Advanced Oceanography Fieldwork

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Write a concise scientific report, describing the fieldwork and data analysis, drawing conclusions on shelf sea physics and biology synthesising previous data and relevant published studies.
• Evaluate in situ observations alongside remote observations and model predictions, for a holistic understanding of the shelf sea environment.
• Plan an oceanographic survey of an area of the shelf sea through careful evaluation of scientific objectives and logistical considerations.
• Work effectively within a group either as leader or member of that group to successfully undertake offshore survey work.
• Collect and analyse data to investigate environmental forcing within a system and identify interactions between physics and biology.

The module consists of a field course at the end of Semester 2 (mid/late May), following the exam period. Students will provide an oral debrief to staff following the fieldcourse alongside preparation of a cruise report. Students may choose to work on the analysis of physical and preliminary biological measurements, along with model predictions and remote sensing data, following return to Southampton. Students will be instructed in the analysis and interpretation of data. Each student will prepare an individual report, to be handed in with sufficient time allowed for marking before the exam board. The report should address the physical character of a shelf sea front and the associated biological productivity, using in situ and remote observations along with model predictions. Aspects of the remote sensing and modelling will be introduced through SOES3009.

Teaching and learning methods

In the field:

Fieldwork: A 2-3-day field course based in Falmouth or Plymouth, working up to 30 miles offshore on the research vessel Callista. Shore-based work will involve processing of data collected from Callista, partly in preparation for the following day. Strong weather contingency.

Formal Lectures: Lectures will provide instruction on: key processes; regional oceanography & survey strategy; instrumentation; modelling; data synthesis.

A wide range of support can be provided for those students who have further or specific learning and teaching needs.

Within this framework of scientific activity, the group will have to develop and build teamwork skills, delegate and organise within the group, and to manage time in an effective and constructive way, in order that all tasks are completed.

In Southampton:

Modelling and Remote acquisition of Observations: A model of the physics and biology of the shelf seas will be provided, along with facilities to remotely acquire data from the survey region. Modelling and satellite data analysis will be close to 'real-time'.

Additional support can be provided for those students who have further or specific needs.

Resources & Reading list

Textbooks

Simpson, J. and J. Sharples (2012). Introduction to the Physical and Biological Oceanography of Shelf Seas. Cambridge University Press.

Assessment strategy

Individual report (70%): A comprehensive analysis of the physics and biology of the shelf sea front around Plymouth at the time of the fieldwork, based on in situ measurements, laboratory analysis, model simulations and satellite data, discussed in the context of previous data and published literature. Up to 14 pages, 12-point font, 2.5cm margins all around, single-spaced. Hand in by end of term. Tests Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5

Cruise report (30%): a document presenting the details of where and when the group did what and who did it, and a record of data management/archiving, as well as post-fieldwork analysis. Collected in early S1. Tests Learning Outcomes 1,2,3

Post fieldwork debrief (Formative): An oral summary of activities carried out during the fieldcourse delivered in Plymouth on the boat. Tests Learning Outcomes 1,2

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal