Module OSX-4408:
Field & Lab Oceanography
Field & Lab Oceanography 2024-25
OSX-4408
2024-25
School of Ocean Sciences
Module - Semester 1
20 credits
Module Organiser:
Yueng-Djern Lenn
Overview
This course provides practical instruction into the conduct of oceanographic research in the field and laboratory.
Topics covered includes: Characteristics and uses of oceanographic and geophysical instrumentation: characteristics. Acquisition and methods of analysis of the geophysical and oceanographic data for science. Laboratory demonstrations of geophysical theories and principles.
Assessment Strategy
-threshold - Pass - A basic appreciation of the data collection and analysis techniques used in field and laboratory oceanography. Basic ability to master some simple computer techniques associated with programming and data analysis.Basic ability to solve numerical problems using appropriate techniques and to interpret the results.Complete all practical reports, deriving some sort of an answer in each case.
-good - Merit - Able to appreciate the data collection and analysis techniques used in physical oceanography. Able to master some simple computer techniques associated with programming and data analysis. Good ability to solve numerical problems using appropriate techniques, and to interpret the results.Threshold plus numerically correct assignment work in which an interpretation of the results is attempted.
-excellent - Distinction - Considerable appreciation of the data collection and analysis techniques used in physical oceanography. Considerable ability to master some simple computer techniques associated with programming and data analysis. Thorough ability to define and solve numerical problems using appropriate techniques, and to interpret the results.Good plus the ability to solve problem and provide a robust interpretation of the results.
Learning Outcomes
- Conduct a range of oceanographic surveys from the point of acquisition to the reporting stage.
- Critically analyse the underpinning oceanographic theory and models used for interpretation
- Devise and develop a scientific project to test fundamental geophysical theories by building a case for support for a scientific project. Clearly outlining aims, objectives, methodology, risks and deliverables, as well as providing a detailed budget and a justification of resources.
- Implement signal processing techniques on acoustic Doppler current profiler data to separate signals of different frequency
- Process and interpret data using the Geographic Information System framework
Assessment method
Coursework
Assessment type
Summative
Description
ArcGIS exercise to visualize and analyse in 3D a high-resolution seabed bathymetry dataset. To complete this assignment, students fill out an answer booklet with text and figures.
Weighting
25%
Due date
08/11/2021
Assessment method
Coursework
Assessment type
Summative
Description
Proposal writing exercise where students produce a budget and a scientific proposal for new research. The proposal should include text and figures and tables within a 4-page limit as per UKRI requirements, plus a 1 page justification of resources and a budget.
Weighting
25%
Due date
13/12/2021
Assessment method
Coursework
Assessment type
Summative
Description
Fieldwork/cruise report: This assignment includes a group work element to report and quality control the data collection, and an individual analysis of the data. Students are required to declare authorship of the cruise report sections they contribute to. Each section is marked out of 100 and then the average of all the sections contributed to by each student is their group mark worth 40% of the assignment. There is an additional 10% awarded for contribution in the case of students who have contributed to many sections. And 50% of the report is marked on the individual analysis.
Weighting
40%
Due date
23/01/2023
Assessment method
Exam (Centrally Scheduled)
Assessment type
Summative
Description
Online Signal Processing Test: students are first required to complete the ADCP signal processing assignment that will push them to quality control the data and then perform spectral analysis to identify dominant frequencies in the ocean currents. The MCQ test requires critical analysis of their results.
Weighting
10%
Due date
21/11/2022