what is an oceanography college course like?

by Dr. Ramon Adams 6 min read

It covers a wide range of topics, including marine organisms and ecosystem dynamics; ocean currents, waves, and geophysical fluid dynamics; plate tectonics; geology of the sea floor; and fluxes of various chemical substances and physical properties within the ocean and across its boundaries.

Full Answer

Which schools offer a bachelor's degree in oceanography?

The University of Washington—Seattle’s School of Oceanography offers an interdisciplinary bachelor’s in oceanography degree programs with both BA and BS tracks. In addition, students can further customize their curriculum by choosing from orientations in either life sciences or physical sciences.

What is the Oceanography Lab like at the school?

The school has a dedicated oceanography laboratory used for instruction on various ocean-related courses. The laboratory is also equipped with a rotating tank to demonstrate geophysical fluid concepts and a 25-ft wave tank to study surface wave phenomena. With modern techniques and research tools, you will gain valuable hands-on experience.

Why study oceanography at Oregon State University?

Oregon State University’s oceanography program is one of the best in its class. You and the faculty will be at the forefront of delving into and protecting a vital resource. As a student, you will be surrounded by award-winning faculty and teachers. You will be exposed to the diverse ways that scientists study the marine realm.

Where can I study oceanography in North Carolina?

Located on the shoreline of the Atlantic Ocean, the University of North Carolina at Wilmington offers an excellent venue in which to study oceanography and offers a Bachelor of Science in Oceanography. The program at UNCW is geared for developing professional researchers who are interested in oceanographic related careers.

Is oceanography a hard class in college?

It was an intro level course, and I personally found it very easy and educational. I'm an engineer and doing a discipline change into Ocean Engineering, so I do have alot of Math/physic's background, but in all honesty that was a super easy course and I know non-science students who took it and learned alot.

What do you do in oceanography class?

Oceanography covers a wide range of topics, including marine life and ecosystems, ocean circulation, plate tectonics and the geology of the seafloor, and the chemical and physical properties of the ocean.

Is there a lot of math in oceanography?

Marine biologists often use algebra and trigonometry to establish measurements. For example, in investigating how the light level at different depths affects the ability of algae to photosynthesize, marine biologists may utilize mathematical models, that range from logarithmic functions to hyperbolic tangent functions.

Is being an oceanographer hard?

"Oceanographer" is typically used as an umbrella term for all ocean researchers. Getting a job as an oceanographer is challenging and usually requires advanced study. Oceanographers need to be comfortable working for long periods on the ocean.

Do oceanographers scuba dive?

Some oceanographers learn to SCUBA dive, others spend time on a boat or in a submersible in order to collect data. Many oceanographers work at institutions around the world where they spend plenty of time lecturing or teaching about the ocean.

How do you study for oceanography?

Requirements to Study Oceanography In many universities, oceanography is offered as a 2-year full-time program through an MSc or MTech degree. Most of the students hold a masters or doctoral degree to become an oceanographer.

Do I need physics for oceanography?

You could study oceanography as a first degree, students often choose to study it as joint honours with mathematics, physics or chemistry to ensure that basic scientific knowledge is at a high enough level.

Do you need calculus for oceanography?

Students interested in graduate school in physical oceanography or marine geophysics should take the full Calculus and Physics series (MATH 124-125-126 and PHYS 121-122-123).

Which is one college class that a student would most likely take to become an oceanographer?

Some colleges and universities offer undergraduate degree programs in marine biology. Marine biology students take courses that focus on oceanography, marine vegetation, marine invertebrates, marine vertebrates, and marine ecology. Many of the schools that offer marine biology programs are located near an ocean.

Do oceanographers make a lot money?

Oceanographer Salary The BLS indicates that geoscientists, including oceanographers, earn a median annual salary of $92,040 as of May 2019. Those in the bottom 10 percent, such as lab technicians, earn less than $51,000, and more experienced oceanographers in the top 10 percent earn upwards of $187,910.

What are the disadvantages of being an oceanographer?

The Cons of Becoming an OceanographerFunding Scarcity. Funding is an issue for many oceanographers. ... Education Requirements. It takes a significant amount of education to qualify as an oceanographer. ... Required Travel. ... Schedule Complications.

What are the pros and cons of being an oceanographer?

Pros- some hands on learning, many options allowed, close to home. Cons- isn't in the state, expensive, high expectations.

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University of Washington—Seattle

University of North Carolina—Wilmington

Stockton University

Coastal Carolina University

North Carolina State University

Humboldt University

Florida Institute of Technology

Hawaii Pacific University

Millersville University of Pennsylvania

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Kutztown University of Pennsylvania