SO513 – Honors Ocean and Atmospheric Processes
Spring 2015
INSTRUCTOR:
Dr. Bradford S. Barrett, bbarrett@usna.edu
OFFICE & PHONE:
Chauvenet 216; Office phone (410) 293-6567
Required Texts:
Kundu, P., I. Cohen, and D. Dowling, Fluid Mechanics. 5th ed. Academic Press, 2012.
ISBN: 978-0-12-382100-3
Free texts (linked from course web site) to assist in understanding of the material:
Stewart, R., Introduction to Physical Oceanography, Texas A&M University, 2008.
Emanuel, K., 2004: Tropical cyclone energetics and structure. In Atmospheric Turbulence
and Mesoscale Meteorology, E. Fedorovich, R. Rotunno and B. Stevens, editors,
Cambridge University Press, 280 pp.
Web page:
All course information, including copies of lecture notes, homework, labs, and lab data,
will be hosted at http://www.usna.edu/Oceanography/Barrett/SO513.htm
Assessment:
Final grades will be based upon the following:
Exams
30%
Homework
20%
Final Exam
20%
Lab Assignments
15%
Project-based learning
10%
Participation
5%
------------------------------------------Total
100%
POLICY STATEMENT
1. Objectives
By the end of this course, you should be able to:
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Describe meteorological and oceanographic processes, particularly fluid parcel
motion, using complex mathematical notation.
Analyze the fundamental forces that govern large- and local-scale fluid motion.
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Derive the viscid, turbulent Navier-Stokes governing equation from first
principles.
Think critically about a meteorological or oceanographic dynamical process.
Create scripts to code complex mathematical processes into MATLAB (e.g., loops,
for statements) and analyze data and produce graphics.
Explain well one of the seminal papers in Oceanography (Stommel, Monk,
Sverdrup).
Describe fluid parcel motion to a technical audience.
2. Expectations
My expectations for you in this course are that you will:
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Respect the learning environment, both in and out of the classroom. Come
prepared to each class, skimming the chapter notes (available online) before each
lecture. Ask constructive questions during lecture. Ask for EI.
Work together to help each other learn
Bring a positive attitude, especially when you find the material frustrating
Be prepared to be challenged to think critically about the dynamics of the
atmosphere and ocean
Leave the course having learned about the amazing atmosphere and ocean, and
picked up useful programming skills in MATLAB
3. Strategies for success in this course
This is a demanding course. It is one of the more advanced courses you will take in
Oceanography. Based on student feedback, here are several strategies for success:
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Recognize that the material is difficult, but not impossible. I.e., don’t give up.
Review the lecture material twice daily: once before class and again after class.
Pay special attention to the math notation. Come to class with specific questions
about things you do not understand. All lecture notes are available online.
Ask questions in class. Ask for Extra Instruction.
Read the lab activities thoroughly before starting the exercise.
Save your labs, as later labs use and build on the commands you learn in early
labs.
Work, and re-work, example problems from lecture and course notes.
Write out derivations, and then studying from the worked problems and
derivations.
Relax, and enjoy the learning process.
Dv
1 p



 fu
 2 v   v ' u '   v ' v '   v ' w '
Dt
o y
x
y
z
F  ma
Magic?
Now, for the more formal part:
1. Classroom decorum:
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I will assign a Section Leader who will become familiar with COMDTMIDNISNT
1080.1 series (Subj: Academic Accountability System). The Section Leader will be
responsible for calling the class to attention at the start and reporting absences
to the instructor.
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We will follow proper military etiquette and courtesy at all times. I expect the
same standards of appearance and conduct that your company officer expects.
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Do not bring food or drink into the Oceanography Department classrooms
(exception – you may bring non-disposable bottles of water, etc for drinking). It
is imperative that we keep our spaces clean and neat.
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If you bring a cell phone to class, please make sure it is turned off. The
computers in the classroom are meant for instructional purposes only. Please
refrain from unauthorized use during class time, including playing games,
sending email, or working on assignments for other classes. Do not add any
software to the computers.

Collaboration, notes, "crib sheets", and roving eyes constitute cheating when
used on any test, quiz, or final exam. I will handle instances of cheating in
accordance with policies set by the Academic Dean. The standard-issue
calculators will not be used during exams. Calculators purchased by the
Oceanography Department will be provided for exams.
2. Extra Instruction (E.I.):
E.I. will routinely be scheduled prior to each major examination. Individual E.I. also is
available upon request; please do not hesitate to ask for assistance. I am generally in
my office from 0830 to 1730, with the exception of my scheduled class periods,
meetings, and lunch hours. For an appointment, see me or send me an email.
3. Absenteeism:
The attendance policy is established by the Academic Dean. In most cases, missing
classes is not in your best interest. If you must miss a class, notify me in advance. Course
notes are available online. Talk with another student to see what was specifically
covered. Missed handouts, if any, may be obtained by contacting me.
4. Materials and Class Preparation:
All material for this course will be available at
http://www.usna.edu/Oceanography/Barrett/SO513.html
5. Assignments and Labs
Assignments: Assignments will be completed by cooperation within with the
expectation that each student in the group understands all the material covered by the
assignment. Each student MUST turn in each assignment. Assignments not turned in
on time will receive a letter grade deduction for each class day not turned in thereafter.
If not turned in within 1 week of the due date, the student will receive a 0% for the
assignment.
Labs: There are 4-5 hands-on experiments plus demonstrations. In the lab activities, you
will use MATLAB to analyze data sets and produce figures to explain fluid properties and
motion. Labs not turned in on time will receive a letter grade deduction for each class
day not turned in thereafter. If not turned in within 1 week of the due date, the group
will receive a 0% for the lab.
6. Project-based learning assignment
At the end of the semester, students will, in groups, teach one lecture to the class. The
lecture will be given during the final week of the semester. Each group will study a topic
(selected from a list provided by the instructor) in-depth and then present their results
as a lecture. This presentation should include important equation derivations on the
board and explanations of the topic to the class. This activity debuted in Spring 2012
and was very popular with the students. It is meant to be challenging, but also to give
you the chance to study a facet of fluid dynamics in-depth. You will be evaluated based
on your problem solving abilities, knowledge of the fundamental material, and your
ability to present your lecture to the class. Some points to consider:
1. Well organized results and lectures will receive better grades.
2. You should be prepared to explain all details of the topic during lecture. While the
actual presentation probably will not cover all that you know, like any lecture, there
is the possibility of questions from the class, so you should come well-prepared with
answers to those possible questions.
3. During presentations, every member of the group will be required to participate.
4. The Final Exam will include content from your lectures!
7. Exams:
Two full period exams are scheduled on the Syllabus. A comprehensive final exam will
be given at the conclusion of the course. If you are unable to attend a major exam or
quiz, you must contact me prior to the exam, or bring a written excuse signed by your
company officer, to reschedule. A missed exam due to an unexcused absence will be
given a grade of zero. Missed exams due to excused absences must be rescheduled
within 1 week following the original exam; otherwise, a grade of zero will be assigned.
8. Quizzes:
Quizzes will be given periodically. A missed quiz will be given a grade of zero if not
made up within one week (legitimate excuses only).
9. Assessment
Midshipmen must complete all assignments, labs, quizzes, and exams in the course.
Final grades will be assigned in accordance with the percentages on the first page of
this Policy Statement. Note that participation counts for 5%, meaning a student can
gain (or lose) up to ½ a letter grade through exemplary (or sub-par) class participation.