Undergraduate Courses

Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences

ATM 102 Weather and Climate
Introduces the nature and causes of common meteorological phenomena, severe weather occurrences, and climatic patterns. Topics include formation and movement of air masses and large-scale storms; techniques for weather prediction; weather satellites; hurricanes, tornadoes, and thunderstorms; cloud and precipitation types; the climatic history of the earth; and actual and potential effect of human activities on weather and climate, and of weather and climate on humans. Crosslisted with EST 102.
Fall, 3 credits

ATM 205 Introduction to Atmospheric Sciences
The nature and causes of atmospheric phenomena. Basic physical and chemical processes and energetics. Atmospheric thermodynamics, hydrostatics, dynamics, kinematics. Atmospheric wind systems and pressure patterns, clouds and precipitation, severe storms.
Prerequisites: PHY 121 or 126 or 131 or 141; MAT 126 or 131 or 141
Fall, 3 credits

ATM 237 Current Topics in World Climate and Atmosphere
An exploration of current concerns about the greenhouse effect, acid rain, and global ozone loss, in a format accessible to non-science majors. The social and political steps being taken to limit global atmospheric pollution and climate change are discussed. Not for major credit. Crosslisted with PHY 237.
Prerequisite: One D.E.C. category E course; satisfaction of entry skill in mathematics requirement
Fall or spring, 3 credits

ATM 247 Atmospheric Structure and Analysis
Real-world applications of basic dynamical principles to develop a physical understanding of various weather phenomena. Topics include the hypsometric equation, structure and evolution of extratropical cyclones, fronts, hurricanes, and convective systems, surface and upper air analysis techniques, radar and satellite interpretation, and introduction to operational products and forecasting. Two hours of lecture and one two and one half hour laboratory per week. Laboratories include weather discussions and case study analysis.
Prerequisite: ATM 205
Spring, 3 credits

ATM 305 Global Atmospheric Change
An application of chemical principles to the analysis and prediction of climate changes on earth. The course analyzes climates that have occurred in the earth's past and uses this information to infer climate changes that are likely to occur in the near and distant future. Topics covered include atmospheric chemistry, paleoclimates, greenhouse warming, ozone changes, and urban pollution.
Prerequisites: MAT 125 or 131 or 141 or AMS 151; CHE 131 or 141
Advisory Prerequisite: One of the following: PHY 119, 132/134, 142, OR 127
Spring, 3 credits

ATM 320 Spatial Data Analysis Using Matlab
Provides a working knowledge of the multivariate analysis methods used in the earth and atmospheric sciences and the Matlab programming tool. Topics include regression, eigen value, principal component analysis, and objective mapping.
Prerequisites: MEC 111; MAT 132
3 credits

ATM 345 Atmospheric Thermodynamics and Dynamics
A quantitative introduction to the thermodynamical and dynamical processes of the Earth's atmosphere. Topics include moist and dry thermodynamical processes, hydrostatic stability, external forces of atmospheric motion, equations of atmospheric motions on a rotating planet, coordinate transformations, and horizontal motions under balanced forces.
Prerequisites: MAT 203 or 205 or AMS 261; MEC 111; PHY 126/127 or 132/134 or 142
Fall, 3 credits

ATM 346 Advanced Atmospheric Dynamics
Advanced concepts of mid-latitude and tropical atmospheric motions, wave dynamics, and numerical methods. Topics include circulation and vorticity, turbulence and boundary-layer structure, quasi-geostrophic theory, large-scale and buoyancy-driven waves, baroclinic instability and energetics, equatorial wave theory, and barotropic and primitive equation models.
Prerequisites: ATM 345; MAT 303 or AMS 361
Spring, 3 credits

ATM 347 Advanced Synoptic Meteorology and Weather Forecasting
The application of dynamical and physical meteorology to the analysis and prediction of the atmosphere. Topics include application of numerical and statistical models, diagnosis of vertical motion, development of midlatitude synoptic systems, mesoscale phenomena associated with cyclones, convective systems, and radar applications. Laboratories include extensive practice in forecasting and diagnosis of synoptic and convective systems.
Prerequisite: ATM 346 and 348
Fall, 3 credits

