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DEGREE REGULATIONS & PROGRAMMES OF STUDY 2011/2012
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DRPS : Course Catalogue : School of Geosciences : Earth Science

Undergraduate Course: Oceanography (EASC08004)

Course Outline
SchoolSchool of Geosciences CollegeCollege of Science and Engineering
Course typeStandard AvailabilityAvailable to all students
Credit level (Normal year taken)SCQF Level 8 (Year 2 Undergraduate) Credits20
Home subject areaEarth Science Other subject areaNone
Course website None Taught in Gaelic?No
Course descriptionOceanography is designed to provide a comprehensive introduction to all branches of Oceanography, namely physical, biological, chemical and geological oceanography, for science students. While introducing the basic principles the course also aims to provide a solid foundation for marine aspects of advanced courses in environmental sciences, geography, sedimentology, marine geology, ecology and meteorology. The course is formally divided into physical, biological, chemical and geological oceanography but the multi-disciplinary nature of ocean sciences is emphasized through out the course by highlighting the links between disciplines.
In this course you will find out about ocean currents, both wind-driven surface currents and deep ocean currents driven by the effects of temperature and dissolved salts on water buoyancy. The oceans play an important part transporting heat from low to high latitudes to maintain a balance in the global heat budget. The biological part reviews the different life forms found in the oceans, looking particularly at issues relating to biological productivity and biological diversity, adaptation of life forms and differences between various marine ecosystems. The chemical part will look at the properties of water, the chemical make up of salt, the distribution of dissolved gases and nutrients in the ocean which are vital for life, and the biological and physical factors that govern thier occurrence. This set of lectures will also tackle how the ocean functions as a self-regulating system while highlighting the unique role the ocean plays in maintaining Earth's climate to be hospitable. Human impact on the marine environment is also discussed. The geological oceanography deals with the structure and the development of ocean basins, their bedrock geology and the influx of sediments. How ocean circulation and climate changes of the past are recorded in ocean sediments and mineral resources are also discussed.
Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
Pre-requisites Co-requisites
Prohibited Combinations Other requirements None
Additional Costs None
Information for Visiting Students
Pre-requisitesNone
Displayed in Visiting Students Prospectus?Yes
Course Delivery Information
Delivery period: 2011/12 Semester 2, Available to all students (SV1) WebCT enabled:  Yes Quota:  None
Location Activity Description Weeks Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
King's BuildingsLaboratory1-11 14:00 - 17:00or 14:00 - 17:00
King's BuildingsLecture1-11 12:10 - 13:00
King's BuildingsLecture1-11 11:10 - 12:00
King's BuildingsLecture1-11 11:10 - 12:00
First Class Week 18, Tuesday, 12:10 - 13:00, Zone: King's Buildings. LT201, Grant Institute
Additional information 3 hour(s) per week for 6 week(s).
Exam Information
Exam Diet Paper Name Hours:Minutes
Main Exam Diet S2 (April/May)3:00
Resit Exam Diet (August)3:00
Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes
1. A comprehensive understanding of all the branches of Oceanography: physical, biological, chemical and geological oceanography
2. An awareness of the multi-disciplinary nature of ocean sciences
3. Knowledge of the classification of marine organisms and their habitat
4. Knowledge of marine food webs: their structures and functions
5. Knowledge of surface and deep ocean circulation and their driving mechanisms, the composition of sea water and its properties as well as an understanding of the chemical cycles in the ocean and their evolution
6. Understanding of mechanisms generating ocean bathymetry and sedimentation
7. Knowledge of human impacts on marine environments and resources
8. Understanding of the ocean&©s role in global change
9. Practise of routine lines of enquiry using a range of appropriate methods in the practical classes to produce evidence-based solutions
Assessment Information
Written examinations.
Special Arrangements
None
Additional Information
Academic description Not entered
Syllabus Not entered
Transferable skills Not entered
Reading list Not entered
Study Abroad Not entered
Study Pattern Not entered
KeywordsOcean
Contacts
Course organiserDr Simon Jung
Tel:
Email: simon.jung@ed.ac.uk
Course secretaryMrs Nicola Muir
Tel: (0131 6)50 4842
Email: Nikki.Muir@ed.ac.uk
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© Copyright 2011 The University of Edinburgh - 16 January 2012 5:53 am