Course details

Summary

The Bachelor of Science (BSc) is a three-year undergraduate degree which enables each student to develop his or her own interests in a science subject (science major) and related subjects. Students have the flexibility to combine their major subject with other science subjects, as well as subjects from other disciplines across the University.

Nothing on this planet connects local, national and global issues as much as the ocean. Oceanography at Otago includes study in marine physics, chemistry and geology. It develops from large-scale global systems such as ocean circulation in first year to topical local issues such as dredging Otago Harbour in third year.

Our students develop a keen appreciation for the wonders and importance of the sea, alongside a strong commitment to mathematical modelling and complex problem-solving. Graduates with our Oceanography degree got on to study and work in oceanography in New Zealand and abroad.

Programme Requirements

Bachelor of Science (BSc) majoring in Oceanography

100-level

MARI 112 Global Marine Systems

Three 100-level BIOL, CELS, CHEM, COMO, EAOS, ECOL, GEOL, MATH, PHIL or PHSI papers

200-level

OCEN 201 Physical Oceanography

Three of AQFI 251, BTNY 203, CHEM 201, CHEM 204, COMO 204, ECOL 211, GEOG 298, GEOL 263, GEOL 272, GEOL 273, MARI 202, MATH 202, MATH 203, MATH 262, PHIL 225, PHSI 243, ZOOL 221.

300-level

OCEN 301 Practical and Field Oceanography

One of:

OCEN 321 Ocean Physics and Modelling

OCEN 322 Biological Oceanography

OCEN 323 Marine Geology and Geophysics

CHEM 365 Marine Biogeochemistry

Two of AQFI 352, CHEM 304, CHEM 365, COMO 303, GEOG 398, GEOL 363, GEOL 372, GEOL 373, MARI 301, MARI 302, MATH 304, OCEN 321, OCEN 322, OCEN 323, PHSI 336, PHSI 365, ZOOL 316, ZOOL 319

Plus

144 further points; must include 36 points at 200-level or above

Up to 90 points may be taken from outside Science

Note: Students should check the prerequisites for 300-level papers when selecting 200-level papers.

Total 360

Bachelor of Science with Honours (BSc(Hons)) is also available.

A specific aim of the Bachelor of Science with Honours (BSc(Hons)) degree is to develop advanced theoretical and research skills and in so doing to provide a platform for an advanced professional or academic career.

Entry criteria

The minimum requirement for students is the completion of a high school qualification plus satisfactory completion of one year's study at an approved tertiary institution or successful completion New Zealand Foundation Year programme.

We also accept the following International qualifications: International Baccalaureate: IB Diploma with a minimum of 26 points; GCE Advanced Levels: minimum grade of 8.

English Language Requirements:

IELTS score of 6.0 in the academic module (with no individual band below 6.0); Internet-based TOEFL Score of 80 (writing 20); Paper-based TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score of 550 (TWE 4.5); CIE Cambridge International Examinations Grade E or better in AS English; Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) - Overall score of 176 (with no individual band below 169); Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) - Overall score of 176 (with no individual band below 169); GCE 'A' Level or 'AS' Level English Language or English Literature - grade C or higher; GCE 'AS' Level General Paper (English) - grade C or higher; APIEL (Advanced Placement International English Language) Examination - grade 3 or higher; IB International Baccalaureate - English at Higher or Standard level in Language A: literature, Language A: language and literature, or at Higher level in Language B; Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic - Overall score of 58 with no communicative skills score below 50.