non-majors, and upper-division courses intended for a wide range of students in natural science majors. For students interested in careers in earth sciences, the Scripps Institution of Oceanography offers a B.S. degree and a contiguous B.S./M.S. degree in earth sciences. In addition, students may follow a chemistry/earth sciences major, a physics major with a specialization in earth sciences, or an environmental systems/earth sciences major (see the “Chemistry,” “Physics,” or “Environmental Systems” sections of the catalog for details). The program also offers an academic minor in earth sciences.
For students interested in broadening their understanding of and opportunity in marine science and oceanography, the program offers an academic minor in marine science. The marine science minor is designed to complement the strong disciplinary training of UC San Diego basic natural science and engineering majors (i.e., chemistry, physics, biological sciences, earth sciences, engineering, mathematics, etc.) by providing a broad interdisciplinary perspective with an applied environmental focus.
Earth Sciences Major
Earth sciences encompass broad scientific study of the origin and evolution of the earth system and its life forms. The earth sciences major embraces a wide range of topics, including the physical and chemical evolution of the planet, the evolution of life, the causes of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, earth-surface processes, the origin and behavior of oceans and atmosphere, and the impact of humans on the environment. Earth science investigations are increasingly quantitative and experimental, and thus most upper-division courses require a strong foundation in chemistry, physics, and mathematics.
The earth sciences curriculum takes advantage of the unique opportunities offered by Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Classes beyond introductory level are usually small, permitting personalized instruction. Field trips are an important part of the instructional program. Earth sciences students are encouraged to consult with their instructors about incorporating appropriate courses and research opportunities at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography into their undergraduate curriculum.
A degree in earth sciences is an appropriate start for a broad range of career and graduate school opportunities in various areas, including research, government, state and federal survey jobs, environmental management, the petroleum and mining industries, consulting, ocean sciences, industrial institutions, elementary or secondary education, environmental policy, or environmental law. Program advisors and faculty can provide additional information on career and graduate school opportunities.
There are three specializations, each with slightly different course requirements, in the earth sciences major: The Earth Sciences/Geology major, Earth Sciences/Geochemistry major, and Earth Sciences/Geophysics major.
It is strongly recommended that all earth science majors meet regularly with the earth sciences academic advising staff and a faculty advisor to discuss and update curriculum choices. The earth sciences academic staff are located in the Scripps office of Undergraduate Programs in Galbraith Hall, Room 188.
Lower-division requirements are designed to provide the foundations in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology that are essential in modern quantitative earth science disciplines. In addition, there are four upper-division courses introducing basic concepts, SIO 100, SIO 102, SIO 103, and SIO 104. SIO 100 and SIO 102 should be taken during the sophomore year to provide the appropriate background for other upper-division courses.
A grade-point average of 2.0 or higher in the upper-division major program is required for graduation. Students must receive a grade of C– or better in any course to be counted toward fulfillment of the major requirements. In exceptional cases, students with a grade-point average in the major of 2.5 or greater may petition to have one grade of D accepted. All courses (lower- and upper-division) required for the major must be taken for a letter grade.
Special Studies Courses
Special studies in the earth sciences are offered as the courses SIO 198 and SIO 199. These courses are subject to consent of the instructor and approval by the earth sciences faculty advisor. They are open to students who have accrued at least ninety quarter-units and have a GPA of at least 3.0. Two quarters of earth sciences special studies may be counted toward any earth sciences major.
Earth Sciences/Geology
The earth sciences/geology major is designed to allow students maximum flexibility in tailoring the curriculum to their interests, within the constraints of obtaining the necessary background in physical, biological, and earth sciences. Compared to the earth sciences/geochemistry and earth sciences/geophysics tracks, it requires more earth science and fewer non-earth science courses.
