Upper Division Courses

Many upper-division courses require SIO 50, Introduction to Earth and Environmental Sciences, as a prerequisite. The quarter abbreviations (F,W,S) indicated the quarter in which the course is usually offered. Obviously, circumstances sometimes mandate a change of scheduled offerings. Students are strongly advised to check the current course offerings, the Schedule of Classes or to contact the Scripps Institution of Oceanography Undergraduate Programs Office (Galbraith Hall, room 188, (858) 534-8157) to obtain up-to-date information. SIO 100. Introduction to Field Methods (4) Mapping and interpretation of geologic units. Field work is done locally and the data are analyzed in the laboratory. There will be one mandatory weekend field trip to Anza Borrego State Park. Prerequisite: SIO 50, or consent of instructor. (F)

SIO 101. California Coastal Oceanography (4)

This course examines oceanographic connections between physical and climate forcing and marine ecosystem responses in the California coastal environment. Approach is inquiry-based, combining classroom and experiential learning to build critical and quantitative thinking and research insights and abilities. Prerequisite: SIO 30, Chem 6A, or consent of instructor. (S)

SIO 102. Introduction to Geochemistry (4)

A broad introduction to the chemical composition and evolution of the Earth and the solar system. This course explores applications of chemical methods to elucidate the origin and geologic history of the Earth and the planets, the evolution of the oceans and atmosphere, and the impact of humankind on the environment. Prerequisites: SIO 50, Chemistry 6A-B-C or equivalent, first-year, mathematics, and physics, or consent of instructor. (W)

SIO 103. Introduction to Geophysics (4)

An introduction to the structure and composition of the solid earth. Topics include seismology, the gravity and magnetic fields, high-pressure geophysics, and concepts in geodynamics. Emphasis is on global geophysics, i.e., on the structure and evolution of the planet. Prerequisites: Math. 20A-B-C-D and Physics 2 sequence, SIO 50, or consent of instructor. SIO 160 recommended. (F)

SIO 104/SIO 250. Paleobiology and History of Life (5)

Introduction to the major biological transitions in earth history from the origins of metabolism and cells to the evolution of complex societies. The nature and limitations of the fossil record, patterns of adaptation and diversity, and the tempo and mode of biological and environmental change. Laboratories and field trips complement and extend the lecture material. At graduate level oral presentation or research paper required. Prerequisites: BILD 3 or equivalent, or consent of instructor. (S)

SIO 105. Sedimentology and Stratigraphy (4)

This course will examine sedimentary environments from the mountain tops to the deep sea across a variety of time scales. The focus will be to understand how depositional processes form the stratigraphic record. The central goal of the course is to develop the skills to interpret stratigraphy and read the history of the earth that it records. Prerequisite: SIO 50 and SIO 100. (F)

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

A hands-on introduction to science applications of geographic information systems and global positioning system. Students acquire data through GPS field surveys, design and construct GIS using ESRI's ArcGIS software, analyze spatial data, and present the results in a web-based environment. Prerequisites: upper division standing. (S)

SIO 111/PHYS 111. Ocean Waves and Tides (4)

This course will cover a broad range physical oceanography topics including: linear dynamics of surface gravity waves, dispersion relations, spectral descriptions, group velocity, shoaling waves, ray theory, edge waves, Coriolis force, the tide generating force, LaPlace's tide equations, Kelvin waves. Prerequisites: Math 20A-E and Phys 2A-C or equivalent. (W)

SIO 112. Urban Landscapes (4)

Introduction to scientific principles, such as conservation of mass and energy and pattern formation, that govern the development of urban centers as complex systems. Contrasts between natural and urban landscapes will be highlighted, with examples including water routing and disease transmission. Prerequisite: upper-division standing. (S)

SIO 117. The Physical Climate System (4)

This course quantitatively examines the physical processes controlling Earth's climate including radiative transfer and energy balance, atmospheric and ocean circulations, clouds and the hydrological cycle, climate sensitivity and climate feedbacks, and natural and anthropogenic climate change. Prerequisites: Math 20ABC and Phys 2ABC or equivalent. (S)

SIO 120. Introduction to Mineralogy (4)

