MRes in Ocean Science

Institution University of Southampton, Faculty of Engineering, Science and Mathematics, National Oceanography Centre, Southampton
Method At the institution
Location Southampton
Type Masters
Course fee By request

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MRes in Ocean Science

Objectives This course differs from the conventional MSc programme in the balance between teaching and research. MRes students spend more time on their research projects (about two-thirds of the year) and correspondingly less time devoted to formal instruction. The programme provides students with the opportunity to focus on a particular area of oceanography e.g. physical, chemical, or biological oceanography which may be influenced by the subject area of a first degree. In particular students will develop specific knowledge and skills in areas determined by a selected combination of modules and the nature of the substantial research project undertaken. The programme is taught by staff from across NOCS who draw on their topical cutting edge research to provide direct input into a challenging and stimulating degree programme.
Entry requirements At least a second-class Honours degree or equivalent in any scientific discipline (or equivalent) plus a minimum of AS-Level Mathematics (or equivalent).
Academic title MRes in Ocean Science
Course description MRes in Ocean Science Course Structure

The programme involves teaching activities occupying about one third of the programme and a research project occupying the remaining two-thirds of the programme. Semester one modules generally run from October to January. Semester two modules are taught in a 2-3 week intensive format between February and May.

The duration of the full-time programme is one year. Students undertake the taught component between October and May. The research component is undertaken throughout the whole year and normally completed with the submission of your dissertation by the end of September.

The duration of the part-time programme is between 2-5 years. Students normally undertake the taught component over two years. Semester two modules should be taken after Semester one modules. The research component is undertaken throughout the duration of you part-time registration. You will have up and until the September of your fifth year in which to complete your research and submit your dissertation.

Each taught module on this programme is normally worth between 7.5 and 15 credits which equates to 75 and 150 hours of study. For example, a 15 credit point module would normally comprise up to 60 hours contact teaching (lectures, practicals, etc.) with the remainder of the time for your own independent study.

Semester 1

Core Modules

Choose two from:

-Contemporary Topics
-Introduction to Biological Oceanography
-Introduction to Physical Oceanography
-Introduction to Chemical Oceanography
-Introduction to Marine GeologyOptional Modules

Choose one module from:

-Coastal Sediment Dynamics
-Large Scale Ocean Processes
-Biogeochemical Cycles in the Earth System
-Deep Sea Ecology
-Zooplankton Ecology and Processes
-Introductory Remote Sensing of the Oceans
-Computational Data Analysis for Geophysicists & Ocean Scientists
-International Maritime and Environmental Law

Semester 2

Optional Modules

Choose one from:

-Applied Coastal Sediment Dynamics OR
-High Resolution Marine Geophysics OR
-Global Ocean Monitoring
-Radar Remote Sensing of the Oceans OR
-Global Climate Cycles OR
-Reproduction in Marine Invertebrates
-Climate Dynamics OR
-Structure & Dynamics of Marine Communities OR
-Applied Biogeochemistry & Pollution
-Ecological Modelling OR
-Environmental Radioactivity & Radiochemistry OR
-UN Convention on the Law of the Seas