Undergraduate Department of
Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Science
College of Arts and Sciences
Website: https://eoas.fsu.edu/
Chair: Robert Hart; Professors: Baco-Taylor, Bourassa, Cai, Chanton, Chassignet, Dewar, Fuelberg, Hart, Huettel, Humayun, Liu, Misra, Nicholson, Salters, Spencer, Tull, Wang, Wu, Ye; Associate Professors: Fuentes, Holmes, Knapp, Kranz, Mason, Mookheriee, Owens, Stukel, Sura, Wing, Young; Assistant Professors: Atwood, Bono, Diamond, Evans, Herbert, Parfitt, Stewart, Stokes, Sun; Teaching Faculty: Chagnon, Goddard; Professors Emeriti: Ahlquist, Burnett, Clarke, Ellingson, Hsueh, Iverson, R. Krishnamurti, T.N. Krishnamurti, Landing, Loper, MacDonald, Marcus, Nof, O'Brien, Odom, Parker, Pfeffer, Staley, Sturges, Thistle, Weatherly, Winchester, Wise
In 2010, the departments of Geological Sciences, Oceanography, and Meteorology merged to form the department of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Science (EOAS). While retaining their perspective programmatic focus, the geology, oceanography, and meteorology faculty offer a new level of interdisciplinary integration. This creates fresh opportunities for undergraduate and graduate education in the geosciences. The department provides students with an opportunity for holistic study of Earth's physical environment in preparation for professional careers in government, private, and academic sectors. Due to concerns about climate change, environmental sustainability, availability of natural resources, and environmental pollution and degradation, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an overall 5-7% increase in geoscience-related occupations between 2019 and 2029, which is the average growth rate for all U.S. occupations. The opportunities for study and the degree requirements are described below for:
- Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science
- Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and Policy
- Bachelor of Science in Geology
- Bachelor of Science in Meteorology
- FSU Teach Geoscience Program (BS)
- FSU Teach Environmental Science Program (BS)
The Department of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Science maintains the resources of the three original departments. Our oceanography and meteorology programs are among the leading programs in the country. Our meteorology program is the flagship program in the southeastern United States and is considered one of the top five comprehensive meteorology programs in the nation.
Research programs are conducted within the department, and may involve collaborative work with members of the departments of Physics and Chemistry, the College of Engineering, the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Institute, the Department of Scientific Computing, the Center for Ocean and Atmospheric Prediction Studies, and the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory. Within EOAS, the Geology department conducts cooperative programs with the Florida Geological Survey, Northwest Florida Water Management District, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, and the United States Geological Survey.
The Florida Climate Center and Office of the State Climatologist are housed in the department and are equipped with archives of Florida weather and climate records. An instrumentation facility is also located in the department, including data loggers and a variety of modern and historical instruments, and a rooftop meteorological tower for real-time local observations. The National Weather Service Forecast Office, located in the adjacent Love Building, facilitates interactions between faculty and students with professional operational forecasters.
The department has a complete television studio equipped with state-of-the-art broadcasting technology, where students prepare weathercasts for class (MET 3940) and for regular broadcasts on Florida State University's cable television channel, which is seen in surrounding counties and streamed over the Internet. Students often use this experience to develop internships with television stations and to gain employment. Other internship opportunities through private companies or state, local, or federal agencies also are possible. In particular, partnerships and internships with the headquarters of state government agencies located in Tallahassee continue to offer opportunities for our students.
Available for use on student projects is a full array of equipment for investigating radon and radium in the environment, and three mass spectrophotometers capable of measuring stable isotope ratios. The department has equipment for investigating carbon dynamics including greenhouse gasses in the laboratory and the field. The geochemistry program at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory has facilities to measure trace level concentrations of most elements of the periodic table as well as measure the isotopic composition of many stable and radioactive elements. These capabilities allow researchers to fingerprint the sources of different elements in the environment as well as to trace chemical processes. Students and faculty have access to five different types of mass spectrometers to take measurements based on their area of specialization. The laboratories also include a "clean lab" which allows processing of small samples as well as determining concentrations at very low levels. The department also houses a large array of equipment for investigation of microbial ecology including equipment for the cultivation of anaerobic microorganisms.
Graduate Study in Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Science
Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Science offers the Master of Science (MS) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Geology, Meteorology, and Oceanography, a non-thesis Master of Science in Aquatic Environmental Science, and a Professional Science Master's in Aquatic Environmental Science, a Law and Aquatic Environmental Science and a Physical Environmental Science PhD program.
Undergraduates interested in Oceanography or Geology graduate degrees will find the Environmental Science BS degree excellent preparation for graduate study. Students may choose a specific area of emphasis including geology (coursework will permit graduates to take the examination leading to Professional Geologist Certification), environmental engineering, biogeochemistry, atmospheric science, or marine biology.
Environmental Science
Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Science offers two degrees in Environmental Science. Environmental Science is the interdisciplinary study of environmental systems from a scientific perspective. Drawing principally from the areas of oceanography, geology, and meteorology, the Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science will prepare students in the broader and technical area of geoscience where the greatest expansion in employment opportunities is predicted. It is an attractive option for students seeking a broader interdisciplinary major with the rigor of mathematics and the physical sciences at its core. The BS degree will provide a strong basis for graduate study in environmental and earth sciences.
The department also offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science and Policy. This degree differs from the traditional BS degree in lower-level mathematics requirements and a greater emphasis on policy. These programs aim to prepare exceptionally well-qualified graduates equipped to work in the interdisciplinary earth sciences, whether in government agencies, NGOs, or the private sector. For additional information, see the department's Website at https://eoas.fsu.edu/.
Geology
Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Science offers the Bachelor of Science (BS), Master of Science (MS), and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in geology. Emphasis is on fundamental applications of chemistry, physics, biology, and the scientific method in the study of the earth; field experience is also stressed. Faculty members offer coursework in many areas of surficial, tectonic, environmental, and stratigraphic geology; hydrology; and geochemistry.
The major program is intended to provide a well-rounded introduction to the study of the Earth as well as to prepare the student for more advanced study in the fields of natural resources, environmental planning, oceanography, geophysics, and other earth science specialties.
Various scholarships are offered (and part-time work is available) within Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences, with the Florida Geological Survey of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and with other agencies of the state and federal governments.
Honors in the major can be earned by talented juniors and seniors by engaging in an independent project ending in an honors thesis. For requirements and other information, see the "University Honors Office and Honor Societies" chapter of this General Bulletin.
Meteorology
Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Science offers the Bachelor of Science (BS), Master of Science (MS), and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees in meteorology. Meteorology traditionally is divided into four branches: physical, dynamical, synoptic, and applied meteorology. Physical meteorologists deal with topics such as the physics of rain formation, atmospheric electricity, radiative transfer, and remote sensing. Dynamical meteorologists work in such areas as the mathematical representation of atmospheric flow patterns and the numerical prediction of these patterns. Synoptic meteorologists are involved with the description of atmospheric disturbances and with weather forecasting. Applied meteorologists deal with the application of meteorological and climatological knowledge to such areas as agriculture, architecture, ecology, and air pollution. The undergraduate curriculum provides a broad overview of these branches of meteorology while graduate students are encouraged to specialize in one of them. Meteorologists are needed in research, forecasting, and operational positions to study, interpret, and predict weather and climate processes and patterns and to relate these to human activities. Severe storms, floods, droughts, and air pollution are examples of atmospheric phenomena, that influence health, transportation, agriculture, and business activities.
Computer Skills Competency
All undergraduates at Florida State University must demonstrate basic computer skills competency prior to graduation. As necessary computer competency skills vary from discipline to discipline, each major determines the courses needed to satisfy this requirement. Undergraduate majors in applied geosciences/FSU-Teach satisfy this requirement by earning a grade of "C–" or higher in ISC 3523C. Undergraduate majors in environmental science and environmental science and policy satisfy this requirement by earning a grade of "C–" or higher in BSC 2010L. Undergraduate majors in geology satisfy this requirement by earning a grade of "C–" or higher in CGS 2060 or GIS 4751c. Undergraduate majors in meteorology satisfy this requirement by earning a grade of "C–" or higher in MET 3220C.
