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School of Ocean Sciences

MSc in Physical Oceanography

Overview

"The MSc in Physical Oceanography at the University of Bangor, which has received NERC funding since 1965, meets a critical skills need in the UK for modellers and numerate environmental scientists."
NERC 4 Feb 2011

"The School of Ocean Science at Bangor...... is generally regarded as the best institute in Europe for physical oceanography."
New Scientist 22nd October 2008

This 12 month taught postgraduate course introduces students with a first degree in the physical, mathematical or other numerate sciences to the subject of Physical Oceanography. The course has run for over 40 years and is unique in the UK for the depth of physical oceanography training provided. As well as giving an overview of physical oceanography, the course enable students to study in detail those aspects of the subject for which they have particular interest.

The first two semesters of the course are taught, introducing the student to the physics of the ocean and its role in the climate system. Modules cover both oceanographic theory and its application, as well practical oceanography. The latter includes an introduction of state-of-the-art instrumentation, remote sensing, numerical modelling as well as practical experience working on small boats and the University's state-of-the-art research vessel, the Prince Madog. Student achievement in the course is evaluated by continuous assessment and module examinations.

During the second semester the student begins to focus on specific aspects of the subject, intially through an extensive literature review and then a research project. The research project, which forms a major component of the course, is selected in close consultation with the students to be of direct relevance to their intended future work. For overseas students, well founded projects based on investigations being undertaken in a home institute are encouraged.

To date most of our graduates have found challenging employment in the oceanographic or closely related fields. Many hold posts in the marine industries, particularly in consultancy companies that provide services in oceanography to the oil industry and companies concerned with engineering operations in shelf seas. There are opportunities in Government Laboratories and agencies with responsibility for estuarine and coastal waters. Many graduates have continued to higher degrees and an academic career.

Recent figures* show 50% of students taking MSc PO proceeded to a PhD, whilst 20% went straight into jobs in commercial oceanography and a further 10% got oceanography related jobs in the public sectors.

Some of the leading academics would have studied the Physical Oceanography MSc at Bangor:
Prof Stefan Romstorf (IPCC member and Nobel Laureate), Prof Edward Hill (Director of the National Oceanography Centre, Southampton), Drs Jonathan Sharples and Alex Souza (Proudman Oceanographic Laboratory, Liverpool), Drs Bob Marsh and Kate Stansfield (Southampton University), Dr Stuart Cunningham (National Oceanography Centre, Southampton), Drs Patrick Hyder and John Siddorn (Met Office), Dr Tim O'Hare (Plymouth University), Icarus Allen (Plymouth Marine Laboratory).

Leading oceanographers in the commerical world who studied Physical Oceanography MSc at Bangor include:
Kevin Deeming (MD METOC plc)
Rick Lailey (WNI Science & Engineering, W. Australia)
Hugh Agnew (Yeoman Marine Ltd)
Robin Stephens(Fugro GEOS UK)
Others major employers of Bangor MSc PO graduates include Fugro GEOS, EXXON, Shell and GeoLab BV.
* These figures are based on the 51 students who started the MSc Applied Physical Oceanography between 2000 and 2006.


Objectives

l. Provide a thorough training in the theory and application of physical oceanography.

2. Familiarize the student with modern oceanographic instrumentation and observational techniques.

3. Introduce state-of-the-art computational fluid dynamics, data analysis and fundamental modelling methods.

4. Provide the student with the practical experience and physical understanding necessary to address significant problems in the coastal ocean environment.

Course Director

The course director is Dr. Thomas Rippeth, who oversees course admissions, the programming of lectures and practicals, general day to day running of the course and allocation and management of European Social Fund and Natural Environment Research Council funding. The deputy course director is Dr. Dave Bowers. Dr. Rippeth and Dr. Bowers are available to help you with any general course related or welfare problems during your enrolment on the course. Specialist confidential assistance with many student difficulties is available by referral to central College facilities. Dr. Rippeths'' office is Room 202, Second Floor, Craig Mair Building. Office phone is 2293 (382293 when calling from an outside line). You may also email t.p.rippeth@bangor.ac.uk. In his absence, Dr. Bowers ( d.g.bowers@bangor.ac.uk) or any other member of the teaching staff will be happy to provide assistance.

Postgraduate Course Administrator

Sandie Hague administers the practical aspects of course affairs. All assignments will be handed in to Sandie who will enforce deadlines and maintain records of marking and turnaround of pieces of work. She will provide sympathetic help with any non-academic course related difficulties. Her office is adjacent to the postgraduate suite entrance on the top floor of Craig Mair. She can be reached at 2897. Her e-mail is s.hague@bangor.ac.uk .

External Examiner

The External Examiner is an independent academic from another University or Scientific Institute whose duties are to provide an independent check on the suitability of the syllabus and general level of the course, to ensure that assessment is at an appropriate level and to ensure that our marking is fair and reasonable. The External Examiner attends the Examiners' Meeting in May, when results for the taught portion of the course are decided. He or she normally interviews all of the students in confidence. Particular attention is given to any border line cases to make sure that they have an opportunity to present any special circumstances which might convince the Examiners that they should be upgraded. The External writes a report to the University each year on the conduct of the course and makes any formal suggestions for remedying shortcomings or improving the content. The final duty is to be an independent judge of the acceptability of the students' research theses for the degree of MSc. The External Examiner (from 20010-11) is Dr. Andrew Falkard of Lancaster University.

PO Study Room and PostGraduate Suite

The PO MSc Room, Postgraduate Suite, Craig Mair Extension is for exclusive use of students on the course. Most of the teaching will take place there, and you will use it as a base for your studies. A laboratory of 22 personal computers and peripherals connected to the School network is located in the postgraduate suite for the exclusive use of postgraduates. You will be issued with a key card to operate the door to SOS buildings for access out of office hours. Ensure that the main door is locked behind you on entering or leaving the building out of normal hours. The MSc room is closed with a digital lock, for which you will be given the code, but you should exercise due caution with personal valuables. You will be required to attend a Safety Briefing before being issued with any key card or code. It is important that you be aware of safety regulations which apply to your working conditions.

There are kitchen facilities and a common room in the MSc Suite, where you can relax and meet students from other courses. There are two other Coffee Rooms, one on the Ground Floor of the Craig Mair building and the other on the Top Floor of the Westbury Mount building, where drinks and a microwave oven are available. Regulations prohibit eating, drinking and smoking in the MSc room itself.

The Seminar room in the postgraduate suite is used for classes for common modules, where two of the Msc courses come together, and for student presentations. School seminars are also held there, as are various staff and other meetings (normally outside term). It is equipped with computer projector facility and houses about 70 persons.

Application Forms

Open the forms and print them. Complete, sign and return the application form to the address on the foot of the application.

Pass the reference form to your referee who should return it directly to the address given.

If you have any queries contact Dr. Rippeth at t.p.rippeth@bangor.ac.uk .

School of Ocean Sciences, Menai Bridge, Anglesey, LL59 5EY
UK Telephone : +44 (0)1248 382884 Fax : +44 (0)1248 382884

Please note: If you wish to apply for funding for the course, you are asked to contact either the postgraduate administrator, Sandie Hague (s.hague@bangor.ac.uk) BEFORE submitting your application.

Application form (pdf)

You can also download the form via http://www.bangor.ac.uk/courses/postgrad/apply.php.en?catid=&subid=1838