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Scripps Institution of Oceanography

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UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION
Galbraith Hall 368
https://scripps.ucsd.edu/undergrad

All courses, faculty listings, and curricular and degree requirements described herein are subject to change or deletion without notice.

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. Today, research and education at Scripps encompasses physical, chemical, biological, geological, and geophysical studies of the ocean, earth, and atmosphere, and Scripps is at the forefront of modern climate change science and education. 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 seventy-five undergraduate courses covering a wide breadth of earth and marine sciences on several different levels. There are several introductory classes for nonmajors, and upper-division courses intended for a wide range of students in natural science majors. Scripps Institution of Oceanography offers a BS in marine biology, a BS in geosciences, a BS in oceanic and atmospheric sciences, minors in geosciences and marine science, and contiguous BS/MS programs in earth sciences and marine biology. Scripps Institution of Oceanography is also the academic home for the interdisciplinary environmental systems major and the climate change studies minor. See the Environmental Systems Program and the Climate Change Studies Program listings in this catalog for more information on those majors.

Marine Biology Major

Program Director: Ryan Hechinger, Professor, Marine Biology, Scripps Institution of Oceanography

The Scripps Institution of Oceanography offers an undergraduate major program in marine biology, resulting in a BS. Undergraduates in this major will develop an understanding of the biology of marine organisms and the biological and physical processes that affect these organisms, their populations, and their coastal and oceanic ecosystems. The major requires a foundation in the natural sciences, a rigorous core of marine biology courses and a unifying laboratory/field course that engages students more directly in the discovery process and in analyzing and interpreting data. Majors select electives from a growing set of upper-division Scripps Oceanography courses in marine biology and related disciplines. The marine biology curriculum takes advantage of UC San Diego’s unique physical location along the Pacific Ocean. Laboratory work and field trips to intertidal zones, salt marshes, and other marine ecosystems are important components of the instructional program.

Ocean sciences are relevant to many contemporary environmental issues and problems and central to understanding earth-system evolution, dynamics, climate and sustainability. A major in marine biology is an appropriate start for students who are seeking a career or graduate studies in marine biology and related biological disciplines, a career in fields such as marine conservation, or simply interested in the major to broaden their base of knowledge and experience in the biological sciences. Program advisers and faculty can provide additional information on career and graduate school opportunities. It is strongly recommended that all marine biology majors meet regularly with academic advising staff in the Scripps Institution of Oceanography Undergraduate Education Office in Galbraith Hall and with the marine biology faculty adviser to discuss and update curriculum choices.

Students must receive a grade of C– or higher in any course to be counted toward fulfillment of the major requirements (with the exception of SIO 90 and SIO 139, which are only offered on a P/NP basis). One quarter of SIO 199 credit (four units) may be used as a restricted elective but does not satisfy a laboratory course requirement.

Lower-Division Requirements

MATH 10A-B-C or 20A-B-C

CHEM 6A-B-C, 7L

PHYS 1A+1AL, 1B+1BL, 1C+1CL or 2A-B-C

BILD 1. The Cell

BILD 2. Multicellular Life

BILD 3. Organismic and Evolutionary Biology

SIO 90. Undergraduate Seminar: Perspectives on Ocean Sciences

Upper-Division Requirements

  1. Marine Biology Core (all courses required)
    SIO 132. Introduction to Marine Biology
    SIO 134. Introduction to Biological Oceanography
    SIO 181. Marine Biochemistry
    SIO 136. Marine Biology Laboratory
    SIO 139. Current Research in Marine Biology Colloquium
  2. Biology Core Courses (all courses required)
    SIO 187. Statistical Methods in Marine Biology
    BICD 100. Genetics
  3. Oceans Physics and Chemistry Requirement
    SIO 119. Physics and Chemistry of the Oceans
  4. Restricted Electives (at least five of the following; two must be indicated as laboratory courses)
    SIO 101. California Coastal Oceanography (Lab)
    SIO 104. Paleobiology and History of Life (Lab) or SIO 148. Evolution of Earth’s Biosphere (Lab)
    SIO 121. Biology of the Cryosphere
    SIO 122. Ecological Developmental Biology
    SIO 123. Microbial Environmental Systems Biology
    SIO 124. Marine Natural Products
    SIO 125. Biomechanics of Marine Life 
    SIO 126. Marine Microbiology
    SIO 127. Marine Molecular Ecology
    SIO 128. Microbial Life in Extreme Environments
    SIO 129. Marine Chemical Ecology
    SIO 131. Parasitology (Lab)
    SIO 133. Marine Mammal Biology
    SIO 137. Ecosystems and Fisheries
    SIO 138. The Coral Reef Environment
    SIO 145. Introduction to Field Methods in Biological Oceanography (Lab)
    SIO 146. Methods in Cell and Developmental Biology of Marine Organisms (Lab)
    SIO 147. Applications of Phylogenetics (Lab)
    SIO 183. Phycology: Biology of Marine Plants (Lab)
    SIO 184. Marine Invertebrates (Lab)
    SIO 185. Marine Microbiology Lab (Lab)
    SIO 188. Biology of Fishes (Lab)
    SIO 189. Pollution, Environment, and Health
    BICD 103. Biochemical Techniques Lab (Lab)
    BIBC 102. Metabolic Biochemistry
    BIEB 102. Introduction to Ecology
    BIEB 150. Evolution
    SIO 199. Independent Study for Undergraduates

Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences Major

Program Director: Falk Feddersen, Professor, Physical Oceanography, Scripps Institution of Oceanography

Undergraduates in the oceanic and atmospheric sciences major will develop an understanding of the fundamental physics and chemistry governing the ocean and atmosphere. The major engages students in a wide range of topics of scientific interest and increasing social concern including ocean waves, tides and circulation, natural climate variability including El Niño, human-caused climate change, global warming, ocean acidification, atmospheric storms, and oceanic eddies. Students will acquire the tools to address these topics through basic knowledge of the fluid dynamics and chemical principles relevant to the ocean and atmosphere. Drawing on the expertise at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, the curriculum includes modern approaches to data collection in the ocean and atmosphere and the analysis of the resulting big data sets.

The oceanic and atmospheric sciences curriculum takes advantage of the unique opportunities at Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Classes beyond the introductory level are usually small, permitting personalized instruction, yet with access to the resources of a large research university. There are abundant opportunities for undergraduates to work alongside faculty, staff, and graduate students on research applications, both observational and theoretical. The major is interdisciplinary by nature and has close connections to courses and research applications in physics, chemistry, engineering, earth sciences, and environmental systems.

A degree in oceanic and atmospheric 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 and consulting, ocean sciences, industrial institutions, elementary or secondary education, environmental policy, or environmental law. Program advisers and faculty can provide additional information on career and graduate school opportunities. This flexibility in the major is afforded by a wide array of restricted electives that allow students a degree of autonomy to design much of their program. Career-track examples with restricted electives and faculty advising are provided to assist students in their optimal career-development track within the flexible curriculum.

The oceanic and atmospheric sciences curriculum is rigorous and quantitative. Lower-division requirements are designed to provide the foundations in mathematics, physics, and chemistry that are essential in modern quantitative applications in the field. These lower-division courses are the only prerequisites for the SIO courses central to the major (Groups A and B, below). Other upper-division electives (Group C) may have additional prerequisites. In planning their major, students should check catalog course descriptions carefully and should meet with advising staff. It is strongly recommended that all oceanic and atmospheric science majors meet regularly with the academic advising staff in the SIO undergraduate education office in Galbraith Hall and faculty advisers in the major to discuss and update curriculum choices.

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. Additionally, one quarter of SIO 199 credit (four units, P/NP) may be used as a Group C elective.

Lower-Division Requirements

MATH 20A-B-C-D-E and MATH 18

PHYS 2A, 2B+2BL, 2C+2CL

PHYS 4 series is also accepted (instead of the PHYS 2 series) and is recommended for students with research interests in physical oceanography or the physics of the atmosphere.

CHEM 6A-B-C, 7L

SIO 60. Experiences in Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences (4)

Upper-Division Requirements

Group A: Core Courses

(all courses required)

SIO 171. Introduction to Physical Oceanography (4)

SIO 172. Physics of the Atmosphere (4)

SIO 174. Chemistry of the Ocean and Atmosphere (4)

Group B: Upper-Division Restricted Electives

(choose at least four of the following)

SIO 111. Ocean Waves and Tides (4)

SIO 117. The Physical Basis of Global Warming (4)

SIO 141. Chemical Principles of Marine Systems (4)

SIO 143. Ocean Acidification (4)

SIO 173. Dynamics of Atmosphere and Climate (4)

SIO 175. Analysis of Oceanic and Atmospheric Data (4)

SIO 176. Observational Physical Oceanography (4)

SIO 177. Fluid Dynamics (4)

SIO 178. Geophysical Fluid Dynamics (4)

Group C: Upper-Division Electives

(choose at least five of the following)

Students may use any additional course(s) from the restricted electives list (Group B, above) as a Group C elective.