Lower-Division Requirements
Math. 20A-B-C (may allow Math. 10A-B-C by petition) and Math. 20D
Phys. 2A-B-C (may allow Phys. 1A-B-C by petition)
Chem. 6A-B-C
BILD 3
SIO 50
Upper-Division Requirements
Earth Sciences Upper-Division Core Requirements
SIO 100. Introduction to Field Methods
SIO 102. Introduction to Geochemistry
SIO 103. Introduction to Geophysics
SIO 104/255. Paleobiology and History of Life
Upper-Division Earth Science Requirements
SIO 105. Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
SIO 120. Mineralogy
SIO 152. Petrology and Petrography
SIO 160. Introduction to Tectonics
SIO 162. Structural Geology
SIO 182A. Environmental and Exploration Geophysics A
SIO 182B. Environmental and Exploration Geophysics B
Upper-Division Restricted Electives, at least four courses from
Chem. 173. Atmospheric Chemistry
SIO 101. California Coastal Oceanography
SIO 110. Introduction to GIS and GPS for Scientists
SIO 111/Phys. 111. Introduction to Waves and Tides
SIO 112. Urban Landscapes
SIO 115. Ice and the Climate System
SIO 117. The Physical Basis of Global Warming
SIO 135/236. Satellite Remote Sensing
SIO 138. The Coral Reef Environment
SIO 141/Chem. 174. Chemical Principles of Marine Systems
SIO 144/252A. Introduction to Isotope Geochemistry
SIO 148/248. Evolution of Earth’s Biosphere
SIO 154/254. Macroevolution
SIO 155/251. Petrology and Geochemistry of the Solid Earth
SIO 170. Introduction to Volcanology
SIO 186. Interactions Between Humans and the Natural Environment
SIO 195. Methods of Teaching Earth Sciences
SIO 197. Earth Science Internship
SIO 199. Independent Study
SIO 210. Physical Oceanography
SIO 226. Introduction to Marine Geophysics
SIO 240. Marine Geology
SIO 247. Rock Magnetism and Paleomagnetism
SIO 260. Marine Chemistry
SIO 280. Biological Oceanography
An example schedule is outlined below.
FALL |
WINTER |
SPRING |
Freshman Year |
||
Math. 20A |
Math. 20B |
Math. 20C |
Chem. 6A |
Chem. 6B |
Chem. 6C |
SIO 50 |
Phys. 2A |
Phys. 2B |
Sophomore Year |
||
Math. 20D |
SIO 102 |
SIO 105 |
Phys. 2C |
SIO 162 |
|
BILD 3 |
SIO 104 |
|
Junior Year |
||
SIO 100 |
SIO 120 |
SIO 152 |
SIO 103 |
SIO 182A |
SIO 182B |
Senior Year |
||
SIO Elect. |
SIO Elect. |
SIO Elect. |
|
SIO Elect. |
SIO 160 |
Earth Sciences/Geochemistry Major
This specialization focuses on the Earth as a chemical system and on its evolution. Emphasis is placed on the fundamental observations that allow geoscientists to understand better the past history of the planet, the energetics of its evolution, and the major “cycles” (e.g., water, carbon) that characterize and control planetary-scale changes on a broad range of time scales. The major is appropriate for students interested in modern geochemistry, in “global change” studies, and in global and local environmental problems, including biochemical and anthropogenic effects.
Lower-Division Requirements
Math. 20A-B-C-D
Phys. 2A-B-C (2D recommended)
Chem. 6A-B-C and Chem. 6BL
BILD 3
SIO 50
Upper-Division Requirements
Earth Sciences Upper-Division Core Requirements
SIO 100. Introduction to Field Methods
SIO 102. Introduction to Geochemistry
SIO 103. Introduction to Geophysics
SIO 104/255. Paleobiology and History of Life
Upper-Division Earth Science Requirements
SIO 120. Mineralogy
SIO 144/252A. Introduction to Isotope Geochemistry
SIO 152. Petrology and Petrography
Upper-Division Chemistry Requirements
Chem. 120A. Inorganic Chemistry
Chem. 131. Physical Chemistry or Chem. 127
Chem. 140A. Organic Chemistry
Chemistry Restricted Electives, at least two courses from
Chem. 149A. Environmental Chemistry
Chem. 149B. Environmental Chemistry
Chem. 173. Atmospheric Chemistry
Upper-Division Restricted Electives, at least three courses from
SIO 101. California Coastal Oceanography
SIO 105. Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
SIO 110. Introduction to GIS and GPS for Scientists
SIO 111/Phys. 111. Introduction to Waves and Tides
SIO 112. Urban Landscapes
SIO 115. Ice and the Climate System
SIO 135/236. Satellite Remote Sensing
SIO 138. The Coral Reef Environment
SIO 141/Chem. 174. Chemical Principles of Marine Systems
SIO 148/248. Evolution of Earth’s Biosphere
SIO 154/SIO 254. Macroevolution
SIO 155/251. Petrology and Geochemistry of the Solid Earth
SIO 160. Introduction to Tectonics
SIO 162. Structural Geology
SIO 170. Introduction to Volcanology
SIO 182A. Environmental and Exploration Geophysics A
SIO 182B. Environmental and Exploration Geophysics B
SIO 186. Interactions Between Humans and the Natural Environment
SIO 195. Methods of Teaching Earth Sciences
SIO 197. Earth Science Internship
SIO 199. Independent Study
SIO 226. Introduction to Marine Geophysics
SIO 240. Marine Geology
SIO 247. Rock Magnetism and Paleomagnetism
SIO 260. Marine Chemistry
An example schedule is outlined below.