ATM 348 Atmospheric Physics
The application of the laws of physics to a variety of atmospheric phenomena and processes. Topics include cloud and precipitation processes with emphasis on the micro physics, atmospheric electricity, solar and terrestrial radiation, photochemical processes, and boundary layer heat and mass transfer.
Prerequisites: ATM 345 and PHY 251
Spring, 3 credits

ATM 397 Air Pollution and Its Control
A detailed introduction to the causes, effects and control of air pollution. The pollutants discussed include carbon monoxide, sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, ozone, hydrocarbons, and particulate matter. The emissions of these gases from natural and industrial sources and the principles used for controlling the latter are described. The chemical and physical transformations of the pollutants in the atmosphere are investigated and the phenomena of urban smog and acid rain are discussed. Crosslisted with ESC 397.
Prerequisites: ENS/PHY 119 or PHY 132/134 or 142, or PHY 126 and 127; CHE 131 or 141 or 198; MAT 125 or 131 or 141 or AMS 151; U3 or U4 standing
Spring, 3 credits

ATM 437 Forecasting Practicum
The course provides students with additional forecasting experience. Students make at least three forecasts per week for either Long Island or a city designated by the National Forecast Contest. Students write a weather discussion for each forecast and verify their forecast to show their progress duriing the semester.
Pre- or Corequisite: ATM 347

ATM 447 Senior Tutorial in Atmospheric Sciences
Independent readings in advanced topics to be arranged prior to the beginning of the semester. Weekly conferences are held with a faculty member. May be repeated once.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor and MSRC Undergraduate Studies Committee
Fall and Spring, 1 to 3 credits

ATM 487 Senior Research in Atmospheric Sciences
Under the supervision of a faculty member, a major in the department may conduct research for academic credit. A research proposal must be prepared by the student and submitted to the MSRC Undergraduate Studies Committee for approval before the beginning of the semester in which credit is to be given. A written report must be submitted before the end of the semester. May be repeated once.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor and MSRC Undergraduate Studies Committee
Fall and Spring, 1 to 3 credits

ATM 488 Internship
Participation in research at off-campus laboratories, including the National Weather Service. Students are required to submit to the department a proposal at the time of registration and a report at the end of the semester. May be repeated up to a limit of 12 credits. Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory grading.
Prerequisite: ATM 347; permission of instructor and department
Fall and spring, 0-6 credits


Environmental Studies

ENS 101-E Prospects for Planet Earth
An introduction for non-science majors to global environmental change. Exploration of the natural science of Earth’s environment; the scientific, socioeconomic, and political issues that influence human impact on the global environment and responses to environmental changes; the strategies for humans to live in greater harmony with planet Earth. Global issues are related to the particular issues of the United States, the Northeast, and the greater metropolitan New York City-Long Island area.
3 credits

ENS 119-E Physics for Environmental Studies
The principles of physics as they apply to environmental issues. A review of mathematics is followed by a discussion of Newton’s laws, conservation principles, topics in fluids and wave motion, optical instruments, and radioactivity. Three lectures and one laboratory session per week. This course is offered as both ENS 119 and PHY 119.
Prerequisites: MAT 123; CHE 131
4 credits

ENS 301-H Contemporary Environmental Issues and Policies
The scientific, socioeconomic, legal, and legislative aspects of current environmental issues and policies. Invited experts address current environmental issues and policies of local, regional, and global significance. Topics may include land use practices and reform; farmland and open space preservation; soil and water conservation; wetlands protection and rehabilitation; waste management and reduction, recycling, and composting; air pollution, global warming, and sea level rise; and marine wilderness areas.
Prerequisite: One of the following: GEO 101, MAR 104, ATM 102, or ENS 101
3 credits

ENS 311-H Ecosystem Ecology and the Global Environment
Ecosystem ecology with an emphasis on biogeochemical cycling in oceans and on land, as well as on biosphere-atmosphere interactions. Topics include earth system processes such as climate and atmospheric composition, the hydrological cycle, cycling of chemicals such as nutrients and metals in the oceans, the soil cycle, and the fate and transport of materials in the atmosphere. Natural and perturbed systems are discussed. This course is offered as both BIO 386 and ENS 311.
Prerequisites: BIO 201; CHE 131 Advisory Prerequisite: MAR 104
3 credits

