This course will introduce students to the fundamentals of physical and biological oceanography. It will emphasise the critical importance of the Oceanic environment in driving biogeochemical cycles on local, regional and global scales. The course will cover a broad spectrum from ocean circulation and climate interactions, oceanic geology, coastal processes, oceanic biomes, nutrient movements and cycling, and marine pollution.

Lectures (15 x 1 hour sessions)

Three laboratory sessions (1 x lab of 2 hours, 2 x self study - 2 hours each)

Two online tests (2 x 45 minute)

GEOG4104, GEOG4105, GEOG4116

Two open book online Moodle quizzes completed at home at a specified time (15% each, 30% total)

Oceanography grant writing exercise (70%)

■ To introduce students to the fundamentals of oceanic importance at a global scale.

■ To provide an understanding of dynamic interactions between the oceans, biosphere, atmosphere and hydrosphere.

■ To provide an understanding of the biogeochemistry of the oceans.

■ To critically examine the changing oceanic state under anthropogenic influences and its influence on the physical and biological components.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Discuss the similarities and differences, including formative processes of the Earth's oceans.

■ Describe the diversity and distribution of life in the oceans.

■ Critically evaluate the physical processes of oceanic water dynamics including wave formation, tides and thermohaline circulation.

■ Analyse what drives patterns of primary and secondary marine productivity.

■ Discuss the properties of different marine provinces.

■ Critically assess the dynamic interaction and inter-dependence of the oceans and atmosphere.

■ Explain the effects and feedbacks caused by increasing atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations.

■ Critically assess the anthropogenic impact on marine biological ecosystems.