2006–2007 - Florida Institute of Technology

Degree Requirements
The doctor of philosophy degree is awarded in recognition of
scientific accomplishment and the ability to investigate scientific
problems independently. The program consists of advanced studies
to prepare the student for engineering research, and completion
of a research project that leads to a significant contribution
to the knowledge of a particular problem. Each student must
pass the preliminary written examination, complete an approved
program of study, pass the comprehensive written and oral
examinations, complete a program of significant research, publish
the results of the research, and prepare and defend a dissertation
concerning the research.
General degree requirements are presented in the Graduate
Information and Regulations section of this catalog.
Curriculum
Doctoral course work minimum credit hours beyond
the master’s degree ..............................................................................24
Doctoral thesis minimum credit hours ...................................................24
MINIMUM CREDITS BEYOND MASTER’S DEGREE 48
Courses must be taken in several areas to assure that all graduates
of the doctoral program possess the breadth of knowledge
necessary to work in the field of ocean engineering. A minimum
of nine credit hours of course work must be taken in mathematics
and computer science, and 21 credit hours must be taken in engineering,
as part of the student’s graduate course work (including
master’s courses). A minimum of 15 credit hours of course work
must be directly related to the dissertation research.
The dissertation research is normally conducted on a topic
related to current faculty research. The ocean engineering
program faculty currently have research interests in coastal
engineering, corrosion, naval architecture, submersibles, ocean
systems and instrumentation.
After admission to doctoral candidacy, a yearly seminar demonstrating
progress must be presented to the graduate faculty.
Research Activities and Facilities
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. A general description
of these facilities is included under “Oceanography” in this
section.
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
82 Florida Tech
equipment and instrumentation, may have the opportunity to
conduct thesis research in conjunction with the Harbor Branch
staff and use facilities at the institution.
Ship and marine facilities provide an excellent base for research
activities involving all aspects of offshore and coastal ship operations,
structures, erosion, and environmental control applications.
The sheltered waters and geography of the Indian River Lagoon
allow excellent conditions for undertaking control and propulsion
research using large models or full-scale craft.
Oceanography
DEPARTMENT OF MARINE AND ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS
G.A. Maul, Ph.D., Head
Bachelor of Science
Areas of Concentration:
Biological Oceanography
Chemical Oceanography
Coastal Zone Management
Marine Environmental Science
Physical Oceanography
Master of Science
Options in:
Biological Oceanography
Chemical Oceanography
Coastal Zone Management
Geological Oceanography
Physical Oceanography
Doctor of Philosophy
(For related degree programs see Biological Sciences, Environmental
Sciences and Ocean Engineering)
Program Chair
John G. Windsor Jr., Ph.D.
Professors
George A. Maul, Ph.D., ocean circulation, geophysical and socioeconomic
aspects of climate and sea-level change, marine geodesy, Earth system
science, satellite oceanography, maritime natural hazards, hydrography.
Geoffrey W.J. Swain, Ph.D., marine corrosion and fouling, hydrographic
and benthic surveys.
John H. Trefry, Ph.D., marine trace metal geochemistry, interstitial water
chemistry, heavy metal pollution, hydrothermal systems.
John G. Windsor, Ph.D., pollution trace organic analysis, organic
chemistry, sediment-sea interaction, mass spectrometry, hazardous/toxic
substances research, environmental education.
Gary A. Zarillo, Ph.D., sediment transport technology, coastal and
estuarine sedimentation, barrier island and tidal inlet processes.
Associate Professors
Charles R. Bostater Jr., Ph.D., environmental modeling, remote sensing,
estuarine particle dynamics, water quality instrumentation, environmental
planning, environmental geophysical fluid dynamics.
Lee E. Harris, Ph.D., P.E., ocean engineering, coastal structures, beach
erosion and control, physical oceanography.
Elizabeth A. Irlandi, Ph.D., landscape ecology in aquatic environments,
seagrass ecosystems, coastal zone management.
Assistant Professors
Kevin B. Johnson, Ph.D., water column ecology, planktonic grazing and
distributions, intraplanktonic predator-prey interactions.