ENS 312-H Population, Technology, and the Environment
A study of the biological, social, and economic factors that influence population growth. The development of new technologies and their influence on resource use and the effects that increasing population and changing technologies have on the environment are explored. Prerequisites: BIO 113; MAR 340
3 credits

ENS 333 Environmental Law
Survey of the origins of environmental law and the major legislation enacted by Congress and the state of New York. Special emphasis is placed on the application of environmental law to the problem of solid waste management on Long Island. This course is offered as both ENS 333 and POL 333.
Prerequisites: ECO 108; POL 102
3 credits

ENS 380 Stony Brook in Tanzania: Lake Victoria Environment and Human Health
This course investigates the relationship between environmental quality, human health and welfare. The focus is on Lake Victoria environment and the ways in which people have perceived, used/misused, and conserved it from pre-colonial times to the present. Students will examine changes in attitudes and behaviors toward nature and the interplay between environment and human health. This will be done through interviews and collection of basic environmental and health data, e.g., energy source and consumption, agricultural practices, malnutrition prevalence, and public health records. The class will also evaluate the effectiveness of the disease control activities and their effects on the environment. By course’s end students will have gained a deeper understanding of the interaction between environment and health.

Prerequisites: U3 or U4 standing
4 credits

ENS 443 Environmental Problem Solving
The integration of information and skills from the natural sciences, social sciences, engineering and the humanities to address important environmental problems. An environmental problem of current interest is presented. Working in small groups, students develop a proposal to solve the problem, collect and analyze data, and present results. Data collection may include field and laboratory work outside of scheduled class meetings.
Prerequisites: U3 or U4 standing; ENS major or minor
2 credits

ENS 487 Independent Research in Environmental Studies
An independent project, developed out of advanced coursework in environmental studies, designed in consultation with and supervised by a faculty member. The project should be formulated before the start of the semester in which the research will be done and should culminate in a substantial written paper. May be repeated.
Prerequisites: Permission of a super vising faculty member and SoMAS Undergraduate Programs Director
0-6 credits

ENS 488 Internship in Environmental Studies
Internships provide students with an opportunity of gaining experience working in the community at government agencies, environmental groups, aquaria, summer camps, field studies, etc. A suitable proposal must be presented by the student and approved by the Director of Undergraduate Studies before the internship begins. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits for the ENS major, 3 credits for the ENS minor.
Prerequisite: Permission of the SoMAS Undergraduate Programs Director
0-6 credits, S/U grading


Marine Sciences

MAR 101 Long Island Sound: Science and Use
An introduction to one of the region's most important coastal marine environments - Long Island Sound. The course traces the origin and development of the Sound; presents an overview of the natural, physical, biological, chemical, and geological processes that characterize it; explores its importance to society and assesses how society's uses of the Sound have affected it; evaluates attempts to manage it; and looks at the future of the Sound.
Fall, 3 credits

MAR 104 Oceanography
An examination of the World Ocean and the processes that control its major features and the life that inhabits it. Suitable for non-science majors.
Spring, 3 credits

MAR 301 Environmental Microbiology
Microbiological mediation of natural processes in marine freshwater, soil, and groundwater habitats, as well as microbial potential for remediation of pollutants and public health issues. The course includes a survey of taxononmic and metabolic diversity, elementary cell biology, nutrition, environmental controls on physiology and adaptations, biogeochemical cycles, and modern methods of sampling and analysis. Not for credit in addition to BIO 357.
Prerequisite: BIO 202; CHE 131 or 141
Spring, 3 credits

MAR 302 Marine Microbiology and Microbial Ecology
Introduction to the evolution, diversity, and importance of the microbial flora of the sea. Lectures highlight the physiological distinctions and ecological functions of each of the major microbial groups (viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoans, algae). Particular emphasis is placed on the role of these microorganisms in many of the elemental (geochemical) cycles of the oceans. Aspects of the microbiota as agents of environmental pollution or detoxification are also discussed.
Prerequisites: BlO 201, 202; CHE 132 or 142
Advisory Prerequisite: MAR 301
Spring, 3 credits

