Course Description Document

Course Title	Oceanography (2024-25)
Course Code	4906
Award Title	Master of Science (MSc)
Awarding Body	University of Southampton
Teaching Institution	University of Southampton
Regulated by	Office for Students
Accreditation	Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST)
Regulations	The Regulations of the University can be found on the University's Governance Webpages: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/about/governance/regulations-policies
Location of study	Southampton
Length of the course	1 Year
Tuition Fees	Fees for students can be located by the student fees page. https://www.southampton.ac.uk/studentservices/money-matters/student-fees/index.page

Course Overview

The MSc in Oceanography is a one year multi-disciplinary programme of instruction and research taught exclusively at the University of Southampton based in the National Oceanography Centre, Southampton (NOCS). It offers you the chance to broaden the science background of your undergraduate degree, while allowing advanced level specialisation in one or more aspects of your chosen field. Since Oceanography is not widely taken at undergraduate level, this Masters course is a conversion course, providing background material as well as more specialised material for research or a career in oceanography.
During the MSc Oceanography you can develop specific knowledge and skills through your selection of modules and choice of subject for your research project enabling you to specialise in the following themes:
Physical Oceanography and Climate
Marine Biology and Ecology
Marine Biogeochemistry
Marine Geology and Geophysics

Aims of the Course

The School of Ocean and Earth Science (OES) is strongly committed to providing the very best learning experience to all our students in a friendly and stimulating environment. We are known nationally and internationally for our excellence in teaching, and are continually improving the scope and delivery of our activities. For students studying the MSc in Oceanography, the spectrum of modules are scientifically exciting and challenging, as well as highly relevant to the modern world. Within this particular programme of study, we aim to develop and enhance your knowledge of and enthusiasm for Oceanography.
The specific aims of the programme are to provide you with:
•An extensive and in-depth knowledge of the main branches of oceanography, stressing their interactions
•Direct experience of work on a research project at the forefront of oceanographic knowledge
•A training in practical marine research methods and application of advanced techniques both through fieldwork and laboratory work
•A high-quality and intellectually stimulating experience of learning in a supportive environment
•Enable you to meet the academic requirements, in part, for registration as a Chartered Scientist and Chartered Marine Scientist with the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST)
•A sound and suitable qualification that would enable you to proceed to a more specialist higher degree at the PhD level
•Critical appraisal and analysis skills in the field of oceanography and the ability to communicate results to non-specialists
•Opportunities to train alongside world-class scientists in a research-led environment;
•Vocational training for a professional career in industries related to the Marine and Earth sciences
•Opportunities to develop a range of generic skills including: critical and reflective thinking, articulate communication, and the skills of literacy and numeracy developed through group boat work, seminar presentations and production of a literature review and project dissertation.

Course Structure

The tables below provide a list of the modules that make up your course.

Each module is worth a specified number of credits: you can take a combination of core and compulsory modules enabling you to cover key subject knowledge. Some courses have option modules which enable you to develop your own interests.

Your programme requires a certain number of credits. The number of option modules you can take depends on the number of core and compulsory modules and this is also influenced by the requirements of the regulatory requirements for professionally accredited courses. Some courses also have pre and co-requisites, and these are included in individual module information.

Your learning will be led by the latest research, and modules can change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. You can always find the most up-to-date information about your modules and who is teaching them via the information on our webpages and, post enrolment, via the Faculty hub.

If we have insufficient numbers of students interested in an option module, it may not be offered. If an option module will not be run, we will advise you as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.