SIO 101. California Coastal Oceanography (4)

SIO 108. Introduction to Paleoclimatology (4)

SIO 110. Introduction to GIS and GPS for Scientists (4)

SIO 113. Introduction to Computational Earth Sciences (4)

SIO 115. Ice and the Climate System (4)

SIO 134. Introduction to Biological Oceanography (4)

SIO 135. Satellite Remote Sensing (4)

SIO 160. Introduction to Tectonics (4)

SIO 199. Independent Study for Undergraduates (4)

CHEM 127. Physical Chemistry: Thermodynamics (4)

CHEM 130. Chemical Physics: Quantum Mechanics (4)

CHEM 131. Chemical Physics: Stat Thermo I (4)

CHEM 132. Chemical Physics: Stat Thermo II (4)

CHEM 171. Environmental Chemistry I (4)

CHEM 173. Atmospheric Chemistry (4)

MATH 110A. Introduction to Partial Differential Equations (4)

MATH 110B. Elements of Partial Differential Equations and Integral Equations (4)

MATH 120A. Elements of Complex Analysis (4)

MATH 120B. Applied Complex Analysis (4)

MATH 180A. Introduction to Probability (4)

PHYS 110A. Mechanics (4)

PHYS 110B. Mechanics (4)

PHYS 140A. Statistical and Thermal Physics I (4)

PHYS 140B. Statistical and Thermal Physics II (4)

MAE 101A. Introductory Fluid Mechanics (4)

CENG 101A. Introductory Fluid Mechanics (4)

Career-Track Examples

The oceanic and atmospheric sciences curriculum is designed to be flexible and can be tailored to student interests and needs in consultation with academic and faculty advisers. The following are suggested career paths for graduate school and/or employment in oceanic and atmospheric sciences. Note: These recommendations are intended to guide students in concert with academic and faculty advising. They are not requirements; the formal requirements for the major are listed above.

Physical Oceanography Track—Recommended lower-division preparation and electives for students with an interest in physical aspects of the ocean. This level of preparation is particularly recommended for students with the goal of pursuing graduate school and research careers in physical oceanography and related fields.

Suggested Four-Year Program of Instruction for a Physical Oceanography Track

 

FALL

WINTER

SPRING

Year 1

MATH 20A
PHYS 2A
SIO 60

MATH 20B
PHYS 2B(L)

MATH 20C
PHYS 2C(L)

Year 2

MATH 20D
CHEM 6A
SIO 171

MATH 20E
CHEM 6B

MATH 18
CHEM 6C
CHEM 7L

Year 3

PHYS 110A
MATH 110A

SIO 172
PHYS 110B
MATH 120A

SIO 174
MATH 120B

Year 4

SIO 175
SIO 177

SIO 111
SIO 178

SIO 176

Physics of the Atmosphere Track—Recommended lower-division preparation and electives for students with an interest in the physical aspects of the atmosphere. This level of preparation is particularly recommended for students with the goal of pursuing graduate school and careers in atmospheric sciences and related fields.

Suggested Four-Year Program of Instruction for a Physics of the Atmosphere Track

 

FALL

WINTER

SPRING

Year 1

MATH 20A
PHYS 2A
SIO 60

MATH 20B
PHYS 2B(L)

MATH 20C
PHYS 2C(L)

Year 2

MATH 20D
CHEM 6A

MATH 20E
CHEM 6B
SIO 172

MATH 18
CHEM 6C
CHEM 7L

Year 3

SIO 171
PHYS 110A
MATH 110A

PHYS 110B
MATH 120A

SIO 174
MATH 120B

Year 4

SIO 175
SIO 177

SIO 117
SIO 178

SIO 173

Chemistry of the Ocean and Atmosphere Track—Recommended lower-division preparation and electives for students with an interest in chemical systems in the ocean and atmosphere. This level of preparation is particularly recommended for students with the goal of pursuing graduate school and research careers in aqueous or atmospheric chemistry.

Suggested Four-Year Program of Instruction for a Chemistry of the Ocean and Atmosphere Track

 

FALL

WINTER

SPRING

Year 1

MATH 20A
CHEM 6A
SIO 60

MATH 20B
CHEM 6B

MATH 20C
CHEM 6C
CHEM 7L

Year 2

MATH 20D
PHYS 2A

MATH 20E
PHYS 2B(L)

MATH 18
PHYS 2C(L)
SIO 174

Year 3

SIO 171
SIO 175
PHYS 110A

SIO 172
CHEM 127

SIO 141
MATH 110A

Year 4

SIO 177
CHEM 130

SIO 143
CHEM 131

CHEM 173

Geosciences Major

Program Director: Jeff Gee, Professor, Marine Geology, Scripps Institution of Oceanography

The geosciences encompass broad scientific study of the origin and evolution of the Earth and its life forms. The geosciences major embraces a wide range of topics, including the physical and chemical evolution of our planet, the evolution of life, the causes of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, near-surface processes, the origin and behavior of the 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 geosciences curriculum takes advantage of the unique opportunities offered by Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Classes beyond the introductory level are usually small, permitting personalized instruction. Field trips are an important part of the instructional program.