MAR 303 Long Island Marine Habitats
The study of six representative marine environments around Long Island. Students visit the sites on Saturday field trips, measuring environmental parameters and identifying common plants and animals. Using qualitative and quantitative methods in the field and in two weekly laboratory sessions, the class determines major factors that control the biological community in each habitat.
Prerequisites: U3 or U4 standing; BIO 201
Advisory Prerequisites: AMS 110 or other statistics course; MAR 101 or 104 or 333
Fall, 4 credits

MAR 304 Waves, Tides, and Beaches
A survey of water waves and tides, including both a description of the phenomena and the basic theory of waves and sediment transport. This background forms the basis for a description of shore processes including beaches, shoreface dynamics, and coastal erosion. Areas of current research are also discussed.
Prerequisite: MAT 127 or 132 or 142 or AMS 161
Advisory Prerequisites: MAR 101 or 104 or 333; PHY 122/124 or 126 or 132/134 or 142
Fall, 3 credits

MAR 305 Experimental Marine Biology
Students design and conduct experiments in the laboratory and at local field sites, collect and analyze data, and use scientific literature to interpret and present results in papers and oral presentations.
Prerequisites: U3 or U4 standing; BlO 201
Advisory Prerequisites: CHE 131 or 141; AMS 110 or other statistics course; MAR 101 or 104 or 333
Spring, 3 credits

MAR 308 Principles of Instrumental Analysis
The development of familiarity in the laboratory with the techniques and instrumentation used in environmental analytical chemistry, emphasizing determination of trace inorganic species. Primary emphasis on applications utilizing the absorption of emission of electromagnetic radiation. Topics include metal determinations in sediment and in river water using molecular ultraviolet-visible and atomic absorption spectrometry.
Prerequisites: CHE 132/134 or 142/144
3 credits

MAR 315 Conservation Biology and Marine Biodiversity
The fundamental concepts of Conservation Biology, a new synthetic field that incorporates principles of ecology, biogeography, population genetics, systematics, evolutionary biology, environmental sciences, sociology, anthropology, and philosophy toward the conservation of biological diversity. Examples drawn from the marine environment will emphasize how the application of conservation priciples varies from terrestrial, aquatic, and marine realms.
Prerequisites: BIO 351 or 353 .
3 credits

MAR 318 Engineering Geology and Coastal Processes
Fundamental concepts of soil, sediment and rock mechanics, and the physics of surficial processes. Application is made to problems of geotechnical and coastal engineering. Topics include consolidation, loose boundary hydraulics, slope stability, underground excavations and beach and tidal inlet stability, and channel sedimentation. Crosslisted with GEO 318 and MAR 318.
Prerequisites: GEO 122 or 102 and 112; MAT 127 or 132 or 142 or AMS 161
Fall, 3 credits

MAR 320 Limonology
The physical, chemical and biological aspects of lakes and ponds. The morphology of lake basins, physics of water movement, water chemistry, and ecology of organisms will be explored through lecture and laboratory instruction. The laboratory portion of the course will include field sampling to investigate temporal variation in water chemistry and plankton biology, and laboratory experiements to demonstrate important concepts.
Prerequisites: BlO 201; CHE 131
Spring, 3 credits

MAR 333 Coastal Oceanography
Aspects of physical, biological, chemical, and geological processes that characterize coastal marine environments. Topics include such natural phenomena as upwelling, particle transport, benthic/pelagic coupling, and barrier island processes, as well as the impacts of society on the coastal ocean.
Prerequisites: MAT 125 or 131 or 141 or AMS 151
Spring, 3 credits

MAR 334 Remote Sensing of the Environment
A study of the theory of remote sensing and its application in the fields of atmospheric science and oceanography. A discussion of the interaction of electromagnetic radiation with rough surfaces and the atmosphere is followed by a treatment of sensors and platforms. The remainder of the course is devoted to data processing techniques ivolved in remote sensing.
Prerequisite: One of the following: ENS/PHY 119, PHY 127, PHY 132/134, or PHY 142
Fall, 3 credits