The core and compulsory modules available on your course are as follows:

Part I NB University of Southampton Graduates should not take any module already taken as an undergraduate – advice from tutors should be sought. Please note that where a list of options has been given, this is an indicative list and we cannot guarantee to offer every option each year. You will be registered for the MSc Research Project module (30 ECTS). In addition to enabling you to complete a substantial piece of independent research, this module will provide you with training in research methodology including assessment of some elements. The module provides opportunities for training in scientific data analysis, team building exercises, science communication skills, safety training. You will also prepare a detailed Research Proposal to prepare for your proposed research project, in conjunction with the various parties involved in your project. The Research Proposal is expected to set out the project aims and give an estimate of the resources required. You will present the results of your project both orally as a scientific talk and as a written dissertation.
Part I Compulsory Modules
Code	Module Title	ECTS	Type
SOES6013	Introduction to Biological Oceanography 2024-25	3.75	Compulsory
SOES6015	Introduction to Chemical Oceanography 2024-25	3.75	Compulsory
SOES6016	Introduction to Marine Geology 2024-25	3.75	Compulsory
SOES6014	Introduction to Physical Oceanography 2024-25	3.75	Compulsory
SOES6018	MSc Key Skills and Literature Review 2024-25	7.5	Compulsory
SOES6039	MSc Research Project 2024-25	30	Compulsory
Part I Optional Modules Select five modules from the following:
Part I Optional Modules Rule 1 Select one module from the following:
Code	Module Title	ECTS	Type
SOES6092	Biological Data Science in R 2024-25	7.5	Optional
SOES6025	Computational Data Analysis for Ocean and Earth Scientists 2024-25	7.5	Optional
Part I Optional Modules Rule 2 Select one module from the following modules available in semester 1:
Code	Module Title	ECTS	Type
SOES6004	Advanced Exploration Geophysics 2024-25	7.5	Optional
SOES6007	Biogeochemical Cycles in the Earth System 2024-25	7.5	Optional
SOES6008	Deep Sea Ecology 2024-25	7.5	Optional
SOES6076	Marine Conservation and Policy 2024-25	7.5	Optional
SOES6080	Shelf Seas and Shelf Edge Dynamics 2024-25	7.5	Optional
Part I Optional Modules Rule 3 Select three modules from the following modules available in semester 2:
Code	Module Title	ECTS	Type
SOES6079	Climate and Climate Change 2024-25	7.5	Optional
SOES6021	Ecological Modelling 2024-25	7.5	Optional
SOES6005	Large Scale Ocean Processes and Climate 2024-25	7.5	Optional
SOES6085	Marine Microbial Ecology and Biotechnology 2024-25	7.5	Optional
SOES6082	Marine Reproduction 2024-25	7.5	Optional
SOES6011	Sea Level Rise and Coastal Management 2024-25	7.5	Optional
SOES6024	Seafloor Exploration and Surveying 2 2024-25	7.5	Optional

Learning and Teaching

Your overall workload consists of class contact hours, independent learning, and assessment activity, with each ECTS credit taken equivalent to 20 hours of student effort. While your actual contact hours may depend on the option modules you select, the information available on our webpages give an indication of how much time you will need to allocate to different activities.

When not attending lectures, seminars and other timetabled sessions you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking research in the library, preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and for other types of assessments and examinations.

Full information about contact hours is provided in individual module information.

How we'll assess you

Your course provides you with opportunities to test your understanding of the subject informally before you complete the formal assessments that count towards your module mark. Each module normally contains at least one piece of practice or formative assessment for which you receive feedback.

Formative assessments are developmental, and any results do not count towards your module mark, but they are an important part of your learning.

Summative assessments usually take place at the end of each module, although some may have interim assessments throughout. Assessment methods might include written examinations and a range of coursework assessments such as essays, reports, portfolios, performance, presentations and projects for example. The marks from summative assessments count towards your module mark.

The information available on our website gives an indication of the assessment methods used on your course.

Staff involved in delivering the different elements of the course

You will be taught by an experienced teaching team whose expertise and knowledge are closely matched to the content of the modules on your course. The team includes senior academics, professional practitioners with industry experience, demonstrators and technical officers.

Postgraduate research students who have undertaken appropriate training may also contribute to the teaching of seminars if their research specialism is directly related to the topic of the module and may also be involved in practical classes, project work and field trips. All contributions will be carried out under the supervision of the module leader.

