Physical Oceanography

Overview

Key facts

The Physical Oceanography degree offered by the University of Bergen provides a broad foundation and a good understanding of current issues in the field. The programme covers topics from local (fjord, coastal and shelf circulation) to global scale. The study also covers the use of statistical and numerical methods, oceanographic observations, and theoretical analysis.

Required Learning Outcomes

On completion of the programme the candidate should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The candidate

• is able to explain the main features of physical oceanography and related subjects such as climate and meteorology, and has a thorough knowledge of a specialized subject in physical oceanography
• can use the most common instruments used in oceanographic field surveys, and has the ability to carry out and to communicate the related data analysis
• shows a good knowledge of and can apply statistical time-space methods used in analyses of geophysical data
• can analyse and interpret the interaction between the various components in the climate system
• is able to explain the main features of physical oceanography and related subjects such as meteorology and climate and has a thorough knowledge of a specialized subject in physical oceanography
• shows a good knowledge of relevant areas of mathematics, physics, computer science, geosciences, chemistry or meteorology and oceanography

Skills

The candidate

• can collect and analyse large data sets, discuss precision and accuracy and use programming tools to process and analyse data
• can apply developed skills in mathematics and statistics on oceanographic problems
• is able to plan and conduct an ocean research project with guidance from an academic supervisor, but with a great degree of independence and his/her own initiative and in accordance with good scientific practices
• can use modern analysis methods and instrumentation in his/her field

• can analyse, interpret and discuss his/her own results in a scientifically sound and critical way and in light of data and theories in his/her own field
• can analyse geophysical problems and is able to do calculations by using the experience gathered from hydrodynamics, classical mechanics, thermodynamics, numerical methods, and data analysis on other types of problems
• can present results in both oral and written form

General competence

The candidate

• can summarize field and laboratory work in a written report
• can formulate, analyse, interpret and discuss his/her own results in a scientifically sound and critical way and in light of data and theories in related research fields
• is able to write a scientific dissertation that adds new knowledge to a topic
• is able to analyse scientific problems in general and participate in discussions about different ways of addressing and solving problems
• demonstrates an understanding of and respect for scientific values such as transparency, precision and accountability
• can analyse and reflect upon relevant ethical problems related to the research