State of Florida Common Program Prerequisites for Earth Ocean Atmosphere Sciences
The Florida Virtual Campus (FLVC) houses the statewide, internet-based catalog of distance learning courses, degree programs, and resources offered by Florida's public colleges and universities, and they have developed operational procedures and technical guidelines for the catalog that all institutions must follow. The statute governing this policy can be reviewed by visiting https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2021/1006.73.
FLVC has identified common program prerequisites for the degree program in Earth Ocean Atmosphere Sciences. To obtain the most up-to-date, state-approved prerequisites for this degree, visit: https://cpm.flvc.org/programs/1232/3529.
Specific prerequisites are required for admission into the upper-division program and must be completed by the student at either a community college or a state university prior to being admitted to this program. Students may be admitted into the University without completing the prerequisites but may not be admitted into the program.
FSU-Teach Program in Applied Geosciences
FSU-Teach is an innovative approach to teacher education that involves a collaboration between scientists, mathematicians, and education faculty at Florida State University. In Applied Geosciences/FSU-Teach, students develop deep science or mathematical knowledge and the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to be an effective science or math teacher. The program includes coursework in meteorology, geology, oceanography, hydrology, and astronomy. The program will pay for tuition for the first two science/teaching courses. Internship positions with scientists, mathematicians, and local schools are available. This is a double-major only program. FSU-Teach majors are first admitted into their primary, discipline-specific major and must meet the state-wide common program prerequisites for that major, in this case Applied Geosciences. Later, students apply for admission into a secondary major within the College of Education called Science Teaching/FSU Teach. Upon graduation, students are awarded the BS degree with majors in Applied Geosciences/FSU-Teach and Science Teaching. For more information, see our website: https://fsu-teach.fsu.edu/.
Progress in This Major and Formal Admission to FSU-Teach and Teacher Education
FSU native and transfer students will progress to upper-division (junior) status in the College of Arts and Sciences in the same manner as other Interdisciplinary majors: an AA degree or fifty-two earned credits (including at least half of the general education requirement to include English composition and mathematics), at least a 2.5 GPA, and completion of appropriate milestones. Once these are complete, the student must complete an "Undergraduate Application to Teacher Education" in 2301 Stone Building, at which time the second major in Education will be added.
Required Courses for the Applied Geosciences Major
Geosciences Coursework
AST 1002 Planets, Stars, and Galaxies (3)
ESC 3100C History of Earth Systems (4)
GLY 2010C Physical Geology (4)
GLY 4820 Principles of Hydrology (3)
GEO 2200C Physical Geography (3)
MET 1010L Introductory Meteorology Laboratory (1)
MET 3231 Introduction to Atmospheric Thermodynamics and Dynamics (3)
OCE 4008 Principles of Oceanography (3)
OCE 4017 Current Issues in Environmental Science (3)
Or
GLY 3039 Energy, Resources, and the Environment (3)
EVR 4922 Environmental Science Capstone (4)
Required courses for the Education Major
ISC 3402 Perspectives on Science and Mathematics (3)
ISC 3523C Research Methods (3)
RED 4335 Literacy Across the Content Areas (3)
SMT 1043 Step 1: Inquiry Approaches to Teaching (1)
SMT 1053 Step 2: Inquiry-Based Lesson Design in Science/Mathematics (1)
SMT 3100 Knowing and Learning in Science and Mathematics (FSU-Teach) (3)
SMT 4301 Classroom Interactions (FSU-Teach) (3)
SMT 4664 Project Based Instruction (FSU-Teach) (3)
SMT 4930 Apprentice Teaching Seminar (FSU-Teach) (1–4)
SMT 4945 Apprentice Teaching (FSU-Teach) (5)
TSL 4324 ESOL Instruction in the Content Areas (3)
FSU-Teach Program in Environmental Science
FSU-Teach is an innovative approach to teacher education that involves collaboration between scientists, mathematicians, and education faculty at Florida State University. In Environmental Science/FSU-Teach, students will develop environmental science knowledge and the knowledge, skill, and experience needed to be an effective science teacher. Science coursework will include courses in meteorology, geology, oceanography, hydrology, and astronomy. The program will pay for tuition for the first two Education/Teaching courses. For more information, see our website, https://fsu-teach.fsu.edu/.
This is a double-major only program. FSU-Teach majors are first admitted into their primary, discipline-specific major and must meet the state-wide common program prerequisites for that major, in this case Environmental Science. Later, students apply for admission into a secondary major within the College of Education called Secondary Science or Mathematics Teaching. Upon graduation, students are awarded the BS degree with majors in Environmental Science and Secondary Science or Mathematics Teaching. Environmental Science is the interdisciplinary study of environmental systems from a scientific perspective. Drawing principally from the areas of oceanography, geology, meteorology, biology, and chemistry, the Environmental Science program will prepare students in the broader area of geosciences and is an attractive option for students seeking a broader interdisciplinary major with the rigor of mathematics and the physical sciences at its core.
Environmental Science Core Courses
AST 1002 Planets, Stars, and Galaxies (3)
ESC 3100C History of Earth Systems (4)
GLY 4751C Introduction to Remote Sensing, Air Photo Interpretation and GIS for the Earth Sciences (3)
Or
GIS 4043 Geographic Information Systems (3)
AND
GIS 4043L GIS Lab (1)
MET 1010 Introduction to the Atmosphere (3)
or
MET 3231 Introduction to Atmospheric Thermodynamics and Dynamics (3)
OCE 4008 Principles of Oceanography (3)
OCE 4017 Current Issues in Environmental Science (3)
or
GLY 3039 Energy, Resources, and the Environment (3)
EVR 4922 Environmental Science Capstone (4)
Required Courses for the Education Major
ISC 3402 Perspectives on Science and Mathematics (3)
ISC 3523C Research Methods (3) (counts for both Environmental Science and Education requirements)
RED 4335 Literacy Across the Content Areas (3)
SMT 1043 Step 1: Inquiry Approaches to Teaching (1)
SMT 1053 Step 2: Inquiry-Based Lesson Design in Science/Mathematics (1)
SMT 3100 Knowing and Learning in Science and Mathematics (FSU Teach) (3)
SMT 4301 Classroom Interactions (FSU-Teach) (3)
SMT 4664 Project Based Instruction (FSU-Teach) (3)
SMT 4930 Apprentice Teaching Seminar (FSU-Teach) (1–4)
SMT 4945 Apprentice Teaching (FSU-Teach) (5)
TSL 4324 ESOL Instruction in the Content Areas (3)
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science
Students should complete the prerequisite coursework for entrance to the major program of study. All State Common Program Prerequisites listed as Term 1–4 Milestones must be completed with a "C" range (C–, C, or C+) grade or better. Students earning less than the necessary grade in any of these courses will be required to retake those courses until the standard is met. Note: retaking a course may delay graduation and incur increased fee liability (i.e., repeat course surcharge and excess credit surcharge).
A minimum of forty semester hours, as specified below, is required. No required course in which a student has earned a grade below "C–" may be applied toward the degree in Environmental Science.
Students wishing to double major with Geology are now allowed 10 overlapping hours between these two majors. Discuss with your advisor if you are interested.
A student who has received more than five unsatisfactory grades (U, F, D–, D, D+) in science or mathematics courses (and their prerequisites), excluding the Term 1-4 State Common Prerequisites milestone courses, after entry into the program, will not be permitted to graduate with a degree in this major.
Coursework and Requirements
Please review all college-wide degree requirements summarized in the "College of Arts and Sciences" chapter of this General Bulletin.
Environmental Science Core courses (nineteen to twenty hours)
GLY 4751C Introduction to Remote Sensing, Air Photo Interpretation and GIS for the Earth Sciences (3) or if not available substitute GIS 4043 Geographic Information Processing and Systems (3) and GIS 4043L GIS Lab (1)
MET 1010 Introduction to the Atmosphere (3)
or
MET 3231 Introduction to Atmospheric Thermodynamics and Dynamics (3)
OCE 4008 Principles of Oceanography (3)
OCE 4017 Current Issues in Environmental Science (3)
or
GLY 3039 Energy, Resources, and the Environment (3)
EVR 4922 Environmental Science Capstone (4)
Environmental Science Elective courses: Choose a total of twenty-one hours, twelve of which must be selected from List 1 and the remaining nine hours from any of the elective lists below. Students must make sure to satisfy all course prerequisites.
