Observing the Ocean from Micro to Macro Scale

The course can be taken as a freestanding course or as an elective course in a Master's Programme.

The course is part of the following programme: 1) Master's Programme in Physical Oceanography (N2FOC)

120 credits in the field of Science where at least 60 credits must be in the fields of Mathematics, Physics, Physical Oceanography, Meteorology or equivalent knowledge. Alternatively; Bachelor's Degree (180 credits) in Marine Sciences, including 15 credits within Physical Oceanography or equivalent knowledge. Applicants must prove their knowledge of English: English 6/English B from Swedish Upper Secondary School or the equivalent level of an internationally recognized test, for example TOEFL, IELTS.

The course provides an understanding of key ocean processes that impact its motion and the scales at which they occur. The content is framed towards methods available for 21st century ocean sciences.

The course will cover the importance of the different scales that processes occur in space and time, including micro-scale mixing processes and large-scale geostrophic flows.

The course will include a field work element, where students are expected to take the theoretical knowledge and design a field experiment using available access to a research ship and scientific equipment/sensors. The students will then use the collected field observations to complete tasks in analyzing and interpreting the data given the theoretical framework.

Sub-courses:

1. Theory of oceanographic processes (7.5 credits). Grading scale: Pass with Distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U). Advanced theory related to processes and motions evolving from large scale horizontal gradients. The theoretical framework will cover aspects such as geostrophy and transport capacity of large-scale currents on various seabed geometries (e.g. a coast and a deep channel). Advanced theory related to vertical ocean processes. These include upper ocean processes (air-sea interaction, mixed layer development and theory) and forms of ocean mixing (internal wave breaking, wind induced mixing).
2. Project work and field studies (7.5 credits). Grading scale: Pass with Distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U). The students will independently plan, perform and report/evaluate a field experiment from a research vessel at sea. Horizontal and vertical processes will quantified using advanced observational techniques. Obtained data will be analysed to quantify processes, which will be presented as a report and/or presented orally.

The lecturer(es) participation will mainly be in the form of discussion sessions and assistance with data analysis/reporting.

The course consists of two parts: 1. Theory and 2. Practical field experiments.

On successful completion of the course the student will be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

• Understand the different scales of physical processes in the ocean that govern circulation. Perceive relevance of these processes to climate, ecosystems and/or societal impacts
• Understand the basic physical force balance in large-scale flows
• Understand the basic small-scale processes that govern vertical exchanges in the upper ocean mixed layer
• Knowledge of the various available methods for observing ocean processes, and their advantages and disadvantages in particular with regard to the scales on which processes occur

Competence and skills

• Relate taught theory to real ocean dynamics and applications
• Independently plan a field experiment with purpose to observe one particular oceanographic process
• Practical skills using ocean observing tools (ship, instruments, available platforms)
• Competence in using the various tools for data analysis available (using forms of programming language)
• Present the results of the field experiment in written and oral form

Judgement and approach

• Evaluate the scales of different ocean processes, their uncertainty and how important they are to large scale ocean circulation/processes and climate
• Formulate and solve simple oceanographic process equations using observed data
• Assess how theoretical and observed ocean processes can be observed in the 21st Century.
• Critically evaluate scientific articles and contribute to research discussions
• Evaluate observations results, apply critical thinking to results and explain their limitations

The teaching consists of lectures, related exercises and specialised seminars, which will take place intermittently through the course. Intermittent literature group exercises will be completed and submitted or presented for assessment. The first part of the course ends with a written exam.

Project and field work consists of: Lectures in which instruments, analyses methods and optimal field experiment planning are presented. Field planning and connection to theoretical knowledge of the processes to be observed will be conducted in groups. The course includes one week of (mandatory) field work at sea. The results of the field work will be presented and examined through written report and oral presentations.

Language of instruction: English

Sub-course 1: Course assessment is made through written examinations, submission of exercises, and reporting of article review and report in either written or oral form, or both. To pass part 1 of the course requires approved results on the exam and approved assignments.

Sub-course 2: Course assessment is made through active participation in the compulsory moments and approved written field work report and oral presentation and discussion.

Mandatory elements: Participation in field experiments, as well as presentation of report and article review are mandatory.

For students who have not passed the regular examination, additional examination sessions are offered. Possibilities to supplement failed compulsory components are limited, and are determined in consultation with course coordinator.

If a student who has been failed twice for the same examination element wishes to change examiner before the next examination session, such a request is to be granted unless there are specific reasons to the contrary (Chapter 6 Section 22 HF).

If a student has received a certificate of disability study support from the University of Gothenburg with a recommendation of adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment, an examiner may decide, if this is consistent with the course’s intended learning outcomes and provided that no unreasonable resources would be needed, to grant the student adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment.

If a course has been discontinued or undergone major changes, the student must be offered at least two examination sessions in addition to ordinary examination sessions. These sessions are to be spread over a period of at least one year but no more than two years after the course has been discontinued/changed.

If a student has been notified that they fulfil the requirements for being a student at Riksidrottsuniversitetet (RIU student), to combine elite sports activities with studies, the examiner is entitled to decide on adaptation of examinations if this is done in accordance with the Local rules regarding RIU students at the University of Gothenburg.

The grading scale comprises: Pass with Distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U).

For sub-course 1, the grades are VG, G and U. For G to be achieved, G is required for the exam and over 60% of the assignments need to be completed. For VG to be achieved, VG is required for the exam and completion of all assignments.

For sub-course 2, the grades are VG, G and U. Grading are provided for the individual report and presentation in this part of the course.

On the whole course, the grades are VG, G and U. For G to be achieved, G is required for parts 1 and 2. For VG to be achieved, VG is required for parts 1 and 2.

Concerning application of the ECTS scale for grade please see the decision of Vice-chancellor 28/05/2007, dnr G 8 1976/07 and 28/02/2011, dnr O 2009/0554.

A written and/or oral evaluation is carried out at the end of the course. In the written evaluation, the student is anonymous.

The results of and possible changes to the course will be shared with students who participated in the evaluation and students who are starting the course.

The course includes almost one week of mandatory field work at sea.