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Why Study Ocean Sciences?
The need to identify and exploit new food and energy sources against a backdrop of the threats posed by global warming make ocean sciences very much a subject of the future. It is all about identifying problems and finding solutions.
Understanding how the oceans work is key to predicting how our planet is going to respond to our warming climate. It is also important if we are to efficiently harness the huge but largely untapped potential of renewable tidal energy. By studying the physics of the ocean, you will learn about how the ocean works and interacts with other elements of the Earth System, the atmosphere and cryosphere. You will also learn about how to observe the ocean, both from ships and from space, and to develop numerical models for the prediction of the ocean.
You will gain the tools to be able to tackle important problems linked to climate change and to extracting energy from the ocean.
- We are one of the largest university centres teaching marine sciences in Britain and is one of the biggest in Europe.
- We are situated within a few metres of the sea, ideal for developing skills in estuaries, on the sea shore and at sea.
- We have a £3.5m ocean-going research ship.
Watch - Study Ocean Sciences
Lauren talks about studying ocean sciences in one of the largest university Marine Science departments in Europe. Located on the shores of the Menai Strait, the School is the ideal place to study marine and ocean sciences and even has its own research ship, the Prince Madog.
Student Profile Wil Chidley
BSc Physical Geography and Oceanography
"I chose to study at Bangor as the University’s Ocean Sciences department is internationally renowned."
Got any questions? Chat to students and staff
Do you have a question about life as a Bangor University student? Our ambassadors will be happy to help you find the answer.
They can tell you more about studying here, about the amazing Clubs and Societies we have, and how they made friends and settled in to life at university as an Ocean Sciences student.
If you have any questions about the course, our lecturers are on hand to help. Below are some examples of frequently asked questions. Can you think of any more?
- What are the qualities of a successful Ocean Science student at Bangor?
- How can I prepare myself to study Ocean Science at Bangor?
- How will I know that Ocean Science at Bangor is the right choice for me?
Our Research in Ocean Sciences
Ocean Science research at Bangor University spans the globe. Our world-leading research looks to identify the causes of Arctic Sea ice retreat and the impact of global warming and plastic pollution on tropic coral reefs. In collaboration with the British Antarctic Survey and others we have recently found worrying levels of microplastics in pristine Antarctic fjords.
Our research delves into the Earth’s history. We have developed techniques to quantify past climates on the planet and use complex numerical models to look at the key processes driving those past climates. We have recently identified a ‘tidal super cycle’ linked to continental drift and now understand how tides might have influenced evolution of life on Earth. We have worked in collaboration with NASA to examine the role ocean tides in the evolution of an early Venus.
We are also a leading institute for research into fisheries science and the generation of tidal renewable energy.
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