Environmental Elective Courses:
EOC 4631 Marine Pollution (3)
ESC 3100C History of Earth Systems (4) (Highly recommended by EOAS faculty)
GLY 3200C Mineralogy and Crystallography (3)
GLY 3310C Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology (3)
GLY 3400C Structural Geology (4)
GLY 3610C Paleontology (4)
GLY 4905 Directed Individual Study (Geohazards) (3)
MET 3101 Physical Climatology (3)
or
MET 3103C Climate Change Science (3)
or
MET 3220C Meteorological Computations (3)
MET 3231 Introduction to Atmospheric Thermodynamics and Dynamics (3)
MET 3940 Weathercasting (1)
MET 4159r Selected Topics in Meteorology (1–3)
MET 4400C Meteorological Instrumentation and Observation (3)
OCB 4265 Coral Reef Ecology 4265 (3)
OCB 4631 Estuarine and Coastal Ecology (3)
OCB 4637 Marine Benthic Ecology (3)
OCC 4002 Basic Chemical Oceanography (3)
OCC 4060 Environmental Science Modeling (3)
OCE 3555 Environmental Science II: Habitable Planet (3)
OCE 4064 Marine Conservation Biology (3)
OCE 4930r Studies in Oceanography (1–4) (Topics vary: Biodiversity, Earth System, Marine Microbial Ecology, Geomicrobiology, Physics and Flow of Water Bodies, Environmental Toxicology, or other select topics)
OCP 4005 Introduction to Physical Oceanography (3)
Other classes are allowed as electives with department permission.
Other related areas of focus:
Environmental Engineering Tools (nine to ten hour maximum):
CGN 2327L Civil Engineering Graphics Lab (1)
CEG 2202C Introduction to Geomatics Engineering (4)
EES 3040 Introduction to Environmental Engineering Science (3)
EES 3040L Environmental Engineering Science Lab (1)
EGM 3512 Engineering Mechanics (4)
EGN 2123 Computer Graphics for Engineers (2)
ENV 4001 Environmental Engineering (3)
ENV 4041 Environmental Systems Analysis (3)
ENV 4341 Solid and Hazardous Waste Engineering (3)
ENV 4405 Water Reuse Engineering (3)
Environmental Geology/Geosciences Focus (nine to ten hour maximum):
GLY 4240 Principles of Geochemistry (3)
GLY 4451 Introduction to Geophysics (3)
GLY 4544C Sedimentation and Stratigraphy (3)
GLY 4820 Principles of Hydrology (3)
GLY 4884 Environmental Geology I (3)
GLY 4905 Directed Individual Study (3)
Environmental Science students with a focus area in GLY who want to use Field Camp as their Capstone should take the following coursework:
GLY 2010C Physical Geology (4)
ESC 3100C History of Earth Systems (4)
GLY 3400C Structural Geology (4)
GLY 4544C Sedimentation and Stratigraphy (4)
GLY 4750 Geology Field Methods (1)
GLY 4790 Field Course (6)
Biology Focus (nine to ten hour maximum):
BOT 4394 Plant Molecular Biology (3)
BSC 3052 Conservation Biology (3)
BSC 3312 Marine Biology (3)
BSC 3402L Experimental Biology Laboratory (3)
BSC 3930 Seminar in Biological Frontiers (1)
BSC 3938 Careers in the Biological Sciences (1)
BSC 4473C Introduction to Scientific Diving (3) (Faculty Permission Required)
BSC 4933r Selected Topics in Biological Science (1–4)
PCB 3043 General Ecology (3)
PCB 4674 Evolution (3)
ZOO 4454C Biology of Fishes (4)
Chemistry Focus (nine to ten hour maximum):
CHM 2210 Organic Chemistry I (3)
CHM 2211 Organic Chemistry II (3)
CHM 2211L Organic Chemistry II Laboratory (3)
CHM 3120 Analytical Chemistry I (3)
CHM 3120L Analytical Chemistry I Laboratory (1)
CHM 4080 Environmental Chemistry I (3)
CHM 4081 Environmental Chemistry II (3)
Geography/GIS Focus (nine to ten hour maximum):
GEO 4114 Environmental Field Methods (3)
GEO 4162C Spatial Data Analysis (3)
GEO 4340 Living in a Hazardous Environment (3)
GEO 4357 Environmental Conflict and Economic Development (3)
GEO 4376 Landscape Ecology (3)
GEO 4930r Special Topics in Geography (1–3)
GIS 3015 Map Analysis (3)
GIS 4006 Computer Cartography (3)
GIS 4043 Geographic Information Systems (3)
GIS 4043L GIS Lab (1)
Graduate School Preparation:
CHM 2210 Organic Chemistry I (3)
CHM 2211 Organic Chemistry II (3)
CHM 2211L Organic Chemistry II Lab (3)
MAC 2311 Calculus with Analytic Geometry I (4)
MAC 2312 Calculus with Analytic Geometry II (4)
MAC 2313 Calculus with Analytic Geometry III (5)
PHY 2049C General Physics B (five hours at FSU) (5)
Collateral Minor: zero hours beyond required courses.
By completing the requirements of the BS Environmental Science Program, students automatically receive a collateral minor in Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Science. Minors do not need to be "declared" for graduation requirements but should be discussed with your advisor.
Requirements for a Minor in Environmental Science
A minimum of fifteen semester hours of Environmental Science courses approved for major credit as follows: two of the following, MET 1010 (or MET 3231), GLY 2010C or OCE 4008, AND three EOAS Elective courses (List 1).
Note: only twelve hours are required for current EOAS major students who would like to minor in another EOAS field.
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and Policy
Students should complete the prerequisite coursework for entrance to the major program of study. All State Common Program Prerequisites listed as Term 1–4 Milestones must be completed with a "C" range (C–, C, or C+) grade or better. Students earning less than the necessary grade in any of these courses will be required to retake those courses until the standard is met. Note: retaking a course may delay graduation and incur increased fee liability (i.e., repeat course surcharge and excess credit surcharge).
A minimum of thirty-seven semester hours, as specified below, is required. No required course in which a student has earned a grade below "C–" may be applied toward the degree in Environmental Science and Policy.
A student who has received more than three unsatisfactory grades (U, F, D–, D, D+) in science or mathematics courses, excluding the Term 1-4 State Common Prerequisites milestone courses, after entry into the program, will not be permitted to graduate with a degree in this major.
Coursework and Requirements
Please review all college-wide degree requirements summarized in the "College of Arts and Sciences" chapter of this General Bulletin.
Environmental Science and Policy Core Courses (13 hours):
MET 1010 Introduction to the Atmosphere (3)
or
MET 1020 Introduction to Atmospheric Sciences (3)
OCE 4008 Principles of Oceanography (3)
OCE 4017 Current Issues in Environmental Science (3)
or
GLY 3039 Energy, Resources, and the Environment (3)
EVR 4922 Environmental Science Capstone (4)
Required Policy Courses Choose nine hours from the following list:
COM 3420 Media, Culture and the Environment (3)
PHI 2620 Environmental Ethics (3)
PHM 3400 Philosophy of Law (3)
POS 3691 Law and Society (3)
PUP 3002 Introduction to Public Policy (3)
PUP 4203 Environmental Politics and Policy (3)
GEO 4357 Environmental Conflict and Economic Development
GEO 3502 Economic Geography (3)
GEO 4471 Political Geography (3)
PAD 4391 Foundations in Emergency Management (3)
URP 3000 Introduction to Planning and Urban Development (3)
URP 4423 Environmental Planning & Resource Management (3)
*Courses outside of these Policy electives may be taken if approved by the department.
