A theoretical course in underwater acoustics based on the sonar equation.

Current underwater acoustics students require a theoretical knowledge of propagation, scattering, and target strength as well as practical knowledge of how these concepts are applied in the modern sonar system. A curriculum based on the sonar equation was developed at the University of Texas, which includes theoretical propagation methods such as ray theory and normal modes, important oceanographic phenomena, target and interface scattering, sonar signal processing, and basic sonar design. This curriculum is described in order to spur a discussion of teaching for the modern underwater acoustics student.