MAR 336 Marine Pollution
A review of the sources, transport, and fate of toxic and non-toxic contaminants in the ocean. The interacions of biological, chemical, and physical processes that control the cycling and toxicity of contaminants will be considered. Contaminants will include metals, oil, halogenated hydrocarbons, radioactive wastes, excess nutrients, plastics, and solid wastes.
Prerequisites: BlO 201; CHE 131 or 141; MAR 333
Fall, 3 credits

MAR 340 Environmental Problems and Solutions
A detailed examination of the scientific, social, and legal aspects of important environmental problems, including global climate change, the depletion of atmospheric ozone, acid rain, rain forests and the loss of biodiversity, and energy conservation, as well as case histories of problems such as the use of DDT, environmental carcinogens, and lead poisoning.
Prerequisites: U3 or U4 standing; one D.E.C. category E course in chemistry or biology
Fall, 3 credits

MAR 346 Marine Sedimentology
A study of sedimentology in the marine environment, including an introduction to fluid mechanics, sediment transport theory, quantitative models of sedimentation, and dynamic stratigraphy.
Prerequisites: GEO 102 or 122; PHY 126 or 132 or 142
Spring, 3 credits

MAR 349 Introduction to Biological Oceanography
An examination of the processes producing and maintaining the abundances, composition, and temporal variations of organisms in the ocean. The role of biological processes in global cycles and the food chain, beginning with microbes and progressing through fisheries, are also covered. Weekly three-hour laboratory or field sessions present methods used in observational and experimental studies.
Prerequisites: CHE 131, CHE 132, and BIO 201
4 credits

MAR 350 Introduction to Ocean Physics
An introduction to hydrodynamics, contemporary ideas on ocean circulation, and the application of acoustics and optics to ocean technologies.
Prerequisites: PHY 119 or 121/123 or 125 or 131/133 or 141; MAT 127 or 132 or 142 or AMS 161
Fall, 2 credits

MAR 351 Introduction to Ocean Chemistry
Chemical principles applied to the study of the oceans. How chemical tracers are used to determine the geological, physical, and biological characteristics of present and past oceans. Other topics include physical marine chemistry, organic geochemistry, sediment chemistry and diagenesis, carbon dioxide, air-sea exchange, and the fate of pollutants in the coastal oceans.
Prerequisites: CHE 131 and 132; MAR 101 or 104 or 333
Fall, 4 credits

MAR 352 Introduction to Physical Oceanography
An introduction to the physical properties, motion of, and forces that drive the movement of fluids (air and water) on the earth. Physical oceanographic processes that range in scale from several mm to 1000s of km will be studied. This course will introduce the student to the physics of the marine environment and the tools (physical, mathematical, scientific) to study these waters. Environments ranging from pelagic to estuarine will be examined. Not for credit in addition to MAR 350.
Prerequisites: MAT 126, 132, or 142; PHY 119, 121, 125, 131 or 141
2 credits

MAR 353 Physical Oceanography Laboratory
An introduction to the measurements, equipment, and data processing techniques used to study the motion of fluids (air and water) on the earth. Students will learn to use scientific instruments, design sampling strategies, and utilize previously collected data sets to study both local and global processes. At-sea collection and analysis of data will be emphasized.
Pre- or co-requisite: MAR 350 or 352
1 credit

MAR 366 Plankton Ecology
An introduction to the biology of the plant and animal plankton present in the sea. Techniques of collection, enumeration, and identification of phytoplankton and zooplankton are described. Life histories are studied and factors that influence seasonal changes in species and biomass are examined. When offered in summer, the course has a significant field/laboratory component.
Prerequisites: BIO 201 and 202
Fall and Summer, 3 credits

MAR 370 Marine Mammals
The biology of the major groups of marine mammals, including cetaceans, pinnipeds, and sirenians. Topics include evolutionary history and adaptation, thermoregulation, locomotion and foraging, diving physiology and behavior, communication and sensory systems, social behavior, reproduction, energetics, distribution patterns, exploitation and conservation.
Prerequisites: BIO 201, BIO 203
3 Credits

