Division of Geodesy and Geospatial Science

College of Mathematical and Physical Sciences

 

GEODESY AND GEODYNAMICS TRACK


Introduction

A goal of the Geodesy and Geodynamics curriculum is to offer a geodesy-orientated M.S. degree that appeals to a broad spectrum of Earth Science, Applied Mathematics and Statistics, Physics, Astronomy, and Engineering students (a Ph.D. degree is also offered, subject to individual approval). The curriculum exposes students to geodynamics in the broadest sense with a geodetic foundation and a variety of geodetic methods and analytic tools that can be used to study the science of the solid Earth, the oceans, the cryosphere, the atmosphere, the hydrosphere, and their complex interactions. Relevant disciplines and phenomena include hydrology, glaciology, oceanography, meteorology, atmospheric science, Earth rotation, crustal deformation (including glacial isostatic adjustment and volcanic and seismic deformations), sea level and climate change, and polar ice studies.

Due to the multi-faceted character of this graduate degree, the essential feature of the curriculum is its largely elective structure that can be tailored to individual academic aims and paths.

Basic Structure

The Graduate School at OSU requires a minimum of 45 credit hours to obtain a M.S. degree. For the Geodesy and Geodynamics curriculum, about 16-18 credit hours comprise four core areas that cover basic knowledge skills required of all M.S. students. The remaining 27-29 credit hours are fulfilled with general elective courses in one or more related disciplines. The particular electives are decided by the student in consultation with his/her adviser and subject to approval by the graduate studies committee. The M.S. student may exercise either the thesis or the non-thesis option.

Prerequisites

Students entering the Geodesy and Geodynamics curriculum with the goal of attaining the M.S. degree must satisfy a basic set of prerequisites in mathematics, physics, and computer science. These include Advanced Calculus (including vector differential and integral calculus), Linear Algebra (including vector and matrix algebra), General Physics, and High-Level Programming (MatLab or FORTRAN is preferred, C++ is acceptable).

The Core

The core encompasses four general areas deemed central to a graduate education in Earth Science with a geodetic theme. These areas include basic instruction in Earth coordinate systems, geodesy and geophysics, mathematical methods, and Earth sensor systems. In order to make the core as flexible as possible and still maintain its foundational character, each core area (except one at this time) contains a set of core electives. It is required that each student selects at least one course from each core area. Other courses may be selected as well, but they would then count as general electives. Curriculum planning by the student and his/her adviser is key to ensuring a quality program while at the same time providing the necessary flexibility. Although each core course may not be strictly discipline-oriented it is meant to provide essential skills and knowledge that apply across multiple disciplines. New core electives (e.g., in mathematical and geodetic applications) may be added or existing ones may be deleted by the governing faculty depending on available resources and relevance to the curriculum objectives.

The following list defines each core area and the current courses belonging to it. The listed courses (with credit hours given parenthetically) reflect existing number designations and titles that may change as the curriculum and its parent programs evolve.


General Electives

Additional courses in the Geodesy and Geodynamics curriculum may be freely selected by the student (in consultation with his/her advisor) to develop a unique disciplinary concentration to suit a particular career or educational objective. Of the General Electives, it is required that a minimum of 12 credit hours for Plan A and 22 credit hours for Plan B be letter-graded courses. The remaining credits needed to fulfill the Graduate School requirement of 45 credit hours may come from independent study courses (such as GS693, GS998).

Several courses are listed here from various other programs, but the inventory should not be considered as exhaustive. Also, new courses may be added as resources allow. Note that all the core elective courses may serve as general elective courses. Other courses from the College of Mathematical and Physical Sciences and the College of Engineering may be selected to fulfill the general electives.