Fees

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and standard exams.

Extra costs you may experience

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.

Depending on the nature of your course, you may be able to choose modules which may have additional costs, such as field studies, travel overseas or industrial placements which will change the overall cost of your course. Details of these costs can be found in module information.

Please also ensure you read the section on additional costs in the Fees, Charges and Expenses Regulations.

The following course-related costs are not included in your fees:

Type	Details
Calculators	Where a calculator is required, all Casio Calculators are allowed but they must be Non-Programmable, Scientific models. More information is available in the Examination Regulations https://www.southampton.ac.uk/studentadmin/assessment/assess-overview/exam-regulations.page
Stationery	You will be expected to provide your own day-to-day stationery items, e.g. pens, pencils, notebooks, etc. Any specialist stationery items that you may need will be specified in the relevant module profile.
Textbooks	Where a module specifies essential texts, the Library will identify the optimal option(s) to support the module via the course Reading List. This may include e-books (ideally with unlimited concurrent usage) or a digitised chapter extract, supported by a limited number of print books (where available). You may request that the Library purchases additional print copies via 'suggest a book', borrow an additional copy via our inter-library-loans service or you may prefer to buy your own copies for high demand titles.
Printing	In most cases, written coursework such as essays and projects are submitted online. However it may be necessary to submit a hard copy of some projects, business projects and dissertations. The costs of printing a hard copy for submission of such work will be your responsibility. You will also have to cover the cost of photocopying. https://www.southampton.ac.uk/isolutions/students/printing.
Clothing	Lab coats and safety spectacles are provided. Field course clothing: You will need to wear suitable clothing when attending field courses, e.g. waterproofs, walking boots. You can purchase these from any source.
Equipment and Materials	Laboratory Equipment and Materials: Laboratory equipment and consumables will be provided where appropriate.
Fieldwork: logistical costs	For compulsory residential fieldcourses accommodation and travel are normally provided. You are usually expected to cover the costs of food and drink, although some courses may include meals. For optional fieldcourses, you may be asked to make a contribution to the travel and/or accommodation costs. Additionally, if travelling abroad you may incur costs for travel and health insurance; visa costs; vaccinations/immunisation. Specific details on what additional costs there will be are detailed in the individual module profiles which can be found under the modules tab of the programmes details of the relevant academic unit. In addition, some modules may offer a one-day fieldcourse. Normally transport to the location is provided, but you will be expected to cover your food and drink costs for that day.
IT	Data Storage: Students are expected to provide their own data storage device Software Licenses: Will be provided by the University where appropriate. Hardware: It is advisable that students provide their own laptop or personal computer, although shared facilities are available across the University campus.

Bursaries, scholarships and other funding

We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from underrepresented backgrounds.

You may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs.

If you are a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.

You may be able to get a scholarship or grant that's linked to your chosen subject area.

Financial Support

The Student Services Centre offers support and advice regarding student finances. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course. You can find more information about financial support via our webpages: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/studentservices/money-matters/student-support-fund/index.page

Academic support

The Student Support Hub is your first point of contact when it comes to seeking support. The team will answer your questions or concerns about your wellbeing, fees and funding, accommodation and visas. The team will help make sure you receive the support you need, guiding you to further support services where required. You can find more information about student support via our webpages:

https://www.southampton.ac.uk/studentservices/index.page

One of the most important people you will meet while you are a student at Southampton is your Personal Academic Tutor, who will be allocated to you for your arrival at the University and who is normally a member of academic staff in your own or a closely related subject area. Your Personal Academic Tutor will offer one-to-one support and advice throughout your time at Southampton and will support you in your studies or with other issues you may have. You can find out more via our webpages:

https://www.southampton.ac.uk/studentadmin/academic-support-guidance/personal-tutor.page

Disclaimer

As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our courses to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. As a result, this course may be revised during a student's period of registration; however, any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Please read our Disclaimer to see why, when and how changes may be made to a student's course.