2008–2009 - Florida Institute of Technology

After admission to doctoral candidacy, a yearly seminar demonstrating
progress must be presented to the graduate faculty.
Oceanography _____________________________
The doctor of philosophy degree is offered to students who want
to carry out advanced research in an area of existing faculty
expertise. The doctoral degree is granted in recognition of high
achievement in a program of study, required examinations and
original research in the field of oceanography. Students may be
admitted during any semester, but for optimal scheduling, the fall
semester is recommended.
Admission Requirements
An applicant who has received a bachelor’s or master’s degree
in mathematics, natural science, engineering or related fields
is eligible to apply for admission to the doctoral program. All
applicants should have a high scholastic record (minimum of 3.3
GPA based on a 4.0 scale), three letters of recommendation and
Graduate Record Examination General Test scores. Included
with the application should be a short, clear statement of the
applicant’s interests and objectives. Although nor required for
admission, an on-campus interview is highly recommended.
General admission requirements and the process for applying are
presented in the Academic Overview section of this catalog.
Degree Requirements
The doctoral degree is primarily a research degree and is conferred
in part in recognition of research accomplishments. Each
student must complete an approved program of course work; pass
the comprehensive examinations; write an acceptable research
proposal and petition for admission to candidacy; complete a
program of significant original research; prepare and defend
a dissertation concerning the research; and present a seminar
on the research. Each candidate is expected to publish a major
portion of the dissertation in refereed national or international
journals. A minimum of 24 credit hours of course work and 24
credit hours of dissertation beyond a master’s degree are required.
General degree requirements are presented in the Academic
Overview section of this catalog.
Curriculum
A program of study must be approved by the student’s adviser
and the program chair. A wide degree of latitude is allowed in
course selection and research interest within the capability of
the university and the student’s academic background. A student
in one of the five concentrations available (biological, chemical,
geological and physical oceanography, and coastal zone management)
must also develop a general knowledge of the various areas
of oceanography.
Prior to admission to doctoral candidacy, the student may be
required to demonstrate proficiency in a computer language or a
reading proficiency of scientific literature in one foreign language.
The chosen language should allow access to important literature
in the student’s area of research. This requirement is imposed at
the discretion of the doctoral committee.
After admission to doctoral candidacy, a yearly seminar demonstrating
progress must be presented to the graduate faculty.
reSeArch
The department of marine and environmental systems occupies
the first and second floors of the Link Building with laboratory,
lecture, computer facilities and office space, with additional
space in the Frueauff Building and the Surf Mechanics
Laboratory.
Research activities in the department are diverse and vary with
increased knowledge from current research, changes in demands
in the research community and new developments in experimental
procedures and instrumentation. Separate laboratories exist
for biological, chemical, physical and geological oceanography,
and instrumentation investigations.
Environmental Sciences Research
The environmental sciences program offers specialized facilities
for instruction and research. The Marine and Environmental
Chemistry Laboratory is equipped with standard water and
wastewater sampling and analysis equipment. In addition, analytical
instruments provided for advanced study include a total
organic carbon analyzer, atomic absorption spectrophotometers
and scintillation counters. Florida Tech maintains a variety of
small and large boats for fieldwork. Analytical capabilities are
extended by means of cooperative projects with the departments
of biological sciences and chemistry. In addition, an advanced
state-of-the-art analytical facility is available to Florida Tech
through a cooperative arrangement with the Midwest Research
Institute’s Palm Bay laboratories. Instrumentation currently available
includes GIS, SEM and ICP/MS.
Faculty and graduate students are actively engaged in a variety of
environmental research projects, including effects of agricultural
and urban stormwater runoff on river and estuarine water quality,
measurement of quantities and quality of groundwater seepage
in Florida lakes, dissolved oxygen budgets in aquatic systems,
trace metal contamination of natural waters and sediments,
acid deposition, lake trophic state classifications, trace organic
contamination in coastal systems, hyperspectral remote sensing,
decomposition and sedimentation of aquatic macrophytes and
use of waste by-products, including ash produced from fossil fuel
combustion and municipal incinerators.
Ocean Engineering Research
The ocean engineering program includes facilities for traditional
design activities, several stations for computer-aided design
techniques and a reference data collection. Ocean engineering
provides facilities for structural testing and pressure testing
and a Surf Mechanics Laboratory. The materials and corrosion
laboratory specializes in design and testing of materials (concrete,
composites and plastics) for marine applications. A towing tank is
available at the nearby Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution
in Fort Pierce.
Research interests of the faculty center on coastal engineering,
corrosion and materials, ocean mineral exploitation, waste disposal,
naval architecture and shipbuilding (including small craft),
fluid dynamics, instrumentation engineering and development,
and marine positioning.
A close relationship is maintained with the Engineering Division
of Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution. Graduate students,
especially those having interests in submersibles, exploratory
equipment and instrumentation, may have the opportunity to
Degree Programs—College of Engineering 89