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Study plan for MAMN-GFMB Marine biogeochemistry, spring 2024

Name of qualification

Master of Science in Meteorology and Oceanography

ECTS Credits

Two years of full-time study, where the normal workload for a full-time student is 60 credits for one academic year.

Semester

Autumn

Objectives and content

The master's program in meteorology and oceanography with a spezialisation in marine biogeochemistry gives the student a deep understanding of the ocean's chemical composition, i.e., different substances, whathow biogeochemical processes affect element, and how these are linked to climate and climate change. The study covers how chemical substances in the ocean are distributed, and how these are affected by various processes. These include vertical mixing, transport, biological activity and gas exchange between atmosphere and ocean, as well as the use of chemical tracers to quantify mixing processes. The study program examines how the carbon cycle is affected by natural and man-made climate changes, such as changes in carbon dioxide uptake and ocean acidification. The program also covers the use of advanced statistical and numerical methods, measurements and theoretical analysis, as well as communication to a scientific audience. The master's thesis provides an advanced and deep understanding of a selected marine biogeochemical subject. The master's thesis is an independent research project, and a central part of the master's study, where the student, under guidance, contributes new knowledge.

Required Learning Outcomes

On completion of the programme the candidate should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The candidate

  • can use the terminology of biogeochemical cycles and gas exchange in the sea, and their role in the climate system, as well as demonstrate related advanced knowledge
  • knows of and can evaluate current marine biogeochemical research and debate within the associated disciplines
  • knows the societal relevance and challenges within Earth system modelling, aquaculture, and marine research
  • has advanced knowledge of chemical, mathematical, statistical and numerical methods for analyzing geophysical data
  • knows interdisciplinary problems with related disciplines, such as climate dynamics, meteorology, physical oceanography, informatics, and geoscience

Skills

The candidate

  • can use advanced oceanographic instruments to perform reliable measurements and understands the underlying measurement principle as well as sources of uncertainty
  • can critically assess data quality and geophysical information sources, and works systematically with measurement errors and uncertainties from measurements
  • can use advanced chemical, mathematical and statistical methods for the analysis and visualization of oceanographic problems, in particular using programming languages
  • can carry out an independent research project under guidance
  • can apply their knowledge to new scientific problems within meteorologymarine biogeochemistry and associated disciplines

General competence

The candidate

  • can formulate and discuss analytical strategies and carry out analyzes of complex problems
  • can work with marine biochemical problems individually and in groups
  • can analyze, interpret and discuss their own results in a scientifically sound and critical way
  • can present orally and in writing, and explain and discuss complex problems with colleagues
  • has knowledge of and respects scientific values such as openness, precision and responsibility, and knows the difference between scientific knowledge and opinion

Admission Requirements

Bachelor¿s program in Meteorology, Oceanography, Climate Physics or similar.

Bachelor's degrees in applied mathematics or physics may qualify, if they include at least 20 credits from atmosphere and ocean sciences, or theoretical and applied fluid mechanics. A bachelor's degree in physics with solid knowledge in fluid mechanics will also be considered.

You also need to document:

Recommended previous knowledge

You must have completed a BSc in meteorology and oceanography or in an equivalent field. You need competence in meteorology, including basics in climate and atmospheric physics. You should have basic knowledge about theoretical and experimental aspects of meteorology as well as in computer programming and data analysis. Thorough background in mathematics (linear algebra, partial differential equations, function theory, Fourier analysis, statistics), as well as in physics (thermodynamics, fluiddynamics, and classical mechanics, continuum mechanics), are recommended.

Compulsory units

The master's programme consists of two components: Coursework of 60 credits and an individual research project (master's thesis) of 60 credits.

The courses GEOF336, and GEOF347 are compulsory. In addition, there are 45 credits of elective courses, chosen in agreement with the academic supervisor.