Science and Policy Elective Courses Choose 18 hours from the following two lists. At least three courses (nine hours) must be taken from List 1. Students must make sure to satisfy all course prerequisites.
List 1
EOC 4631 Marine Pollution (3)
ESC 3100C History of Earth Systems (4) (Highly recommended by EOAS faculty)
GLY 3200C Mineralogy and Crystallography (3)
GLY 3310C Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology (3)
GLY 3400C Structural Geology (4)
GLY 3610C Paleontology (4)
GLY 4240 Principles of Geochemistry (3)
GLY 4544C Sedimentation and Stratigraphy (4)
GLY 4751C Introduction to Remote Sensing, Air Photo Interpretation and GIS for the Earth Sciences (3)
GLY 4820 Principles of Hydrology (3)
GLY 4905 Directed Individual Study (Geohazards) (3)
MET 3101 Physical Climatology (3)
or
MET 3103C Climate Change Science (3)
or
MET 3220C Meteorological Computations (3)
MET 3231 Introduction to Atmospheric Thermodynamics and Dynamics (3)
MET 3520 Current Weather Discussion (1)
MET 3940 Weathercasting (1)
MET 4159r Special Topics in Meteorology (1–3)
MET 4400C Meteorological Instrumentation and Observation (3)
OCB 4265 Coral Reef Ecology (3)
OCB 4631 Estuarine and Coastal Ecology (3)
OCB 4637 Marine Benthic Ecology (3)
OCC 4002 Basic Chemical Oceanography (3)
OCC 4060 Environmental Science Modeling (3)
OCE 3555 Environmental Science II: Habitable Planet (3)
OCE 4064 Marine Conservation Biology (3)
OCE 4930r Studies in Oceanography (1–4) (Topics vary: Biodiversity, Earth Systems, Marine Microbial Ecology, Geomicrobiology, Physics and Flow of Water Bodies, Environmental Toxicology, or other select topics) (consent of advisor)
OCP 4005 Introduction to Physical Oceanography (3)
* Other classes are allowed as electives with departmental permission
List 2
CHM 1046 General Chemistry II (3) or BSC 2011 Biological Science II (3) If not used as a prerequisite
CHM 4080 Environmental Chemistry I (3)
HFT 3700 Tourism Management and the Environment (3)
URP 3000 Introduction to Planning and Urban Development (3) If not used as a required policy class
URP 4022 Collective Decision Making (3)
URP 4314 Introduction to Growth Management and Comprehensive Planning (3)
URP 4318 Growth Management and Environmental Planning (3)
URP 4402 Sustainable Development Planning in the Americas (3)
URP 4404 River Basin Management and Planning (3)
URP 4423 Introduction to Environmental Planning and Resource Management (3)
URP 4618 Planning for Developing Regions (3)
* Other classes are allowed as electives with departmental permission.
Collateral Minor: zero hours beyond required courses.
By completing the requirements of the BS Environmental Science and Policy Program, students automatically receive a collateral minor in Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Science. Twelve additional hours of coursework in specific elective classes may constitute a specific minor within that field. Talk to your advisor for more information.
Requirements for a Minor in Environmental Science and Policy
A minimum of 15 semester hours, which must include two of the following: MET 1010 (or MET 1020), GLY 2010C or OCE 4008, AND any one course from the Environmental Science and Policy electives, AND two classes from the List 1 Elective Courses list.
Note: Only 12 hours are required for current EOAS major students who would like to minor in another EOAS field.
Bachelor of Science in Geology
Students should complete the prerequisite coursework for entrance to the major program of study. All State Common Program Prerequisites listed as Term 1–4 Milestones must be completed with a "C" range (C–, C, or C+) grade or better. Students earning less than the necessary grade in any of these courses will be required to retake those courses until the standard is met. Note: retaking a course may delay graduation and incur increased fee liability (i.e., repeat course surcharge and excess credit surcharge).
Students wishing to double major with Environmental Science are now allowed 10 overlapping hours between these two majors. Discuss with your advisor if you are interested.
A minimum of 38 semester hours, as specified below, is required.
A student who has accumulated more than five grades below "C–" (including grades of U) in mathematics, natural science, and statistics courses taken for college credit, excluding the Term 1-4 State Common Prerequisites milestone courses, after entry into the program, will not be allowed to continue as a geology major.
Coursework and Requirements
Please review all college-wide degree requirements summarized in the "College of Arts and Sciences" chapter of this General Bulletin.
Basic Geology courses (twenty-eight hours):
GLY 2010C Physical Geology (with Lab) (4)
ESC 3100C History of Earth Systems (4)
GLY 3200C Mineralogy and Crystallography (3)
GLY 3310C Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology (3)
GLY 3400C Structural Geology (4)
GLY 4544C Sedimentation and Stratigraphy (4)
GLY 4790 Field Course (6)
Geology Elective courses (ten hours) chosen from:
GLY 3039 Energy, Resources, and the Environment (3)
GLY 3610C Paleontology (4)
GLY 4451 Introduction to Geophysics (3)
GLY 4700C Geomorphology (3)
GLY 4750 Geological Field Methods (1)
GLY 4751C Introduction to Remote Sensing, Air Photo Interpretation and GIS for the Earth Sciences (3)
GLY 4240 Principles of Geochemistry (3)
GLY 4812C Ore Deposits (3)
GLY 4820 Principles of Hydrology (3)
GLY 4905 Directed Individual Study (3)
GLY 4930 Advanced Topics in Earth Science (3-4)
OCB 4631 Estuarine and Coastal Ecology (3)
Additional electives can be taken from list of GLY graduate courses with instructor's permission.
Collateral Minor: zero hours beyond required courses.
By completing the requirements of the Geology Program, students automatically receive a collateral minor in Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Science. Twelve additional hours of coursework in specific elective classes may constitute a specific minor within that field. Talk to your advisor for more information.
Requirements for a Minor in Geology
A minimum of twelve semester hours of Geology (GLY) courses approved for major credit including GLY 2010C, ESC 3100C, AND four hours of GLY courses at the 3000 level or above.
Bachelor of Science in Meteorology
The department offers a degree program that prepares students for a diverse number of careers, as well as graduate school. It is highly recommended that students meet regularly with their assigned academic advisor to tailor electives to the students' goals. Please review all college-wide degree requirements summarized in the "College of Arts and Sciences" chapter of this General Bulletin. A detailed handout for meteorology majors entitled Undergraduate Program in Meteorology is available at https://www.eoas.fsu.edu/.
Meteorology is a quantitative science requiring extensive preparation in mathematics and physics. Freshmen entering the program are urged to take as many advanced placement (AP), College-Level Exemption Program (CLEP), or other exemption examinations as they can in order to realize maximum flexibility.
Meteorology majors are required to complete a graduation check with the academic coordinator at least one semester prior to graduation. Graduating students also must complete a written exit survey in their final semester, and if possible, an exit interview with the departmental representative. This interview will discuss information provided from the written exit survey. The College of Arts and Sciences will not approve graduation without receiving the written exit survey.
Coursework and Requirements
Required meteorology coursework. MET 3101, 3220C, 3231, 4301, 4400C, 4420, 4500C, and 4501C.
Required courses in mathematics begin with MAC 2311 and its prerequisite courses, MAC 1114 and MAC 1140 or 1147. The following courses, required of all meteorology majors, constitute a minor in mathematics: MAC 2311, 2312, 2313; MAP 2302 or 3305. MAP 3306 or 4341 is strongly recommended for those students wishing to attend graduate school.
All students must complete CHM 1045 and 1045L, STA 3032 or STA 4321, PHY 2048C, and PHY 2049C and are encouraged to take PHY 3101. While PHY 3101 is optional, it strengthens one's background for MET 4450 and with PHY 2048C and PHY 2049C qualifies one for a physics minor. Computer science has arranged for a special optional minor for meteorology majors. Their general minor is recommended for anyone considering additional work in computer science. See the "Computer Science" section of this General Bulletin for details. Students wishing to pursue a career as a meteorologist with the federal government should study https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1300/meteorology-series-1340/ for the Government's definition of a meteorologist to help them pick electives to maximize their opportunities.
