Module OSX-4012:
Practical Oceanography-PO
Practical Oceanography-PO 2024-25
OSX-4012
2024-25
School of Ocean Sciences
Module - Semester 1
20 credits
Module Organiser:
Yueng-Djern Lenn
Overview
Practical experience gained of
- Offshore data collection: e.g. filtering water samples for suspended particulate matter and chlorophyll.
- Offshore data processing, data integration (data from ADCP, CTD, transmissometer etc.), report writing and scientific discussion on oceanographic processes
- Geographical Information System (GIS) software and MatLab
Classroom activities:
- Short course on GIS, geodesy and positioning
- Short course on ocean acoustics and remote sensing techniques
- Short course on numerical modelling
Assessment Strategy
Threshold Grades C- to C+ Performs only the basic processing necessary to display the survey data. Little or no wider interpretation or critical appraisal of the techniques employed. No consideration of the errors associated with the data. Tender document and interview reveals only the barest ideas of how to address the offshore site investigation problem given.
Good Grades B- to B+ Performs most of the processing necessary to display the survey data in the most meaningful way. Some attempt at interpretation and critical appraisal of the techniques employed. Consideration of the errors associated with the data, but incomplete appreciation of the implications of such errors. Tender document and interview reveals competency in terms of addressing the offshore site investigation problem given.
Excellent Grade A- or better Performs all the processing necessary to display the survey data and does so in novel ways. Wide ranging interpretation and thorough critical appraisal of the techniques employed. Consideration of the errors associated with the data and an appreciation of the implications of such errors to the final outcomes of the survey. Tender document and interview reveals thorough competency in terms of addressing the offshore site investigation problem given.
Learning Outcomes
- Conduct a range of Oceanographic and Geoscience surveys from the point of acquisition to the reporting stage.
- Critically analyse the underpinning acoustic theory and models used for interpretation
- Develop computer programs (and/or spreadsheets) to gain experience in developing computer solutions to practical problems
- Process and interpret the data sets acquired, via an integrated Geographic Information System
- Signal process and interpret acoustic Doppler current data, identifying signals of different frequency and forcing
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
45%
Due date
31/01/2025
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
30%
Due date
15/11/2024
Assessment method
Coursework
Assessment type
Summative
Description
Report:Tidal Modelling: modeling exercise and report.
Weighting
25%
Due date
08/12/2023