FALL |
WINTER |
SPRING |
Freshman Year |
||
Chem. 6A |
Chem. 6B |
Chem. 6C |
Math. 20A |
|
Math. 20C |
SIO 50 |
Math. 20B |
Chem. 6BL |
Sophomore Year |
||
Phys. 2A |
Phys. 2B |
Phys. 2C |
Math. 20D |
SIO 102 |
BILD 3 |
SIO 100 |
|
|
Junior Year |
||
SIO 103 |
SIO 120 |
Chem. 127 or 131 |
Chem. 140A |
SIO 144 |
SIO 152 |
|
SIO 104 |
|
Senior Year |
||
Chem. 120A |
SIO Elect. |
SIO Elect. |
Chem. Elect. |
SIO Elect. |
SIO Elect. |
Earth Sciences/Geophysics Major
This specialization focuses on the mechanical, dynamical, and thermodynamical aspects of the Earth. Emphasis is placed on a solid background of fundamental physics, from mechanics and electromagnetism to continuum- and quantum mechanics, and on the necessary mathematical skills. The major introduces basic techniques used to investigate the internal structure of the Earth, from seismology to the study of potential fields, and space geodesy. Elementary geodynamics, including the physics of simple convective systems, introductory rock mechanics, and plate kinematics are among topics introduced. At the same time, a “hands-on” exposure to field problems and techniques will be accessible through an applied geophysics sequence.
Lower-Division Requirements
Math. 20A-B-C-D-E-F
Phys. 4A-B-C-D or Phys. 2A-B-C (Phys. 4 sequence recommended)
Chem. 6A-B-C
BILD 3
SIO 50
Upper-Division Requirements
Earth Sciences Upper-Division Core Requirements
SIO 100. Introduction to Field Methods
SIO 102. Introduction to Geochemistry
SIO 103. Introduction to Geophysics
SIO 104/255. Paleobiology and History of Life
Upper-Division Earth Sciences Requirements
SIO 160. Introduction to Tectonics
SIO 182A. Environmental and Exploration Geophysics A
SIO 182B. Environmental and Exploration Geophysics B
Upper-Division Physics Requirements
Phys. 100A-B-C. Electromagnetism
Phys. 110A-B. Mechanics
Physics Restricted Electives, at least one course from
Phys. 105A. Mathematical and Computational Physics
Phys. 105A. Mathematical and Computational Physics
Phys. 121. Experimental Techniques
Phys. 140A-B. Statistical and Thermal Physics
MAE 131A. Solid Mechanics I
MAE 180A. Spacecraft Guidance I
Upper-Division Restricted Electives, at least two courses from
SIO 101. California Coastal Oceanography
SIO 105. Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
SIO 110. Introduction to GIS and GPS for Scientists
SIO 111/Phys. 111. Introduction to Waves and Tides
SIO 112. Urban Landscapes
SIO 115. Ice and the Climate System
SIO 117. The Physical Basis of Global Warming
SIO 120. Introduction to Mineralogy
SIO 135/236. Satellite Remote Sensing
SIO 138. The Coral Reef Environment
SIO 141/Chem. 174. Chemical Principles of Marine Systems
SIO 144/252A. Introduction to Isotope Chemistry
SIO 148/248. Evolution of Earth’s Biosphere
SIO 152. Petrology and Petrography
SIO 154/254. Macroevolution
SIO 155. Petrology and Geochemistry of the Solid Earth
SIO 160. Introduction to Tectonics
SIO 162. Structural Geology
SIO 170. Introduction to Volcanology
SIO 186. Interactions Between Humans and the Natural Environment
SIO 195. Methods of Teaching Earth Sciences
SIO 197. Earth Science Internship
SIO 199. Independent Study
SIO 223. Geophysical Data Analysis
SIO 226. Introduction to Marine Geophysics
SIO 227A. Introduction to Seismology
An example schedule is outlined below.
