What is Oceanography and Oceanic Sciences?

Oceanography and Oceanic Sciences deal with the chemistry, physics, geology, and biology of the world’s oceans at all levels. It is an interdisciplinary science that includes studies of the chemistry of seawater, tides and currents, the sediments and underlying crustal structures of the ocean floor, and marine flora and fauna.

What do Oceanography and Oceanic Sciences students learn?

Like other scientists, oceanographers collect and interpret data, design experiments and equipment, and advance theories in an attempt to predict patterns and solve problems. Students also learn to work with the technology—including sonar, autonomous undersea vehicles (AUVs), and computer programs—involved in the study of the Earth’s oceans. They may choose to specialize in geological, physical, chemical or Atmospheric science programs may be combined with a variety of other programs such as chemistry, physics, computer science, and geology to enhance postgraduate studies or marketability in the workplace.

Provinces and Universities in Canada offering Oceanography and Oceanic Sciences Programs

British Columbia

Newfoundland

Quebec

Nova Scotia

Universities with Oceanography and Oceanic Sciences Programs in British Columbia

OceanographyGraduate Degree University of British Columbia

Universities with Oceanography and Oceanic Sciences Programs in Newfoundland

Physics and Physical OceanographyUndergraduate Degree Memorial University of Newfoundland

Masters/PhD in Physical OceanographyGraduate Degree Memorial University of Newfoundland

Universities with Oceanography and Oceanic Sciences Programs in Quebec

Atmospheric and Oceanic SciencesGraduate Degree McGill University

Atmospheric and Oceanic SciencesUndergraduate Degree McGill University

Universities with Oceanography and Oceanic Sciences Programs in Nova Scotia

Oceanography Undergraduate Degree University of King's College

Oceanography

Undergraduate Degree Dalhousie University

Graduate Studies in Oceanography Graduate Degree Dalhousie University

Prerequisites Needed to Study Oceanography and Oceanic Sciences in Canada

Admission requirements usually similar to those of a general B.Sc. program; recommended that students have a strong background in math

and science courses. Calculus and/or other advanced math courses should be taken at the high school level.

(Much of the work of professional oceanographers is pursued aboard ship or in laboratories. Beyond academia, there are also widening opportunities in industry, commerce and research for skilled environmental scientists such as oceanographers. Depending on a student’s specialization, oceanography graduates may pursue careers in a wide range of fields, or use their studies as a foundation for careers in economics, politics, education, public policy and law. )

UBC offers a careers page relating specifically to oceanography:https://www.careersonline.ubc.ca/student/major.cfm?go=view&major=52

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans is a major employer of oceanographers:http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/. Their employment page is here: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/faq-qer_e.htm#2.2

Dalhousie has a jobs in oceanography links site, though most of the links are more general: http://www.phys.ocean.dal.ca/hotlists/jobs.html