A degree in geosciences 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 advisers and faculty can provide additional information on career and graduate school opportunities. This flexibility in the major is afforded by a wide array of restricted electives that allow students a degree of autonomy to design much of their program. Areas of concentration with restricted electives and faculty advising are provided to assist students in their optimal career-development track within the flexible curriculum.

All geoscience majors take a series of introductory courses, SIO 50, SIO 65, and SIO 75, and lower-division requirements in mathematics, physics, and chemistry that are essential in modern quantitative earth science disciplines, before moving on to five upper-division courses introducing basic concepts in the earth sciences, SIO 100, SIO 102, SIO 103, SIO 113, and SIO 120. Ideally lower-division course requirements and SIO 100 and SIO 102 should be taken before the junior year to provide the appropriate background for other upper-division courses.

It is strongly recommended that all geoscience majors meet regularly with the Scripps academic advising staff in the Scripps Institution of Oceanography Undergraduate Education Office in Galbraith Hall and geosciences faculty to discuss and make curriculum choices.

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 geosciences are offered as the courses SIO 198 and SIO 199. These courses are subject to consent of the instructor and approval by the faculty adviser. They are open to students who have accrued at least ninety quarter-units and have a GPA of at least 3.0. One quarter of SIO 199 studies may be counted toward the geosciences major electives.

Lower-Division Requirements

MATH 20A-B-C

PHYS 2A-B-C (or 4A-B-C)

CHEM 6A-B-C

SIO 50. Introduction to Physical Geology

SIO 65. Geosciences Seminar

SIO 75. Geological History of the Earth

Upper-Division Core Requirements

(All courses are required.)

SIO 100. Geological Field Methods

SIO 102. Introduction to Geochemistry

SIO 103. Introduction to Geophysics

SIO 113. Computing and Data Analysis in Geoscience

SIO 120. Mineralogy

Upper-Division Electives: Area of Concentration

(Choose a total of seven classes from the areas of concentration detailed below. A minimum of four of the seven courses must be taken from a single area of concentration.)

Geology: SIO 104, SIO 105, SIO 106, SIO 110, SIO 144, SIO 152, SIO 153, SIO 155, SIO 160, SIO 162, SIO 170, SIO 199

Geological Oceanography: SIO 101, SIO 111, SIO 117, SIO 119, SIO 135, SIO 138, SIO 141, SIO 143, SIO 144, SIO 160, SIO 171, SIO 199

Environmental Geology: SIO 106, SIO 107, SIO 108, SIO 110, SIO 115, SIO 135, SIO 144, SIO 153, SIO 162, SIO 166, SIO 167, SIO 182, SIO 199

Geophysics: SIO 110, SIO 115, SIO 135, SIO 152, SIO 155, SIO 160, SIO 162, SIO 170, SIO 182, SIO 199

 

 

An example schedule is outlined below.

FALL

WINTER

SPRING

First Year

 

MATH 20A

MATH 20B

MATH 20C

CHEM 6A

CHEM 6B

CHEM 6C

SIO 50

SIO 65

SIO 75

Sophomore Year

 

PHYS 2A

PHYS 2B

PHYS 2C

SIO 100

SIO 102

 SIO Elect.

Junior Year

 

SIO 103

SIO 120

SIO 113

 

SIO Elect.

SIO Elect.

Senior Year

 

SIO Elect.

SIO Elect.

SIO Elect.

 

SIO Elect.

 

Honors Program

The Honors Program at Scripps Institution of Oceanography is offered for a limited number of students who have demonstrated excellence in any Scripps major. Students are eligible for admission to the program when they have

  1. Completed ninety units of courses including twelve units of upper-division course work in their major (earth sciences, marine biology or oceanic and atmospheric sciences).
  2. Achieved a GPA of 3.3 overall and 3.5 in the major.
  3. Submitted to the appropriate Undergraduate Education Steering Committee, and had approved, an honors thesis research proposal.