MAR 371 The Biology and Conservation of Marine Birds and Sea Turtles
A survey of the basic biology of marine birds and sea turtles, with an emphasis on species endemic to the Northeast U.S. Topics covered include origins, taxonomy and systematics, anatomy, organ systems, reproduction, nutrition, migration, and conservation status. Weekly lectures will be supplemented with three field trips, of which the student must attend at least two.
Prerequisites: BIO 201, BIO 203
3 Credits

MAR 375 Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Rehabilitation
An intensive hands-on course designed to introduce students to the topics of marine mammal and sea turtle biology as they relate to rehabilitation and research. Students will be exposed to marine mammal and sea turtle ecology, conservation issues, management, and research in the context of wildlife rehabilitation. Through active participation in the rehabilitation activities at the New York State's only marine mammal rescue facility, instructive lectures, writing, reading assignments, quizzes, tests, and research, students will be offered the opportunity to be thoroughly immersed in the field of marine mammal and sea turtle rehabilitation.
Prerequisite: BIO 201 or permission of instructor
3 credits

MAR 380 Ichthyology
The biology of fishes. This course focuses on the diversity of fishes and the physiological, anatomical, ecological, and behavioral adaptations that allow them to populate a wide range of niches and environments. Field and laboratory work provide students with practical experience in collecting, identifying, and studying fish.
Prerequisites: BIO 201, BIO 328 or 344 or 346
3 credits

MAR 385 Principles of Fishery Biology and Management
The theory, techniques, history, and practical problems of fishery management, with emphsis on Long Island fisheries. Three field trips outside regularly scheduled class meetings will be required.
Prerequisites: BIO 201; MAT 125 or 131 or 141 or AMS 151
Fall, 3 credits

MAR 388 Tropical Marine Ecology
This travel course surveys organisms (invertebrates, fishes and algae) and habitats (coral reefs, sea grass meadows and mangrove forests) within tropical marine coral reef ecosystems. The course consists of formal lectures, demonstrations and instructor-led field trips and involves snorkeling, SCUBA diving, reefwalking and underwater photography.  Students will develop individual research projects requiring field observations and collecting data and will write a research proposal and final research papers.
Prerequisites: BIO 201 and permission of instructor
4 credits

MAR 392 Waste Management Issues
Conventional and Innovative approaches to waste reduction, recycling, and reuse. The environmental impacts of waste on the terrestrial and marine environment will be introduced as will the complex social, political, and scientific issues of making sound policy decisions.
Prerequisites: GEO 101; CHE 131 or ENS/PHY 119
Fall, 3 credits

MAR 394 Environmental Toxicology and Public Health
Principles of toxicology are presented and problems associated with major classes of toxic chemicals to human and environmental health are examined. Case studies dealing with current waste management issues are also discussed. May not be taken for credit in addition to MAR 336. This course is offered as both BCP 394 and MAR 394.
Prerequisites: BIO 201; CHE 131
3 credits

MAR 395 Topics in Marine Environmental Sciences
A focused study of a specific topic in marine environmental sciences. Topics vary and might include social and scientific aspects of the marine environment. May be repeated as the topic varies.
Prerequisites: One upper-division MAR course
3 credits

MAR 475 Undergraduate Teaching Practicum
A practicum in the techniques of teaching marine sciences courses. Each student assists a faculty member in a regularly scheduled class. The student may be required to attend all classes and meets with the faculty member at regularly scheduled times. Students may assist in laboratories, hold recitation or review sessions, propose questions for examinations, and review already graded assignments. Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory grading.
Prerequisites: U3 or U4 standing; permission of instructor and department
Fall and Spring, 3 credits

MAR 487 Research in Marine Sciences
A student may conduct research for credit. May be repeated.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor and of MSRC Undergraduate Studies Committee
Fall and Spring, 0-6 credits

MAR 488 Internship
Participation in research at off-campus laboratories or in the activities of public and private agencies and organizations. Students are required to submit to the department a proposal at the time of registration and a report at the end of the semester. May be repeated up to a limit of 12 credits. Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory grading.
Prerequisites: MAR 333 ; permission of instructor and department
Fall and Spring, 0-6 credits

 

Page last modified on Tuesday, November 29, 2005 by George E. Carroll