The Master's programme in Meteorology and Oceanography with specialization in Marine biogeochemistry gives the student a deep understanding of the distribution of the chemical components of the ocean, the cycling of key components, which chemical/biological/geological processes influencing the cycling, and how the cycles are coupled to climate and climate changes.
The Master's programme in Meteorology and Oceanography with specialization in Marine biogeochemistry provides a broad foundation and good understanding of current issues in the field. The study examines the distribution of chemical components into the ocean, their residence time and the ways in which they are transported. The student gets an overview of how different processes influence the chemistry of the ocean, including the role of vertical mixing, advection, biological processes and gas exchange between the air-sea interface. The study also discusses the use of chemical tracer elements to quantify the mixing processes in the ocean. Based on the natural cycling of carbon, the program addresses the link to climate and climate change and it analyses the human influence through changes in the ocean uptake of carbon dioxide and ocean acidification.
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 explain different chemical cycles in the ocean; e.g. carbon, oxygen, nutrients, silica, and trace elements such as iron
- is able to understand how these cycles are influenced by biogeochemical processes such as ocean circulation, biological processes, air-sea gas exchange and riverine input
- can explain how changes in the cycles are related to global change in past, present and future climates
- masters statistical methods and mathematical numeric modelling or chemical analytical work (depending on the Master's thesis topic chosen)
- is able to explain the main features of Marin biogeochemistry and related subjects such as physical oceanography, meteorology and climate, and has a thorough knowledge of a specialized topic in Marin biogeochemistry
- can use and is aware of the possibilities and limitations of the most common instruments in Marin biogeochemistry and has the ability to carry out related data analyses
Skills
The candidate
- can explain important parts of the above mentioned cycles
- knows the scientific terminology used in marin biogeochemisty, oceanography and meteorology
- is able to differentiate between processes caused by biology and physics
- can calculate or model changes in the cycles and differentiate between natural and anthropogenic changes
- is able to calculate or model how chemical substances change in time and space in the past, present and future
- can calculate or model the human influence on greenhouse gas emissions and the related ocean uptake
- has the ability to calculate or model the rate of ocean acidification
- can apply acquired knowledge on new scientific problems
- can present both written and oral reports
General competence
The candidate
- can explain key concepts in Marin biogeochemistry, and discuss similarities and differences between these
- knows and can acquire basic knowledge about experimental equipment and field activities in Marin biogeochemistry, and can implement, report and communicate subsequent data analysis
- can perform independent project work, and can write and present a final project report in accordance with good scientific practice
- can analyse, interpret and discuss own results in a scientific good and critical manner and in accordance with data and theories from related research fields
- can present key areas of meteorology and oceanography at the bachelor level.
- can analyse and reflect on current ethical issues related to the research
- demonstrates understanding and respect for scientific values such as transparency, precision and accountability
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