Required area of concentration. All students are required to complete an "area of concentration" (or "track") to strengthen their training in a specific area of meteorology. A track consists of a coherent set of meteorology and other electives that satisfies the student's career objectives. The minimum number of credit hours for a track is twelve (12) credit hours, but students are encouraged to take additional hours if possible. In consultation with the student's faculty advisor or Meteorology Undergraduate Director, students must select their track before or during the fall semester of their junior year; even earlier selections provide greater flexibility. The selection must have the written approval of the Meteorology Undergraduate Director. Changing an already chosen track can be made only by written permission of the Meteorology Undergraduate Director. Seven tracks are defined below:
Atmospheric Science Research/Graduate Preparatory Option
MET 4302 Atmospheric Dynamics II (4)
MET 4450 Radiative Transfer and Remote Sensing (3)
MAP 4341 Elementary Partial Differential Equations I (3)
Other MET or technical electives (3)
Operational Meteorology (Federal or private sector)
Students should select at least twelve (12) credit hours from the courses below:
MET 3520r Current Weather Discussion (1–4)*
MET 3940r Weathercasting (1–4)*
MET 4114 Regional Hydroclimatology (3)
MET 4450 Radiative Transfer and Remote Sensing (3)
MET 4535 Tropical Meteorology (3)
MET 4536 Mesometeorology (3)
MET 4705 Operational Meteorology (2)
Note: Courses marked with an asterisk (*) may be repeated up to four (4) credits, however it is the design of this track that the courses be repeated for no more than two (2) credit hours.
Environmental Meteorology
Students should select at least twelve (12) credit hours from the courses below:
EES 3040 Introduction to Environmental Engineering (3)
ESC 3100C History of Earth Systems (4)
GLY 4751C Introduction to Remote Sensing, Air Photo Interpretation, and GIS for the Earth Sciences (3)
MET 4114 Regional Hydroclimatology (3)
MET 4370 Boundary Layer Physics (3)
MET 4640 Atmospheric Chemistry (3)
MET 4705 Operational Meteorology (2)
OCC 4002 Basic Chemical Oceanography (3)
OCC 4060 Environmental Science Modeling (3)
OCE 4008 Principles of Oceanography (3)
OCE 4017 Current Issues in Environmental Science (3)
Meteorological Emergency Management
Satisfy requirements for Emergency Management Certificate (12 credit hours)
MET 4535 Tropical Meteorology (3) (optional)
MET 4536 Mesometeorology (3)
Broadcast Meteorology
Complete course in the Operational Meteorology Track
MET 3520r Current Weather Discussion (1–4)*
MET 3940r Weathercasting (1–4)*
Note: Courses marked with an asterisk (*) may be repeated up to four (4) credits, however it is the design of this track that the courses be repeated for no more than two (2) credit hours.
Climate Science
Students should select at least twelve (12) credit hours from the courses below:
ESC 3100C History of Earth Systems (4)
MET 3103C Climate Change Science (3)
MET 4114 Regional Hydroclimatology (3)
MET 4302 Atmospheric Dynamics II (4)
MET 4450 Radiative Transfer and Remote Sensing (3)
MET 4640 Atmospheric Chemistry (3)
OCE 4008 Principles of Oceanography 93)
OCC 4060 Environmental Science Modeling (3)
Create Your Own Track
If none of the established tracks meets a student's career goals, they may create their own series of courses to constitute their track. This can be done only after extensive consultation with their advisor and/or the Undergraduate Program Director. All courses comprising the track must clearly work toward a specific career goal. The sequence of courses comprising the track will require the written approval of the Undergraduate Program Director. It is anticipated that this track will seldom be used.
Academic Performance
All 3000-level meteorology courses must be completed with a grade of "C" (2.0) or better to continue to the 4000-level major coursework. All other required meteorology, mathematics, chemistry, and physics courses must be completed with a "C minus" or better before taking a course for which the technical course serves as a prerequisite. Students earning less than the necessary grade in one of these courses will be required to retake the course until the required standard is met. Retaking a course often delays graduation by one year. A student who has received more than three unsatisfactory grades (U, F, D minus, D, D+) in courses required for the major, excluding Terms 1-4 Common Program Prerequisite courses, taken after enrolling at FSU, will not be permitted to graduate with a degree in Meteorology. Exception to this policy or reinstatement requires a petition to the meteorology faculty.
A grade point average of at least 2.0 is required for all meteorology courses numbered 2000 or higher. No more than a total of three S/U-grade only MET prefix courses may be used for the total semester hour requirement for a degree in meteorology.
Undergraduate Research
All students, particularly those interested in graduate school, are encouraged to volunteer to assist with research in a faculty member's lab. This work requires a substantial time commitment and typically involves computer skills that are learned and polished through this experience. Qualified students can use this as the basis for an Honors in the Major senior thesis; for more information, see the chapter in this General Bulletin titled "University Honors Office and Honor Societies." Dr. Fuelberg is the honors liaison for meteorology. Several of our undergraduates have won the American Meteorological Society Macelwane Award for their undergraduate research, and many were not in the Honors in the Major program. In that case, they can register for MET 4905 Directed Individual Study (DIS) credit, but that is not required.
Requirements for a Minor in Meteorology
A minor in meteorology requires at least twelve credit hours and must be discussed on an individual basis with a meteorology advisor or the Undergraduate Program Director. The minor typically begins with MET 1020, MET 1010L, MET 3101, and MET 3231, with options for the completion of the minor. MET 3231 has prerequisites of CHM 1045 and MAC 2311, and a corequisite of PHY 2048C. Additional information is available from the academic coordinator for the Meteorology Program, 3008A EOA Building. In no case may more than three semester hours in S/U courses apply toward a minor in meteorology.
Definition of Prefixes
EOC—Ocean Engineering
ESC—Earth Science
EVR—Environmental Studies
GLY—Geology
IDS—Interdisciplinary Studies
ISC—Interdisciplinary Sciences
MAP—Mathematics Applied
MET—Meteorology
OCB—Biological Oceanography
OCC—Chemical Oceanography
OCE—General Oceanography
OCG—Geological Oceanography
OCP—Physical Oceanography
PEN—Physical Education Activities (General): Water, Snow, Ice
SCE—Science Education
Undergraduate Courses
Earth Science
ESC 1000. Introductory Earth Science (3). This course is an introduction to the study of planet Earth, its internal dynamics, and surficial weathering, erosion, sedimentary processes, the composition and motion of its oceans and atmosphere, and its origin as part of the solar system. Course credit may not be received for this course and also GLY 1000, GLY 1030, or GLY 2010C.
ESC 1000L. Earth Science Laboratory (1). This course is a laboratory introduction to earth science as the study of planet earth, specifically a study of minerals, rocks, maps, oceans, and the atmosphere. Course prerequisite or corequisite: GLY 1030 or ESC 1000.
ESC 3100C. History of Earth Systems (4). Prerequisites: GLY 2010C; or ESC 1000 and ESC 1000L. This course examines the history of the earth, its tectonic, chemical, and biological systems, and how they influence one another. Special attention is given to important tectonic, environmental, and biological events.
GLY 1000. Dynamic Earth (3). This course is an introduction to geology as the study of planet Earth, its internal dynamics, and its surficial weathering, erosion, and sedimentary processes. Course credit may not be received for this course and also GLY 1030 or GLY 2010C.
GLY 1000L. Dynamic Earth Laboratory (1). Pre- or corequisite: GLY 1000 or GLY 1030. This course is a laboratory introduction to geology as the study of plant Earth, specifically a study of minerals, rocks, and maps.
GLY 1001. Earth as a System (3). This course presents a holistic approach to Earth's history with a view toward using that history to explore the planets future. The course explains how interactions of the biosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, and exosphere are expressed in Earth's ever changing environment.
GLY 1030. Environmental Issues in Geology (3). This course examines environmental issues as they relate to geological phenomena, which include volcanic and earthquake hazards, resource and land-use planning, air and water pollution, waste disposal, glaciation and sea-level change, landslides, flooding, shoreline erosion, and global change issues. Course credit may not be received for this course and also GLY 1000 or 2010C. Credit can be received for taking GLY 1000L.
