Principles of oceanographic instrument systems -- sensors and measurements

This page presents information about the course, including a calendar.

Lectures: 2 sessions / week, 1.5 hours / session

Labs: 1 session / week, 3 hours / session

This course provides the ocean scientist and engineer with an:

Oceanography is an observational field that requires quality observations to support scientific investigations. Therefore, it is imperative that the oceanographic student think in terms of the observational requirements (rather than just sensors) when designing an experiment. This including consideration of the sensors (type, calibration, response, and techniques for the user of), sampling theory (sample interval, duration, statistical confidence), data systems (microprocessors, data compression, conditional sampling, and data storage), data analysis and presentation of the results (that meet the scientific, management, observational goals). This class is an introduction to sensors and measurements and their use in the ocean. Various "state-of-the-art" measurement systems will be described and discussed during the semester. Classroom lectures will be supplemented with readings, speakers, and the student will be assigned problem sets.

During the semester, students will work in the laboratory understanding circuits and instrument systems then prepare and deploy them in the ocean. The class will study several instrument systems in detail during the semester. Other exercises will help the student understand filters, op-amps, analog and digital circuits, microprocessors, and the use of laboratory test equipment. Then the students will design a simple deployment, prepare the instrumentation and supporting hardware/software and deploy the instruments from the R/V TIOGO or ASTERIAS for one week. The student will be required to work up the cruise for a final class report and make an oral presentation of the findings.

Course work will include assigned problems sets involving data manipulation and presentation of results using MATLAB®. Presentation of a final report on the laboratory projects will be given to the class (and others) at the end of the semester in place of a final exam. Grades will be assigned based on the student's performance on the assigned homework, participation in class discussions, and on the laboratory project.

This subject is not covered sufficiently by any textbook. Students are provided with course notes written by the instructors, and supplemental readings from the literature.

Course work will include assigned problems sets involving data manipulation and presentation of results using MATLAB®.

Presentation of a final report on the laboratory projects will be given to the class (and others) at the end of the semester in place of a final exam.

Grades will be assigned based on the student's performance on the assigned homework, participation in class discussions, and on the laboratory project.

AJW = Dr. Albert J. Williams, 3rd
JDI = Dr. James D. Irish

The calendar below provides information on the course's lecture (L) and laboratory (Lab) sessions.

Don't show me this again

This is one of over 2,200 courses on OCW. Find materials for this course in the pages linked along the left.

MIT OpenCourseWare is a free & open publication of material from thousands of MIT courses, covering the entire MIT curriculum.

No enrollment or registration. Freely browse and use OCW materials at your own pace. There's no signup, and no start or end dates.

Knowledge is your reward. Use OCW to guide your own life-long learning, or to teach others. We don't offer credit or certification for using OCW.

Made for sharing. Download files for later. Send to friends and colleagues. Modify, remix, and reuse (just remember to cite OCW as the source.)

Learn more at Get Started with MIT OpenCourseWare