About This Course
Ocean Science encompasses the study of all aspects of the global marine environment, from estuaries and coasts to the deep ocean. This course involves the application of specialist scientific disciplines (biology, chemistry, geology, mathematics, physics) to observe and to understand the diverse and often complex processes governing the Earth-Ocean-Atmosphere system.
This degree provides a rigorous multidisciplinary foundation together with more specialised training offered across a wide range of marine topics. We have designed this degree to provide the knowledge and skills needed to embark on a scientific career applied to the sea; the practical and field skills elements of this course are a particular highlight. We offer a lot of flexibility and choice in order to allow you to develop your own particular strengths and interests and move on into a wide range of careers. You are able to decide which area of Marine Science interests you most and choose modules accordingly with options in Biology, Chemistry, Geology and Physics.
Why choose Bangor University for this course?
- This course offers choice from all disciplines of marine science but still allows in-depth study of at least one subject area.
- Our expertise covers all aspects of the marine science, with research interests spanning tropical coral reefs to the polar oceans.
- Local fieldwork takes place in the UNESCO designated GeoMôn geopark, Snowdonia National Park, the Menai Strait and the Irish Sea.
- Facilities include a research ship, supercomputers and state-of-the art survey equipment. Oceanographic moorings for data collection.
Course Content
This course involves up to 25-35 hours per week of lectures, practicals in the laboratory and the field, private study, tutorials and project work. Many modules include day field trips. In the final year you work on a dissertation project. Practical work and fieldwork are major elements of this course. Our assessment methods vary – most modules combine elements of continuous assessment and formal exam.
Facilities
General University Facilities
Library and Archive Services
Our four libraries provide a range of attractive study environments including collaborative work areas, meeting rooms and silent study spaces.
We have an extensive collection of books and journals and many of the journals are available online in full-text format.
We house one of the largest university-based archives not only in Wales, but also the UK. Allied to the Archives is the Special Collections of rare printed books.
Learning Resources
There is a range of learning resources available, supported by experienced staff, to help you in your studies.
The University’s IT Services provides computing, media and reprographics facilities and services including:
- Over 1,150 computers for students, with some PC rooms open 24 hours a day
- Blackboard, a commercial Virtual Learning Environment, that makes learning materials available on-line.
Careers
This course is the ideal preparation for careers in research, environmental impact assessment, hydrographic surveying, water supply and offshore industries, coastal authorities, government advisory bodies, the scientific media, ecotourism and other leisure industries and pressure groups. In particular, many students from this course have gone on to work in the renewable energy industry and marine resource management.
EXPLORE MORE IN OCEAN SCIENCES
Ocean Science at Bangor is unique in encompassing the study of all aspects of the global marine environment, from estuaries and coasts to the deep ocean. We are one of the largest university centres teaching marine sciences in Britain and one of the biggest in Europe.
Additional Course Options
This course is available with a Placement Year option where you will study for 1 additional year. The Placement Year is undertaken at the end of the second year and students are away for the whole of the academic year.
The Placement Year provides you with a fantastic opportunity to broaden your horizons and develop valuable skills and contacts through working with a self-sourced organisation relevant to your degree subject. The minimum period in placement (at one or more locations) is seven calendar months; more usually you would spend 10-12 months with a placement provider. You would normally start sometime in the period June to September of your second year and finish between June and September the following year. Placements can be UK-based or overseas and you will work with staff to plan and finalise the placement arrangements.
You will be expected to find and arrange a suitable placement to complement your degree and will be fully supported throughout by a dedicated member of staff at your academic School and the University’s Skills and Employability Services.
You will have the opportunity to fully consider this option when you have started your course at Bangor and can make an application for a transfer onto this pathway at the appropriate time. If you have any questions in the meantime, please get in touch.
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