FALL |
WINTER |
SPRING |
Freshman Year |
||
Chem. 6A |
Chem. 6B |
Chem. 6C |
Math. 20A |
Math. 20B |
Math. 20C |
SIO 50 |
Phys. 4A |
Phys. 4B |
Sophomore Year |
||
Math. 20D |
Math. 20E |
Math. 20F |
Phys. 4C |
Phys. 4D |
BILD 3 |
SIO 100 |
SIO 102 |
|
Junior Year |
||
Phys. 100A |
Phys. 100B |
Phys. 100C |
Phys. 110A |
SIO 104 |
Phys. 110B |
SIO 103 |
SIO 182A |
SIO 182B |
Senior Year |
||
SIO 130 or 160 |
Phys. Elect. |
SIO Elect. |
|
SIO Elect. |
|
Honors Program
The Honors Program in Earth Sciences is offered for a limited number of students who have demonstrated excellence in the earth sciences major. Students are eligible for admission to the program when they have
- Completed ninety units of courses including twelve units of earth sciences courses.
- Achieved a GPA of 3.3 overall and 3.5 in earth science courses.
- Submitted to the Earth Sciences Steering Committee, and had approved, an honors thesis research proposal.
Successful completion of the Honors Program requires
- Maintenance of a GPA of 3.3 overall and 3.5 in earth sciences courses.
- Completion, with a B grade or higher, of a minimum of eight units of SIO 196 related to the honors thesis research, distributed over at least two quarters. These units must be in addition to the ordinary major requirements. However, students who subsequently fail to complete the Honors Program may apply up to four of these 196 units to their major.
- Acceptance of a written honors thesis report by a committee of not fewer than three faculty members.
- Satisfactory presentation of an oral report on the thesis research, preferably at a public undergraduate research conference on campus, or at an earth sciences conference. Alternatively, the oral report may be given at a seminar involving honors students and at least three faculty members.
Students who successfully complete the Honors Program will graduate with “high distinction.”
Students who are interested in the Honors Program should contact the program advisor in Galbraith Hall, Room 188, Revelle College.
(See Scripps Institution of Oceanography graduate program for information on the “Contigious Bachelor’s/Master’s Earth Sciences Degree Program.”)
Earth Sciences Minor
A minor in earth sciences consists of twenty-eight units of earth sciences courses, at least twenty of which must be upper-division, focused on geology, geochemistry, or geophysics. Courses required by a student’s major may not be applied toward a minor and neither can SIO 198 nor SIO 199. Courses for the minor may be taken on a Pass/Not Pass basis if the student’s college permits. Students interested in the earth sciences minor should meet with the earth sciences academic advising staff to discuss their curriculum choices.
Marine Science Minor
The Scripps Institution of Oceanography offers an undergraduate minor program in marine science. The minor curriculum is designed to complement the strong disciplinary training of UCSD basic science majors by providing a broad interdisciplinary perspective with an environmental focus. Ocean-related science is relevant to many contemporary environmental issues and problems and central to understanding earth-system evolution, dynamics, climate, and sustainability. The minor consists of courses and research opportunities offered primarily through faculty and researchers at Scripps. The mix of these components can be tailored to reflect students’ career interests through an “all courses” track or a “research” track. The “all courses” track offers a very flexible curriculum that serves students with a broad range of educational and career interests including environmental management and regulation, teaching, environmental law, economics and policy and a wide variety of graduate programs. The “research” track is designed for students interested in an undergraduate research experience at Scripps and serves as excellent preparation for graduate research studies.