Successful completion of the Honors Program requires

  1. Maintenance of a GPA of 3.3 overall and 3.5 in the major.
  2. 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.
  3. Acceptance of a written honors thesis report by a committee of not fewer than three faculty members.
  4. Satisfactory presentation of an oral report on the thesis research, preferably at a public undergraduate research conference on campus, or at a professional 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 adviser in Galbraith Hall, Room 368, Revelle College.

(See Scripps Institution of Oceanography graduate program for information on the “Contiguous Bachelor’s/Master’s Earth Sciences Degree Program.”)

Geosciences Minor

The Scripps Institution of Oceanography offers an undergraduate minor program in geosciences. The geoscience minor can complement a wide variety of disciplinary majors, is relevant to many contemporary environmental issues and problems, and is central to understanding Earth-system evolution, dynamics, climate, resource management, natural disasters, clean air and water, marine and coastal systems, and sustainability.

The minor in geosciences consists of thirty units of course work, at least twenty of which must be upper division. Up to two courses for the minor may be taken on a Pass/No Pass basis (upper or lower division). Students must earn a letter grade of at least C– in the remaining five or more courses used for the minor.

Lower-Division Requirements

SIO 50. Introduction to Physical Geology (six units)

SIO 75. Geological History of the Earth (four units)

SIO 65. Geosciences Seminar (two units) RECOMMENDED

Upper-Division Requirements

At least five courses from the list (below) of upper-division electives:

SIO 100. Geological Field Methods

SIO 102. Introduction to Geochemistry

SIO 103. Introduction to Geophysics

SIO 104. Paleobiology and History of Life

SIO 105. Sedimentology and Stratigraphy

SIO 106. Hydrogeology

SIO 107. Water Pollution

SIO 108. Paleoclimatology

SIO 109. Bending the Curve: Climate Change Solutions

SIO 110. Introduction to GIS and GPS

SIO 113. Computing and Data Analysis in Geoscience

SIO 115. Ice and the Climate System

SIO 117. Physical Basis of Global Warming

SIO 120. Mineralogy

SIO 135. Satellite Remote Sensing

SIO 144. Isotope Geochemistry

SIO 152. Petrology and Petrography

SIO 153. Geomorphology

SIO 155. Whole Earth Geochemistry

SIO 160. Global Tectonics

SIO 162. Structural Geology

SIO 166. Introduction to Environmental Archaeology

SIO 167. Geoarchaeology in Theory and Practice

SIO 170. Volcanology

SIO 182. Environmental and Exploration Geophysics

SIO 199. Independent Research

ESYS 102. The Solid and Fluid Earth

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 UC San Diego 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

  1. SIO 30. The Oceans
  2. Any one of the following lower-division courses may be applied to the minor requirements
    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 (e.g., 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 a Scripps faculty member. Students interested in the marine science minor “Research Track” must meet with a Scripps Undergraduate Program adviser 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 108. Introduction to Paleoclimatology

SIO 110. Introduction to GIS and GPS for Scientists

SIO 111/PHYS 111. Introduction to Ocean Waves

SIO 115. Ice and the Climate System

SIO 117. The Physical Basis of Global Warming

SIO 119. Physics and Chemistry of the Oceans

SIO 124. Marine Natural Products

SIO 125. Biomechanics of Marine Life

SIO 126. Marine Microbiology

SIO 127. Marine Molecular Ecology

SIO 128. Microbial Life in Extreme Environments

SIO 129. Marine Chemical Ecology

SIO 130. Scientific Diving

SIO 132. Introduction to Marine Biology

SIO 133. Marine Mammal Biology

SIO 134. Introduction to Biological Oceanography

SIO 135/236. Satellite Remote Sensing

SIO 138. The Coral Reef Environment

SIO 141/CHEM 174. Chemical Principles of Marine Systems

SIO 143. Ocean Acidification

SIO 147. Applications of Phylogenetics

SIO 148/248. Evolution of Earth’s Biosphere

SIO 160. Introduction to Tectonics

SIO 171. Introduction to Physical Oceanography

SIO 172. Physics of the Atmosphere

SIO 180/292. Communicating Science to Informal Audiences

SIO 181. Marine Biochemistry

SIO 183. Phycology: Biology of Marine Plants

SIO 184. Marine Invertebrates

SIO 185. Marine Microbiology Lab

SIO 188. Biology of Fishes

SIO 198. Directed Group Study

SIO 199. Independent Study

ECE 156/MAE 149/SIO 238. Sensor Networks

Other Scripps Oceanography courses may be submitted by petition.

Study Abroad

Study abroad through the Study Abroad UC San Diego (http://studyabroad.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 a geosciences major or a marine biology major and planning to study abroad.