GLY 1102. Dinosaurs and Disasters on an Evolving Earth (3). This course examines the history of the earth and its organisms as recorded in the fossil and rock record; principles of geological and paleontological research; evolution of the dinosaurs, mass extinctions, and effects of past continental movements on the diversity of life. Course credit may not be received for this course and also GLY 2100. GLY 2100L recommended.
GLY 2010C. Physical Geology (4). Pre- or corequisite: CHM 1045. This course is an introduction to surficial and internal processes affecting a dynamic planet Earth. For majors in geology and natural sciences. Two hour laboratory required. Course credit may not be received for this course and also GLY 1000 or GLY 1030.
GLY 3039. Energy, Resources, and the Environment (3). Prerequisites: GLY 1000 and GLY 2010C; or instructor permission. This course examines the origin of our energy and mineral resources (e.g., fossil fuels, uranium, hydrogen), their global supply, and the environmental impacts of extracting and utilizing these resources. Emphasis is placed on the chemical nature of the resources and the impact on the chemical composition of the ocean/atmosphere and the global heat budget. Field trips, in-class demonstrations, and homework exercises provide firsthand experience.
GLY 3200C. Mineralogy and Crystallography (3). Pre- or corequisites: CHM 1045 and GLY 2010C. This course is an introduction to mineralogy, crystal chemistry, and crystallography. Three hour laboratory required.
GLY 3310C. Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology (3). Prerequisite: GLY 3220C. This course focuses on the classification, description, and origin of igneous and metamorphic rocks; relation of these rocks to tectonic processes. Three hour laboratory required.
GLY 3400C. Structural Geology (4). Prerequisites: GLY 2010, ESC 3100, and GLY 3200C. This course focuses on the theory, processes, mechanics of rock deformation and the deformation of the earth's crust. Field trip is required.
GLY 3610C. Paleontology (4). Prerequisite: ESC 3100C. This course is a review of invertebrate biology, with emphasis on hard-part nomenclature; the occurrence, distribution, evolution, and ecology of fossil invertebrates.
GLY 4240. Principles of Geochemistry (3). Prerequisites: GLY 2010C and basic chemistry. This course focuses on the crystal chemistry of silicates and other minerals; chemical principles applied to igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary environments and processes; chemistry of natural aqueous systems; chemical equilibria of geologic systems.
GLY 4451. Introduction to Geophysics (3). Prerequisites: MAP 2302 and PHY 2049 or instructor permission. This course explores plate tectonics and earth structure. Current methods of probing the interior: seismology and seismic tomography, geomagnetics, geoid and gravity, geochemistry and geochronology, heat flow, mantle convection, core convection and the geodynamo.
GLY 4544C. Sedimentation and Stratigraphy (4). Prerequisite: GLY 2010C. This course surveys sedimentary rock types, principles of description and classification, sediment genesis and origin of sedimentary deposits, analysis and synthesis of stratigraphic sequences. Topics include: depositional systems; physical and biostratigraphy; geochronology and chronostratigraphy; magnetic, seismic, and sequence stratigraphy; and tectonic vs. climatic controls. Term paper required.
GLY 4700C. Geomorphology (3). Prerequisite: Senior standing. This course is an introduction to the description of landforms and landscapes on the earth's surface. Emphasis is placed on the basic mechanisms that govern landform evolution, and on the history of geomorphic study. Several field trips are required.
GLY 4721. Hydrogeology and Field Methods (3). This course introduces the fundamental principles of groundwater flow and solute transport in aquifers and the interactions between groundwater and the environment. The course also introduces field methods essential for studying groundwater in field conditions.
GLY 4750. Geological Field Methods (1). (S/U grade only.) Corequisite: GLY 3400C. This course provides a working knowledge and some experience of techniques, procedures, and tools that are essential to geological field research, the professional geologist, and the required summer field course.
GLY 4751C. Introduction to Remote Sensing, Air Photo Interpretation and GIS for the Earth Sciences (3). Prerequisites: GLY 3400C and PHY 2049. This course is an introduction to the study of the earth using photographic and electronic imaging acquired from aircraft and satellites; physics of the interaction between electromagnetic radiation and materials of Earth's surface and hydrosphere; principles of electronic and microwave imaging; and use of digital image analysis and GIS in the study of earth resources and global change.
GLY 4790. Field Course (6). Prerequisites: GLY 3400C and GLY 4750. This course is a series of field problems based largely on exposures of strata and structures. Preparation of geologic maps, sections, and reports.
GLY 4812C. Ore Deposits (3). Prerequisites: GLY 3310C and GLY 3400C. This course is an introduction to the study of metallic ore deposits. Laboratory studies of ores using the reflected light microscope and economic evaluation of ore deposits.
GLY 4820. Principles of Hydrology (3). Prerequisites: CHM 1046 and PHY 2049C. This course focuses on the fundamentals of hydrogeology with an emphasis on groundwater flow and hydrochemistry. Both theory and applications are addressed.
GLY 4884. Environmental Geology I (3). This course examines the application of geologic and geochemical principles to environmental issues. Topics include: an evaluation of contaminants in surface water and ground water; hydrocarbon geochemistry and petroleum storage tank problems; waste management, including solid, toxic, and nuclear waste; air quality issues including radon and asbestos; geologic hazards in upland and coastal areas; environmental geologic methods and instrumentation; quality assurance and quality control in environmental analysis; principles of toxicology; risk assessment and risk management; and environmental assessments.
GLY 4905r. Directed Individual Study (1–9). May be repeated to a maximum of nine semester hours.
GLY 4903r. Advanced Topics in Earth Science (3–4). Consent of instructor required. Topics vary. May be repeated to a maximum of eight semester hours when content changes.
GLY 4915r. Undergraduate Research (1–9). (S/U grade only.) This course includes projects in the Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Science department arranged in advance between the student and a member of the teaching faculty of the department. May be repeated to a maximum of nine semester hours.
GLY 4917. Senior Thesis (1). (S/U grade only.) Prerequisite: GLY 4915r. This course consists of a written report and an oral presentation discussing research work done under GLY 4915. The grade is assigned by a committee of three faculty members.
GLY 4930r. Advanced Topics in Earth Science (3–4). Prerequisite: Consent of instructor required. Topics vary. This course may be repeated to a maximum of eight semester hours when content changes.
GLY 4989r. Honors Work (1–6). May be repeated to a maximum of nine (9) credit hours.
IDS 2133. Trilobites to T. Rex: History of Life on Earth (3). This course is an overview of fossil record of life on earth from its first appearance to the dinosaurs. Emphasis is placed on the nature of fossil data, relationship to modern biology and how inferences about life habits are made.
SCE 4939r. Seminar in Contemporary Science, Mathematics, and Science Education (1). This course includes presentations of contemporary and interesting issues in science, mathematics, or academic methods. Content varies from semester to semester. May be repeated to a maximum of four semester hours.
Environmental Science
EOC 4631. Marine Pollution (3). Prerequisite: Understanding of chemical processes. This course introduces students to chemical, physical, and biological aspects of dominant marine pollutants, including dissolved toxic metals, complex organic and inorganic contaminants, and particulate pollutants. Topics cover the sources and types of dominant contaminants, their key characteristics, their pathways (as traced through the marine ecosystem from the source to the sinks), their impact on the environment, as well as approaches that could lead to the reduction or elimination of pollutants in the marine environment.
EVR 1001. Introduction to Environmental Science (3). This course is an introduction to environmental science that covers the basic functioning of the earth's environmental system and human effects on that system.
EVR 1001L. Introduction to Environmental Science Laboratory (1). This fully on-line, virtual-reality lab course has 8 lab modules covering various aspects of environmental science. Students submit lab reports on-line for each module that include data analysis and graphical interpretation.
EVR 3464. Marine Megafauna Ecology and Conservation (3). This course covers the evolution, general anatomy and physiology, ecology and population biology, and distribution and movement of marine and megafauna. Students will use real-world case studies and explore the interdisciplinary nature of marine conservation and how science and research, societal and cultural values, and law and policy each play a role in marine conservation and management.