This course focuses on the symmetry, crystal structure, chemical, and physical properties of minerals with special emphasis on the common rock-forming minerals, and highlights the applications of mineralogical and X-ray crystallographic techniques to a spectrum of important problems in the earth sciences. The laboratory will introduce the students to the polarizing microscope and X-ray powder diffraction methods for the study of rock-forming minerals. Prerequisites: SIO 50, SIO 102. (W)

SIO 130. Geodynamics of Terrestrial Planets (4)

Planetary differentiation through geodynamical processes is the fundamental agent controlling the evolution of the planet on geological time scales. Similarities and differences between the Earth, Venus, Mars, and other terrestrial planets and satellites teach us about the processes which shape a planet?s formation and evolution. The course includes a computer-oriented lab. Prerequisites: Math. 20A-B-C-D and Physics 2 sequence, or consent of instructors. (F) SIO 132/BIEB 132 Introduction to Marine Biology (4) Overview of marine organisms and their adaptations to sea life. Selected examples of physiological, behavioral, and evolutionary adaptations in response to the unique challenges of a maritime environment. Prerequisite: BILD 3. (F)

SIO 135/SIO236. Satellite Remote Sensing (4)

Satellite remote sensing provides global observations of Earth to monitor changes in the environment of land, oceans, and ice. This course is an overview of the physical principles of remote sensing including orbits, electromagnetic radiation, diffraction, electro-optical, and microwave systems. Prerequisites: Physics 2A-B or Physics 4A-B-C. (S)

SIO 141/CHEM 174. Chemical Principles of Marine Systems (4)

Introduction to the chemistry and distribution of the elements in seawater, emphasizing basic chemical principles such as electron structure, chemical bonding, and group and periodic properties and showing how these affect basic aqueous chemistry in marine systems. Prerequisites: Chem 6C. (F)

SIO 142. Atmospheric Chemistry and the Biochemical Cycles of Atmospheric Trace Gases (4)

Evolution of the Earth?s atmosphere, from the earliest days of the planet to the present, and into the future. The atmospheres of other terrestrial planets are discussed to provide a planetary perspective. Discussions will include effects of ?greenhouse? gases such as H2O, CO2, and CH4 in climate modification, and other influences of civilization?s byproducts on atmospheric chemistry, e.g., the destruction of the ozone layer. The biogeochemical cycles of the radioactively important trace gases will be examined. Prerequisites: Chemistry 6 sequence or equivalent, or consent of instructor. Not offered every year. SIO staff. (W)

SIO 144/SIO 252A. Introduction to Isotope Geochemistry (4)

Radioactive and stable isotope studies in geology and geochemistry, including geochronology, isotopes as tracers of magnetic processes, cosmic-ray produced isotopes as tracers in the crust and weathering cycle, isotopic evolution of the crust and mantle. At the graduate level, oral presentations are required and the final exam is more rigorous. Offered in alternate years. Prerequisites: Graduates: SIO entrance requirements or consent of instructor. Undergraduates: SIO 50, SIO 102, SIO 120, or equivalent. (W)

SIO 148/SIO 248. Evolution of Earth?s Biosphere (4)

Evolution of the oceans, atmosphere, biogeochemistry, and paleoenvironmental reconstruction with particular emphasis on the long-term history and climate of the Earth?s surface. Major developments and current controversies in Earth history and paleoecological development of marine and terrestrial environments.

SIO 152. Petrology and Petrography (4) Mineralogic, chemical, textural, and structural properties of igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks; their origin and relations to evolution of the Earth?s crust and mantle. Includes rocks of both the continents and ocean basins. The laboratory emphasizes both hand specimens and microscopic studies of rocks in thin sections. Prerequisites: SIO 50, SIO 102, and SIO 120 or their equivalents. (S)

SIO 154/SIO 254. Macroevolution (4)

Tempo and mode of evolution with emphasis on the marine fossil record. Large scale patterns and trends in diversity, speciation, and extinction. Innovation, disparity, and adaptive radiation. Evolutionary turnover and the role of the environment in macroevolution. Prererequisites: SIO 104 or BIEB 150 or equivalent, or consent of instructor.

