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EMT326Sciences2 Unitsintermediate

Oceanography

This course introduces the fundamental principles of oceanography, exploring its history, the origin of oceans, and the composition of seawater. It examines ocean stratification, climatic regions, and the dynamics of ocean motion, including waves, tides, and currents. Further, the course delves into organic production, energy transfers, and the factors regulating marine life. It also covers biogeochemical cycles, the physics and chemistry of the ocean, oceanographic surveying techniques, and data management, providing a comprehensive understanding of ocean systems.

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208h
Study Time
13
Weeks
16h
Per Week
basic
Math Level
Course Keywords
OceanographyMarine BiologySeawaterOcean CurrentsBiogeochemical Cycles

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
➕
Math Level
Basic Math
🔬
Learning Type
Hands-on Practice

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

History of Oceanography

2

Ocean Stratification

3

Climatic Regions of the Ocean

4

Ocean Tides and Currents

5

Organic Production in the Sea

6

Biogeochemical Cycles

Total Topics6 topics

Requirements

Knowledge and skills recommended for success

Basic Biology

Basic Chemistry

Introductory Environmental Science

💡 Don't have all requirements? Don't worry! Many students successfully complete this course with basic preparation and dedication.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

Assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Tutor-Marked Assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Final Examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Marine Biologist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Oceanographer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Environmental Consultant

Apply your skills in this growing field

Fisheries Manager

Apply your skills in this growing field

Conservation Officer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

Environmental MonitoringFisheriesOil and GasMarine ConservationResearch

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Introduction to Oceanography

3h

Unit 1: Introduction to Oceanography

3 study hours
  • •Read Unit 1: Understand the definition and scope of oceanography.
  • •Explore the history of oceanographic studies and key figures.
  • •Examine the origin of the ocean and the composition of seawater.
Week
2

Module 1: Introduction to Oceanography

3h

Unit 2: Ocean Stratification

3 study hours
  • •Study the different layers of the open ocean.
  • •Analyze the ocean surface conditions and their variations.
  • •Investigate the interaction between the ocean and the atmosphere.
Week
3

Module 1: Introduction to Oceanography

3h

Unit 3: Climatic Regions of the Ocean

3 study hours
  • •Learn about the climatic regions of the ocean based on temperature, salinity, evaporation, and precipitation.
  • •Understand the phenomenon of ice formation in the sea, including polar cap, pack ice, fast ice, and icebergs.
Week
4

Module 2: Ocean Dynamics and Resources

4h

Unit 4: The Ocean in Motion

4 study hours
  • •Differentiate between sea waves, ocean tides, and ocean currents.
  • •Explain the factors influencing the formation of waves, tides, and currents.
  • •Study the different types of currents under the Gyral system.
Week
5

Module 2: Ocean Dynamics and Resources

4h

Unit 5: Organic Production in the Sea

4 study hours
  • •Understand the process of photosynthesis in the ocean.
  • •Learn about the different trophic levels in the ocean.
  • •Explain the methods of measurement of primary production in the sea.
Week
6

Module 2: Ocean Dynamics and Resources

4h

Unit 6: Energy Transfers and Pyramids in the Sea

4 study hours
  • •Understand the process of energy production and accumulation in the sea.
  • •Explain the various modes of energy transfer pathways in the sea.
  • •Understand the different ecological pyramids.
Week
7

Module 3: Ocean Chemistry and Surveying

4h

Unit 7: Factors Regulating Production in the Sea

4 study hours
  • •Understand the factors responsible for the regulation of production in the sea, including light, temperature, and nutrients.
  • •Learn about organic production in different geographical zones of the sea.
Week
8

Module 3: Ocean Chemistry and Surveying

4h

Unit 8: Biogeochemical Cycles

4 study hours
  • •Understand the various biogeochemical cycles operating to maintain atmospheric and ecosystem balance.
  • •Learn about the concepts of budget associated with every cycle.
  • •Distinguish between static budgets and dynamic budgets.
Week
9

Module 3: Ocean Chemistry and Surveying

4h

Unit 9: Physics and Chemistry of the Ocean

4 study hours
  • •Understand the color of an object as a result of the absorption of wavelength.
  • •Understand the importance of light to the marine environment.
  • •Understand the presence or absence of other physical parameters to the chemistry of the ocean.
Week
10

Module 4: Ocean Resources and Data Management

4h

Unit 10: Oceanographic Surveying Techniques

4 study hours
  • •Understand the various oceanographic survey techniques.
  • •Learn about the various methods of ecological survey.
  • •Explore navigation systems such as GPS and speed logging systems.
Week
11

Module 4: Ocean Resources and Data Management

4h

Unit 11: Management of Data

4 study hours
  • •Understand the various methods used to conserve data received from the field.
  • •Learn about data and information management techniques, including simple tabulation, matrices, and GIS.
  • •Explore community structure indices.
Week
12

Module 4: Ocean Resources and Data Management

4h

Unit 12: Marine Resources

4 study hours
  • •Understand the various types of ocean resources, including renewable and non-renewable resources.
  • •Learn about the state of resources found in the ocean, such as food, aquaculture, and mineral resources.
  • •Understand the importance of the minerals from the Sub-Sea beds to humans.
Week
13

Module 4: Ocean Resources and Data Management

4h

Final Revision

4 study hours
  • •Review all units.
  • •Work on assignments.
  • •Prepare for final examinations.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create concept maps linking Units 5-7 on organic production and energy transfer.

2

Practice solving numerical problems from Units 4 and 9 on ocean motion and chemistry.

3

Review all Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs) and focus on areas where you had difficulty.

4

Form study groups to discuss complex topics like biogeochemical cycles (Unit 8).

5

Allocate specific time slots for each unit and stick to the recommended study schedule.

6

Focus on understanding the key terms and definitions from each unit.

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