EVR 4450C. Wetlands: Patterns and Processes (3). Prerequisites: BSC 2010 and CHM 1045. This course focuses on the role of wetlands on the earth, especially in terms of nutrient, bigeochemical and water cycles, how to recognize wetlands, and their functions as habitats.
EVR 4922. Environmental Science Capstone (4). Corequisite: OCE 4008. This course allows students an opportunity to apply knowledge from coursework to a number of individual and group projects. There is a strong field component conducted on and off campus using techniques in basic surveying, sampling, and safety. Meets Liberal Studies upper division writing skills requirement.
IDS 2240. Sustainable Food and Water: Soil, Animals, Vegetables, and Grain (3). This course provides an overview of the issues involved in food and water security on a planet where a billion people are malnourished, while at the same time another billion are overweight. The course examines the science and sustainability of food production, water quality, and soil development.
ISC 2003. Global Change, Its Scientific and Human Dimensions (3). Prerequisites: Two years high school science and two years high school math. This course covers global environmental change, scientific and human dimensions, and international public policy implications.
Ocean Science
EOC 4631. Marine Pollution (3). Prerequisite: Understanding of chemical processes. This course introduces students to chemical, physical, and biological aspects of dominant marine pollutants, including dissolved toxic metals, complex organic and inorganic contaminants, and particulate pollutants. Topics cover the sources and types of dominant contaminants, their key characteristics, their pathways (as traced through the marine ecosystem from the source to the sinks), their impact on the environment, as well as approaches that could lead to the reduction or elimination of pollutants in the marine environment.
OCB 4265. Coral Reef Ecology (3). Prerequisite: A good basic understanding of biological, chemical, and physical processes. This course teaches students the components of warm water coral reef ecosystems, their functions and interactions, and their response to environmental change. Biological, chemical, and physical processes that govern the ecology of warm water coral reef ecosystems, as well as the anthropogenic impact on reef ecosystems and the management of coral ecosystems are addressed.
OCB 4631. Estuarine and Coastal Ecology (3). Prerequisite: Understanding of chemical processes. This interdisciplinary course addresses the ecology of estuaries and the part of the inshore waters with which estuaries interact directly. The lectures address the general ecological principles that govern the productivity and diversity of estuaries, including their hydrodynamics, sedimentology, chemistry, as well as plant and animal community structure. Key species of estuarine systems are introduced and cycles of carbon and nutrients are explained.
OCB 4637. Marine Benthic Ecology (3). Pre- or corequisite: ZOO 4203C or instructor permission. This course studies the physical setting and ecological organization of the communities found in the rocky intertidal, in the fouling habitat, on sandy beaches, in subtidal soft bottoms, and in the deep sea. This is presented through lectures, substantial reading, and class discussions.
OCC 4002. Basic Chemical Oceanography (3). Prerequisite: CHM 1046. This course focuses on the chemical composition of seawater, carbon dioxide system, nutrients, trace elements, and biogeochemistry.
OCC 4060. Environmental Science Modeling (3). Prerequisites: MAC 2311, MAC 2312, and either STA 2122 or STA 4102. This course gives students an understanding of explanatory and predictive models of the earth's systems and environmental processes therein. Analytical and numerical methods for solving equations are examined and applied. Discussions cover relevant scientific issues, mathematical and computational procedures, visualization techniques, as well as the use of models in research and decision making.
OCE 1001. Elementary Oceanography (3). Prerequisite: MGF 1106 or MGF 1107. This course studies the structure and motion of the ocean and its environs, properties, populations, and energy budget. Not intended for upper-division science or mathematics majors. Upper-division science or mathematics majors are encouraged instead to take OCE 4008.
OCE 3555. Environmental Science II: Habitable Planet (3). This course explores the earth system at and above the surface of the earth. It combines earth and biological sciences to explore the co-evolution of the earth and life over geological time. Evolution of the hydrosphere, atmosphere, and lithosphere are discussed.
OCE 4008. Principles of Oceanography (3). Prerequisite: A science major or minor status and junior or senior standing. This course focuses on dynamic motions and life processes in the marine environment. Long-term geologic history of the oceans and recent changes caused by man. An overview of oceanography for upper-division students majoring in science, mathematics, or science teaching.
OCE 4017. Current Issues in Environmental Science (3). This course is taught at an introductory level and includes discussions of current ground-breaking research, environmental problems, and approaches to solving them. It consists of presentations by experts on their current research topics or environmental issues.
OCE 4064. Marine Conservation Biology (3). Prerequisite: BSC 2011. This course discusses anthropogenic impacts on the world's marine biological resources and ways to mitigate those impacts. The course begins with a brief overview of some relevant key concepts in marine biology and ecology.
OCE 4905r. Directed Individual Study (1–3). (S/U grade only.) May be repeated to a maximum of ten semester hours.
OCE 4906r. Directed Individual Study (1–4). Prerequisite: Instructor permission. May be repeated, subject to limitations that may apply from the individual student's major departments, to a maximum of eighteen semester hours.
OCE 4930r. Studies in Oceanography (1–4). Prerequisite: Instructor permission. Topics vary. May be repeated to a maximum of nine semester hours when content changes.
OCG 3103. The Earth System (3). This course is an examination of the modern approach to understanding Earth's climate history and climate change on a global scale.
OCP 4005. Introduction to Physical Oceanography (3). Prerequisite: MAC 2313. This course examines waves, currents, tides, El Niño, and climate change prediction.
PEN 1136. Theory and Practice of Compressed-Gas Diving (1). This course is an introduction to the field of compressed-gas diving that exposes students to the use of underwater technology and techniques in support of science.
Atmospheric Science
MET 1010. Introduction to the Atmosphere (3). This course covers the structure of the atmosphere; weather processes and weather systems, including climatic processes. Credit may not be received in this course if student has already received credit in 2000-level or higher MET courses.
MET 1020. Introduction to Atmospheric Science (3). This course utilizes algebraic equations where appropriate to describe the structure of the atmosphere, weather processes and weather systems, including climate change.
MET 1010L. Introductory Meteorology Laboratory (1). Prerequisites: MAC 1105 or equivalent and college-level algebra. Corequisite: MET 1010. This course covers data analysis, instruments, and weather system models.
SCE 4835C. Teaching Earth and Space Science (3). This course examines the pedagogical content knowledge needed to teach earth/space science.
SCE 4939r. Seminar in Contemporary Science, Mathematics, and Science Education (1). This course includes presentations of contemporary and interesting issues in science, mathematics, or academic methods. Content varies from semester to semester. May be repeated to a maximum of four semester hours.
Required Courses for Meteorology Majors
MET 2507C. Weather Analysis and Forecasting (2). Prerequisite: MET 2700 with a grade of "C" or better. This course is an introduction to meteorological observations, data, codes, and scalar analysis practices. Weather applications software systems and computing environments for meteorological analysis and weather forecasting techniques are examined.
MET 2700. General Meteorology (3). Prerequisites: CHM 1045 and MAC 2311, both with a grade of "C-" or better. Corequisite: PHY 2048C. This course covers atmospheric structure and composition; weather and circulation systems; physics of atmospheric processes, including thermodynamics of dry and moist air.
MET 3107. Physical Climatology (3). Corequisite: MET 2700. This course covers global distribution of principal climatic elements with emphasis on physical causes. Statistical analysis of distributions of climatological variables.
MET 3220C. Meteorological Computations (3). Prerequisites: MAC 2312 ("C-" or better), MET 3101 ("C-" or better), and MET 3231 ("C" or better). This course covers the solution of meteorological problems using statistical metrics, distributions of meteorological variables, and meteorological programming.
MET 3231. Introduction to Atmospheric Thermodynamics and Dynamics (3). Prerequisites: CHM 1045 and MAC 2311. This course examines a variety of topics, including equations of motion, mass conservation, thermodynamics, vorticity, and geostrophic, gradient and thermal winds.