4. semester: Thesis
3. semester: Thesis
2. semester: GEOF336 , elective courses
1. semester: GEOF347, elective courses

Master's thesis: GEOF399 Master's thesis in meteorology and oceanography of 60 credits. It is recommended that the Master's thesis is started in the third semester. The Master's thesis must be submitted within a deadline at the end of the fourth semester, 20 November or 1 June. It is possible to write a master's thesis with supervisors from external research institutes or subject-relevant companies.

Recommended electives

45 course credits in the Master's programme are elective and have to be chosen in agreement with the supervisor. The courses GEOF301, GEOF310, GEOF337, GEOF338 and GEOV331 are among the most relevant courses.

Sequential Requirements, courses

The recommended sequence of the courses in the programme can be found under the heading "Compulsory units".

Study period abroad

Teaching in the master's program courses takes place in the form of lectures, seminars, experiments, fieldwork, scientific cruises, calculation exercises, group exercises, computer exercises, discussions and presentations. The Geophysical Institute has a focus on using active teaching methods and including the students in decisions concerning individual subjects and the study program. Details about the courses can be found in the course description. The master's thesis is an independent scientific work, which is carried out under the guidance of a professional supervisor.

Teaching and learning methods

A combination of teaching and learning methods are used in the various courses, including lectures, seminars, work with practical modelling, exercise, supervision of semester thesis and presentation, one day with student presentations of semester thesis, hands-on laboratory activities, field trip. More information is provided in the course description.

The Master's thesis is an independently scientific work, under supervision of an academic supervisor.

Assessment methods

Assessment of the courses in the master's program is a combination of written and oral exams, written reports or other submissions, approved participation in teaching and fieldwork, and oral presentations. The students also receive continuous feedback. The assessment forms for each course included in the master's program are described in more detail in the course description. The master's thesis is assessed by an expert committee. The study is concluded with an oral master's degree examination after the master's thesis has been submitted and has been assessed and approved as part of the master's thesis.

Grading scale

At UiB the grades are given in one of two possible grading scales: passed/failed and A to F.

The master¿s thesis will be graded A to F.

The grading scale for each course is given in the course description.

Diploma and Diploma supplement

The Diploma, in Norwegian, and the Diploma Supplement, in English, will be issued when the degree is completed.

Access to further studies

To be eligible for admission to the Doctoral education (PhD) the candidate must have completed a master¿s degree.

To qualify for the Doctoral education (PhD) at UiB the average grade for the master's thesis, the Master's degree and the bachelor's degree should be at least C.

In order to get enrolled you have to be granted a fellowship for doctoral training.

Employability

With a master's degree in marine biogeochemistry, you are in high demand. In addition to recognized and sought-after professional expertise, you will gain the necessary skills for the knowledge- and innovation-based working life such as coding, teamwork, project management and critical thinking. You can make a career in everything from consulting companies, via green innovation and public administration, to research and education. Tasks include consulting for business and social security; development, innovation and research for climate adaptation and sustainable social development; forecasting and management of renewable energy resources; planning and risk assessment within, for example, insurance, resource management, aquaculture, and agriculture. Experts in socially critical activities such as the monitoring of greenhouse gases, ocean acidification and climate change are always needed. Many of our students are therefore recruited into the aquaculture industry, to public knowledge providers such as the Institute of Marine Research, the Meteorological Institute, and the Norwegian Polar Institute, and to international innovation-oriented companies such as StormGeo. A master's degree in marine biogeochemistry provides a formal basis for admission to the PhD program and further research within marine biogeochemistry, climate dynamics, physical oceanography, and meteorology. You will also be well suited to carry out environmental and climate communication through various media, not least linked to a sustainable future. Last, but not least, together with pedagogical education, a master's degree can be used for a career as a lecturer and the education of future generations of natural scientists.

Evaluation

The programme will be evaluated according to the quality assurance system of the University of Bergen.

Programme committee

The programme committee is responsible for the academic content, the structure and the quality of the program

Administrative responsibility

The Geophysical institute is responsible for the programme.

More information: http://www.uib.no/gfi, studieveileder@gfi.uib.no

Contact information

Please contact the academic adviser for the program if you have any questions:

studieveileder@gfi.no

Phone: + 47 55 58 26 04