Professor: Jones Course format: Lecture Number of respondents: 14 Total Enrollment: 14 Class Composition: Froshs: 0 Sophs: 2 Jrs: 6 Srs: 3

Instructor Average: 2.07 Course Average: 1.96

When thinking of the ocean, math isn't usually the first association you make with, however, "Ocean Dynamics" is an interesting introduction to geophysical flows and ocean dynamics, or in layman's terms, the math of the ocean. Students indicated that a strong background in calculus (particularly differential equations) would be helpful when taking this class. In addition, some survey respondents indicated that knowledge of fluid mechanics could also be helpful.

Most students felt that Professor Jones's lectures were clear and that the examples he used were very effective. However, this class only met once for two-and-a-half hours each week, and therefore, some students complained about the length and dryness of the lectures. Most felt that they would have been better if broken up into several smaller lectures each week. In addition, survey respondents praised Professor Jones for being quite attentive to their needs.

Opinions on the textbooks were split, some loved them and some hated them. Class work consisted of homework sets every other week, a presentation, and a large final project. Most were satisfied with these requirements, although the homework could be difficult at times.

All in all students spent from three to seven hours per week outside of class doing their work. They commented that they generally got what they expected from the course. Most students recommended it, particularly for those interested in the ocean.

View AM/0193 in the Brown Online Course Announcement.