MET 3300. Introduction to Atmospheric Dynamics (3). Prerequisites: MAC 2312 ("C-" or better), PHY 2048C ("C-" or better) and MET 2700 ("C" or better). This course examines a variety of topics, including equations of motion, mass conservation, thermodynamics, vorticity, and geostrophic, gradient and thermal winds.
MET 4301. Atmospheric Dynamics I (4). Prerequisite: MET 3300 with a grade of "C" or better. Corequisites: MAP 2302 or MAP 3305 and MET 4420. This course covers acceleration in rotating curvilinear coordinates; momentum, continuity, and energy equations; geostrophic, gradient, and thermal winds; generalized coordinates; circulation and vorticity theorems; scale analysis; Reynolds stresses; Prandtl and Ekman layers; developing baroclinic systems.
MET 4302. Atmospheric Dynamics II (4). Prerequisites: MET 4301 ("C-" or better), MAP 2302 or MAP 3305 ("C-" or better). This course covers linear perturbation theory; sound, gravity, and Rossby waves; numerical weather prediction; baroclinic and barotropic instability; energetics. An introduction to theory of partial differential equations applied to meteorological problems also is presented.
MET 4400C. Meteorological Instrumentation and Observations (3). Prerequisites: PHY 2048C and MET 2700, both with a grade of "C" or better. This course covers theory and practice of calibration and operation of basic sensors, measurement of temperature, heat flow, fluid flow, pressure, and moisture. Two hours lecture, three hours laboratory.
MET 4420. Atmospheric Thermodynamics and Cloud Physics (3). Prerequisites: MAC 2313, MET 3231, PHY 2048C, and PHY 2049C. This course covers classical equilibrium thermodynamics; first and second law, entropy, phase changes, potentials. Physics of moist air; physics of aerosols; condensation of water vapor on aerosols. Microphysics and dynamics of clouds; growth of ice crystals.
MET 4500C. Synoptic Lecture-Laboratory I: Basic Analysis Techniques (4). Prerequisites: MET 3231. Corequisites: MET 3220C, MET 4301, and MET 4420. This course covers the analysis of scalar and vector fields, the three-dimensional structure of atmospheric systems, and thermodynamic diagrams.
MET 4501C. Synoptic Lecture-Laboratory II: Four-Dimensional Structure (4). Prerequisites: MET 4500C or MET 5500C; MET 4301 or MET 5311; MET 4420 or MET 5420; and STA 2122 or equivalent. This course covers synoptic calculation and four-dimensional analysis of weather systems.
MET 4535. Tropical Meteorology (3). Prerequisites: MET 3220C, MET 4302, and MET 4501C. This course covers convection, boundary layer processes, local weather phenomena, mesoscale tropical systems, and hurricane structure.
MET 4640. Atmospheric Chemistry (3). Prerequisites: CHM 1045, MET 3231, PHY 2049C, and MAP 2302 or MAP 3305. Corequisite: MET 4420. This course explores the role of atmospheric chemistry in air pollution, climate change, and environmental health. Students examine the physical and chemical processes that control the composition of the atmosphere and the global cycles of airborne pollutants. Specific topics include transport and dispersion of pollutants, surface and stratospheric ozone, acid rain, aerosols, and numerical modeling of atmospheric chemistry.
Required Courses for FSU-Teach Applied Geosciences
ISC 3523C. Research Methods (3). Prerequisites: SMT 1043 and SMT 1053. In this course, students learn appropriate scientific research methods for several types of research questions. Using the inquiry method of learning, they develop a research question and an experiment to answer it, and then use statistical techniques to analyze their resulting data.
MET 3103C. Climate Change Science (3). Prerequisite: MET 2700 with a grade "C" or better. This course enables students to explore the science behind our understanding of climate change. The course provides an in-depth exploration of the use of proxi, in situ, remote-sensing data, climate models, and their public policy implications. Students gain experience in evaluating internal and external forcings on the climate system and make quantitative assessments of change. The course also gives students an understanding of energy transfer methods between the atmosphere, cryosphere, oceans, and fresh-water systems.
Elective Courses for Meteorology Majors
MET 1050. Natural Hazards and Disasters: From Hurricanes to Meteorites (3). This course provides a survey of earth, ocean, and atmospheric sciences through an examination of natural hazards and disasters. The course examines the nature and physical processes that drive the hazards, the dangers associated with it, the scientific methods of forecasting such events, and approaches to their mitigation.
MET 3103C. Climate Change Science (3). Prerequisite: MET 2700. This course enables students to explore the science behind our understanding of climate change. The course provides an in-depth exploration of the use of proxi, in situ, remote-sensing data, climate models, and their public policy implications. Students gain experience in evaluating internal and external forcings on the climate system and make quantitative assessments of change.
MET 3520r. Current Weather Discussion (1). (S/U grade only.) Prerequisite: MET 2700. This course includes discussion of facsimile analysis and prediction materials. Three meetings per week. May be repeated to a maximum of four semester hours.
MET 3940r. Weathercasting (1). (S/U grade only.) Prerequisite: MET 1010. Corequisite: MET 2700. This course includes practice in preparing and presenting weathercasts for radio and television. May be repeated to a maximum of four semester hours.
MET 4159r. Selected Topics in Meteorology (1–3). Prerequisite: MET 2700 with a grade of "C" or better. Corequisites: MET 2101, MET 3300, and instructor permission. This course covers selected topics in meteorology and climatology not covered in other courses. May be repeated as content changes to a maximum of twelve semester hours.
MET 4114. Regional Hydroclimatology (3). Prerequisite: MET 3107 and MET 3300. This course covers the physical and dynamical basis for the maintenance and variations of regional hydroclimate in the current and a changing future climate.
MET 4302. Atmospheric Dynamics II (4). Prerequisite: MAP 2302 or MAP 3305 with a grade of "C-" or better and MET 3201 with a grade of "C-" or better. This course covers linear perturbation theory; sound, gravity, and Rossby waves; numerical weather prediction; baroclinic and barotropic instability; energetics. An introduction to theory of partial differential equations applied to meteorological problems is also presented.
MET 4370. Boundary Layer Physics and Air/Sea Interaction (3). Prerequisite: MET 3320C. Corequisites: MET 4301 and MET 4420. This course covers the physics of processes coupling the ocean and the atmosphere, with an emphasis on turbulent transfer and boundary layers.
MET 4450. Radiative Transfer and Remote Sensing (3). Prerequisite: MET 4420 and MET 3220C. This course covers radiative processes in the atmosphere; radiative transfer equation, absorption by gases, Rayleigh scattering, as well as remote sensing using radars and satellites.
MET 4536. Mesometeorology (3). Prerequisites: MET 4500C. Corequisite: MET 4501C. This course covers the basic structure and dynamics of mesoscale atmospheric systems, including mesoscale instabilities, thunderstorms, sea breezes, and orographic circulations.
MET 4640. Atmospheric Chemistry (3). Prerequisites: CHM 1045, MET 3231, PHY 2049C, and MAP 2302 or MAP 3305. Corequisite: MET 4420. This course explores the roles of atmospheric chemistry in air pollution, climate change, and environmental health. Students examine the physical and chemical processes that control the composition of the atmosphere and the global cycles of airborne pollutants. Specific topics include transport and dispersion of pollutants, surface and stratospheric ozone, acid rain, aerosols, and numerical modeling of atmospheric chemistry.
MET 4705. Operational Meteorology (2). Prerequisite: MET 4500C. This course introduces observational analysis products used in operational weather forecast offices. Topics include applications of radar and satellite data, the various applications of numerical weather prediction, and types of weather forecasts.
MET 4900r. Honors Work (Meteorology) (1–6). May be repeated to a maximum of nine semester hours.
MET 4905r. Directed Individual Study (1–3). May be repeated to a maximum of nine semester hours.
MET 4945r. Meteorology Internship (1–9). (S/U grade only.) This course is a supervised internship individually assigned to accommodate student's background and objectives. Credit proportional to scope and significance of work. May be repeated to a maximum of nine semester hours.
For listings relating to graduate coursework, consult the Graduate Bulletin.