SIO 155/SIO 251. Igneous and Metamorphic Processes (4)

Overview of the Earth from a geochemical and petrogenetic point of view. The formation and chemical differentiation of material in the solar system, the formation and differentiation of the Earth into core, mantle, crust and atmosphere/hydrosphere, the generation of magma in a variety of plate tectonic settings, and isotope and trace element geochemistry of igneous and metamorphic rocks. Literature readings will be assigned and discussion is expected of everyone. Prerequisite: SIO 152, or consent of instructors. (W)

SIO 160. Introduction to Tectonics (4)

The theory of plate tectonics attempts to explain how forces within the earth give rise to continents, ocean basins, mountain ranges, earthquake belts and most volcanoes. In this course we will learn how plate tectonics works. Prerequisites: SIO 50 or consent of instructor. (S)

SIO 162/SIO 256L. Structural Geology (4)

Principles of stratigraphy and structural geology applicable to field geologic studies. Discussion and laboratory exercises. Two to three field trips required. Graduate students, additionally, will complete an in-depth, literature-based, focused study consisting of a written report and a 45-minute seminar on topics related to structural geology. Prerequisites: SIO 50 and SIO 100, or consent of instructor. Graduate students enroll with consent of instructor. (W)

SIO 170. Introduction to Volcanology (4)

This course teaches fundamental aspects of physical and chemical volcanology with a major field study component on an active volcano on Hawaii. Subjects are introduced in lectures and reinforced and expanded in field exercises. Prerequisites: SIO 50, Chem. 6A, upper-division standing or consent of instructor; eighteen years or older and ability to walk up to fifteen miles a day over rough terrain. (Offered summer session only)

SIO 182A. Applied Geophysics (4)

Introduction to design and execution of simple geophysical field experiments, including seismic, gravimetric, geoelectical, and geodetic techniques. The focus is on a simple geological problem that can be solved by geophysical experiments. Computer-aided data analysis and interpretation. Prerequisite: SIO 103. (W)

SIO 182B. Applied Geophysics (4)

Design and execution of simple geophysical field experiments, including seismic, gravimetric, geoelectical, and geodetic techniques. The focus is on a simple geological problem that can be solved by geophysical experiments. Computer-aided data analysis and interpretation. Prerequisite: SIO 182A. (S)

SIO 185. Applied Complexity (4)

Techniques from the study of complex systems, including genetic algorithms, neural networks, forecasting, artificial life and agent-based modeling, are introduced and applied to problems in geology, physics, engineering, biology, and economics. Prerequisites: Math 20A-B-C-D or equivalent, MATLAB recommended. (S)

SIO 190. Special Topics in Earth Sciences (2-4)

A seminar course designed to treat emerging or topical subjects in the earth sciences. Involved reading from the literature and student participation in discussion. Topics vary from year to year.

SIO 195. Methods of Teaching Earth Sciencecs (4)

Introduction to teaching earth sciences class section in a lower-division class, hold office hours, assist with examinations. This course counts only once towards the major. Prerequisites: junior or senior earth sciences major with GPA of 3.0 or an A in the course and consent of instructor, plus department stamp.Course attached to six-unit internship taken by students participating in the UCDC program. Involves weekly seminar meetings with faculty and teaching assistant and substantial research paper. Prerequisites: departmental approval, participation in UCDC Program.

SIO 195. Methods of Teaching Earth Sciencecs (4)

Introduction to teaching earth sciences class section in a lower-division class, hold office hours, assist with examinations. This course counts only once towards the major. Prerequisites: junior or senior earth sciences major with GPA of 3.0 or an A in the course and consent of instructor, plus department stamp.

SIO 196. Honors Thesis Research (4)

Independent reading or research on a problem. By special arrangement with a faculty member. (Letter grade only.)

SIO 197. Earth Science Internship (2-4) The Earth Science Internship program is designed to complement the program?s academic curriculum with practical field experience. Prerequisites: consent of instructor, upper-division standing, minimum GPA of 2.0, department stamp.

SIO 198. Directed Group Study (2?4)

This course covers a variety of directed group studies in areas not covered by formal SIO courses (P/NP grades only.) Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

SIO 199. Independent Study for Undergraduates (4)

Independent reading or research on a problem. By special arrangement with a faculty member. (P/NP grades only.)

GRADUATE SIO 228. Research Seminar (2)

A three quarter required sequence for B.S./M.S. Earth Sciences students to prepare students for thesis writing. (F,W,S)