NB: Undergraduate courses in Oceanography are offered at Second-Year level.

Students interested in an undergraduate degree in Oceanography must Apply Online

For more information on the Application and Admission requirements for Undergraduate Studies, see the Faculty of Science website

Please consult the Science Faculty Handbook to select First Year Core Courses to major in Ocean & Atmosphere Science

SEA2004F PRINCIPLES OF OCEANOGRAPHY  24 NQF credits at HEQSF level 6

Convener: Dr K Altieri

Course entry requirements: BIO1004F/S or GEO1009F, CEM1000W.

Course outline: An introduction to the principles of oceanography, including an introduction to physical, biological and chemical oceanography, marine geology, and the ocean atmosphere system. The course comprises six 2-week modules, which cover the above topics. Oceanographic instrumentation and methods of data analysis will be covered in the tutorials and practicals.

Lecture times: Monday – Friday, 4th period

DP requirements: Attendance at  practicals and a class mark of at least 40%.

Assessment: Practicals and tests count 50%; one 3-hour examination written in June counts 50%. A subminimum of 40% in the examination is required

SEA2005S MARINE SYSTEMS  24 NQF credits at HEQSF level 6

Convener: Dr S Fawcett

Course entry requirements:  BIO1004F/S or GEO1009F, CEM1000W, SEA2004F

Course outline: Building on the principles of oceanography, this more advanced course will cover the main ocean and atmosphere systems. This includes an introduction to Earth system dynamics and the study of interactions between physical processes and major biogeochemical cycles. The physical forcing and ecosystem responses will be quantitatively illustrated for upwelling systems, oligotrophic systems, coastal systems around South Africa and the Southern Ocean. Emphasis will be on treating the systems in an integrative manner. The course comprises six 2-week modules, which cover the above topics. Methods of data sampling and analysis will be covered in the tutorials and practicals.

Lecture times: Monday – Friday, 4th period

DP requirements: Attendance at tutorials and practicals, and a class mark of at least 40%.

Assessment: Practicals and tests count 50%; one 3-hour examination written in October counts 50%. A subminimum of 40% in the examination is required.

SEA3004F OCEAN & ATMOSPHERE DYNAMICS  36 NQF credits at HEQSF level 7

Convener: Associate Professor M Vichi

Course entry requirements: PHY1031F or equivalent, BIO1004S or GEO1009F, CEM1000W, SEA2004F, SEA2005S.

Course outline: The Ocean & Atmosphere dynamics course will begin to specialise in advanced material related to physical oceanography, atmospheric science and climate. These topics will include a quantitative approach to ocean/atmosphere dynamics, theories of circulation and the development of ocean and atmospheric weather systems, coupled ocean/atmosphere processes, interactions and feedbacks with the carbon cycle in the earth system and climate change. Methods of analysis of both observations and model data will be covered in the tutorials and practicals.

Lecture times: Monday – Friday, 4th period

DP requirements: Attendance at tutorials and practicals, and a class mark of at least 40%.

Assessment: Tutorials/practicals and tests count 40%; one 3-hour examination written in October counts 60%. A sub-minimum of 40% in the examination is required.