BSc (Hons) Ocean Exploration and Surveying

Your first year, shared across the Marine Science Undergraduate Scheme, introduces the full range of topics within the degree and develops your underpinning scientific knowledge and practical skills. You’ll develop your understanding of the Earth’s oceans and the key physical, chemical, and biological processes that occur in these systems. You’ll build practical skills and enhance your ability to analyse, present and interpret scientific data through field-based activities.

• OS101 Introduction to Ocean Science

• OS102 Physical and Chemical Processes of the Ocean

• OS103 Biology and Hydrography of the Ocean

• OS104 Measuring the Marine Environment

• OS105 Mapping the Marine Environment

• GEES1001PP Natural Hazards

• GEES1003PP Sustainable Futures

• GOV1000PP One Planet? Society and Sustainability

• OS106PP Our Ocean Planet

Your second year introduces specialist technology used offshore, including computerised mapping and analysis software. You'll cover marine positioning topics as well as developing an understanding of the physical coastal environment. The application of acoustics to measurement underwater provides a strong scientific background to the use of sonar and related remote sensing and surveying methods. You’ll also be able to broaden your studies by taking an option module in meteorology, remote sensing or scientific diving (for suitably qualified individuals).

• OS201 Global Ocean Processes

• OS202 Monitoring the Marine Environment

• OS203 Seafloor Mapping

• OS206 Researching the Marine Environment

• OS204 Waves, Tides and Coastal Dynamics

• OS205 Managing Human Impacts in the Marine Environment

• OS207 Scientific Diving

• OS208 Meteorology

• OS209 Marine Remote Sensing

Gain relevant industrial or workplace experience with the Ocean Science placement.

• BPIE338 Ocean Science Placement

The final year modules focus on hydrographic surveying in coastal and offshore environments, including surveying for ports, construction and exploration for hydrocarbons and minerals. You’ll participate in a residential field course to utilise and further develop your practical skills and be able to broaden your studies to include an option module, for example in marine pollution, marine policy and planning or coastal processes. A significant part of the year is spent completing a research project, carrying out your own in-depth investigation, potentially involving practical work, under the guidance of a member of academic staff.

• OS301 Ocean Science Research Project

• OS305 Coastal Survey

• OS316 Exploration for Energy and Minerals

• OS306 Coastal Geomorphology and Estuaries

• OS307 Marine Conservation Policy and Planning

• OS312 Marine Science Field Course (UK)

• OS313 Ocean Science and Marine Conservation Field Course

• OS314 Oceanography, Coastal Processes and Surveying Field Course

• OS315 Modelling Ocean and Climate Processes

Every undergraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the course aims, the course structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.