Ocean and Geophysics Bsc (Hons)

Program Overview

The Ocean and Geophysics BSc (Hons) program at Bangor University is a 3-year course that focuses on the vital role of oceans in the Earth's system and their influence on climate. The program emphasizes gaining skills and knowledge directly relevant to industry, particularly regarding climate change, sea level rise, marine pollution, and exploiting marine renewable energy. Students benefit from world-leading research and teaching, state-of-the-art facilities, and opportunities to work on industry-relevant projects. The program equips graduates for diverse careers in industry and academia, with a strong employability record supported by a large Alumni network.

Program Outline

Degree Overview

The Ocean and Geophysics BSc (Hons) program at Bangor University is a 3-year course that focuses on the vital role of oceans in the Earth's system and their influence on climate, past, present, and future. The first two years provide a comprehensive understanding of the Earth system and the oceans' role within it, with particular emphasis on shallow seas, surrounding continents, and interactions between ice and the oceans. In the third year, students specialize with modules covering computer modelling of the ocean and a residential field work program in geophysics. This program emphasizes gaining skills and knowledge directly relevant to industry, particularly regarding climate change, sea level rise, marine pollution, and exploiting marine renewable energy.

Key Features:

• World-leading research and teaching spanning over 50 years.
• Expertise in all aspects of marine science, from tropical coral reefs to polar oceans.
• Local fieldwork in the UNESCO-designated GeoMôn geopark, Snowdonia National Park, the Menai Strait, and the Irish Sea.
• State-of-the-art research ship, supercomputers, advanced survey equipment, and oceanographic moorings for data collection.
• Direct links to Marine Centre Wales and industry, offering opportunities to work on industry-relevant projects.

Outline

The program involves around 25-35 hours per week of lectures, practicals in the laboratory and field, private study, tutorials, and project work. Students will also complete literature reviews, exercises, essays, practical and fieldwork write-ups, present and attend seminars, and do considerable reading. The third year culminates in a dissertation project individually supervised by expert academic staff. Dissertation projects can involve developing and applying numerical models for ocean current predictions or analyzing data. The program uses a combination of continuous assessment and formal exams in its assessment methods.

Assessment

Assessment methods vary between modules, combining continuous assessment with formal exams in most cases. Continuous assessment includes assignments, presentations, practical reports, and field reports. Formal exams typically take the form of written exams at the end of each semester.

Teaching

The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, tutorials, laboratory practicals, fieldwork, and individual project supervision. Lectures are used to present core concepts and theories, while seminars provide a platform for discussion and debate. Tutorials offer smaller group settings for personalized support and problem-solving. Laboratory practicals allow students to gain hands-on experience with scientific techniques and equipment. Fieldwork provides real-world exposure to data collection and analysis in relevant environments. Individual project supervision provides guidance and feedback on students' research projects. The program boasts highly qualified and experienced academic staff with expertise in oceanography, geophysics, climate science, and marine renewable energy. The faculty is actively involved in research and consultancy, ensuring that the program's content remains relevant and current. The program also benefits from guest lectures from industry professionals, providing insights into real-world applications of the program's content.

Careers

This program equips graduates for diverse careers in industry and academia, focusing on marine renewables, climate change research, offshore survey, coastal zone management, and broadcast media. The program's emphasis on data collection, analysis, and visualization prepares students for jobs demanding expertise in these areas. The program boasts a strong employability record, supported by a large Alumni network that includes leaders in the UK's offshore industry, including marine renewable energy. Many alumni return to the program to discuss career prospects with current students, offering personal career advice upon request.

Other

The program offers a unique opportunity to study at a leading university with a strong reputation in oceanography and geophysics research. Students benefit from access to world-class research facilities and opportunities to participate in research projects alongside leading academics. The program also offers opportunities for international experience through study abroad or placement programs. The program's location in the vibrant city of Bangor provides easy access to the stunning natural beauty of North Wales and its diverse coastal environment, ideal for fieldwork and outdoor activities. The program also enjoys close links with industry, providing students with opportunities to network and gain valuable experience in the job market.