Applied Oceanography and Fieldwork

Learning Outcomes

During the fieldcourse, located in Plymouth, you will get three days sea time working from a variety of boats collecting samples and data that describe the marine chemistry, physics and biology of the estuarine and coastal environment around Plymouth and the Western Approaches. Each group will work from the top of the estuary to about 15 miles offshore during the fieldcourse. By the end of the course a dataset will exist describing the water-column characteristics for 12 days. Each of the undergraduate groups will work with their tutor and other staff to plan and execute each fieldwork day and subsequent sample and data analysis following the baotwork. Full analysis of the data sets will take place on return to Southampton in the Autumn term along with oral presentations of the group work. Learning to work within a group, taking a variety of roles and planning your activities within time and facility restrictions are all important skills that you will gain during the course. Lectures given during the course will assist you and your group in producing a clear and informative group logbook and data analysis. A group presentation outlining your results in which all students will present a section of the work (assessed) will take place in week 3 of Semester 1 of the following academic year. An individual holistic report (300 words maximum), describing the estuarine and coastal marine 'system' around Falmouth will be handed in December of the following academic year (assessed).

In Plymouth Fieldcourse: A 7 day field course based around Plymouth, working in the estuary and offshore. You will work from a variety of vessels from the top of the Falmouth estuary to 30km offshore. Laboratory Sessions: To complement the field sampling, lab sessions will work up the samples taken and analyse the data. Within this framework of scientific activity groups will have to develop and build teamwork skills, delegate and organise within the group, and to manage time in an effective and constructive way if all the tasks are to be completed. A wide range of support can be provided for those students who have further or specific learning and teaching needs. In Southampton Formal Lectures: Seven lectures will provide support for group working and time management skills, web page design and presentation skills (PowerPoint), and data analysis: Data analysis sessions: Sessions to guide students in data analysis as they prepare reports and presentations. Presentations: In week 3 of Semester 1 a group presentation. Additional support can be provided for those students who have further or specific needs.