The minor consists of twenty-eight units of course work, at least twenty of which must be upper-division. Courses required by a student’s major may not be applied toward the minor. Up to two courses for the minor may be taken on a Pass/Not Pass basis (upper- or lower-division). Students must earn at least a letter grade of C– in the remaining five or more courses used for the minor. The marine science minor places a strong emphasis on a rigorous natural science foundation; thus, several of the upper-division courses related to the minor have significant prerequisites. Students planning the minor should check catalog course descriptions carefully and should meet with advising staff in the Scripps Institution of Oceanography Office of Undergraduate Programs, Galbraith Hall, Room 188.
Lower-Division Requirements
- SIO 30. The Oceans
- Any one of the following lower-division courses may be applied to
the minor requirements
STPA 35. Society and the Sea
SIO 10. The Earth
SIO 12. History of the Earth and Evolution
SIO 20. The Atmosphere
SIO 35. Water
SIO 40. Life and Climate on Earth
SIO 50. Introduction to Earth and Environmental Sciences
Additionally, any math, chemistry, physics, or biology course that is a prerequisite for an upper-division elective for the marine science minor (ex., Math. 20 series; Chem. 6A, 6B, 6C; Phys. 2 series; BILD 1, 2, 3) may be applied, by petition, as a lower-division requirement for the minor ’s major.
Upper-Division Requirements
Option 1—All Courses Track
At least five courses from the list (below) of upper-division electives
Option 2—Research Track
At least five courses from the list (below) of upper-division electives, at least three of which must be courses satisfying Option #1 and at least two of which must be Independent Study (SIO 199; eight units total) Note: The Independent Study must be designed in mutual agreement and arrangement with an SIO faculty member. Students interested in the marine science minor “Research Track” must meet with a Scripps Undergraduate Program advisor for information and policies.
Upper-Division Electives
SIO 101. California Coastal Oceanography
SIO 102. Introduction to Geochemistry
SIO 103. Introduction to Geophysics
SIO 104/255. Paleobiology and History of Life
SIO 105. Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
SIO 110. Introduction to GIS and GPS for Scientists
SIO 111/Phys. 111. Introduction to Ocean Waves and Tides
SIO 115. Ice and the Climate System
SIO 117. The Physical Basis of Global Warming
SIO 138. The Coral Reef Environment
BIMM 126. Marine Microbiology
BIMM 127/SIO 288. Marine Microbiology Lab
BIEB 132. Introduction to Marine Biology
BIBC 130/SIO 281. Marine Biochemistry
BIEB 134. Introduction to Biological Oceanography
SIO 135/236. Satellite Remote Sensing
SIO 141/ Chem. 174. Chemical Principles of Marine Systems
SIO 148/248. Evolution of Earth’s Biosphere
SIO 154/254. Macroevolution
SIO 160. Introduction to Tectonics
SIO 180/292. Communicating Science to Informal Audiences
SIO 198. Directed Group Study
SIO 199. Independent Study
ECE 156/MAE 149/SIO 238. Sensor Networks
SIO 201. Geologic Record of Climate Change
SIO 210. Physical Oceanography
SIO 260. Marine Chemistry
SIO 265. Chemical Ecology of Marine Organisms
Other SIO courses may be submitted by petition.
Study Abroad
Study abroad through the Education Abroad Program (http://programsabroad.ucsd.edu) or Opportunities Abroad Program can enhance a student’s major, particularly as an opportunity for diverse field experiences. However, careful planning is important to meet all major requirements. Please contact the Scripps Office of Undergraduate Programs as early as possible if you are an earth sciences major and planning to study abroad.
Careers in Education
Students interested in a teaching career should be aware that the earth sciences major, because of its broad course requirements in the sciences, fulfills many of the subject requirements for obtaining a California Teaching Credential through UCSD’s Educational Studies Program. The projected high demand over the next decade for well-trained teachers, particularly in the sciences, makes this an attractive option for many students. Students who wish to take advantage of this opportunity may wish to complete a minor in science education. Please contact the Education Studies office directly for further details.