An investigation of the discrete and integrated electronics typically used in the design and implementation of ocean instruments. Topics include both passive and active analog electronic elements typically used for signal conditioning of common oceanographic sensors (e.g., thermistors, pressure sensors, acoustic transducers); A/D and D/A conversion, sensor sampling criteria and rules, with examples from contemporary ocean instruments; embedded micro-controller/microcomputer modules for autonomous or remote sensing in ocean environments; inter-instrument communications methods typically used in ocean instruments (e.g., serial and network communications). Laboratory time will be used to develop practical experience in specification, design, development and testing of various ocean instrument components based on the material presented.