Courses

This module provides essential key skills training to MSc Global Marine Resource Management students within Ocean and Earth Science. 

Upon successful completion of this module, students should be able to

LO1.    Critically research, evaluate and synthesise the findings of peer-reviewed publications 
LO2.    Structure an academic literature review 
LO3.    Write a well-structured scientific report 
LO4.    Understand the scientific method, formulate research questions, hypotheses, aims and objectives 
LO5.    Understand the basis for planning research field or laboratory work to meet research objectives 
LO6.    Use data processing software to analyse datasets 
LO7.    Write articles that communicate research effectively to non-specialist audiences 
LO8.    Work as a Team 
 

This module is designed for graduates in any science discipline embarking on postgraduate taught studies in Ocean and Earth Science. The module provides an introduction to the biological, chemical, physical and geological characteristics and processes of marine systems. Key concepts and principles relating to these four different topic areas will be introduced, with a further emphasis on how the different components interact. Experience of collecting data at sea and in the laboratory will be provided, alongside opportunities for practical analysis and interpretation of example datasets spanning the range of topic areas.

The module covers, at advanced level, three topics that are central to applied geophysics in the marine environment. The first is reflection seismology; the second is potential field methods; and the third is marine electromagnetic surveying. The study of reflection seismology accounts for just less than half of the course. Basic seismic processing operations are introduced, including correlation, convolution, deconvolution, frequency filtering and migration. Strong emphasis is placed on the applications of spectral analysis using Fourier based methods. The module uses examples from hydrocarbon exploration and continental margin studies, including seismic stratigraphy, methods of reservoir identification and 3D surveying. Practical exercises include both seismic processing and interpretation.

In the second part of the module the application of potential field theory to geophysical exploration is discussed, with a particular emphasis on gravity and magnetic surveying. Advanced methods for anomaly separation and filtering, based on spectral analysis and spatial derivatives, are introduced. Different approaches are reviewed and practical experience is gained through computer modelling and analysis exercises. The particular problems of marine and airborne surveying and data processing are addressed.

The third component provides an overview of controlled source electromagnetic methods, as applied in marine survey operations. Both the underlying theory and the fundamentals of data acquisition and processing are addressed. Computer-based practical exercises provide experience in modelling marine controlled source electromagnetic datasets, and examining the sensitivity of this type of data to resistivity anomalies in the sub-surface.

This module examines in greater depth the sources, sinks and cycles of chemical constituents in the Earth System, particularly the Ocean, with particular reference to processes at the ocean boundaries, the role of particle fluxes and scavenging in removing and redistributing material, and the interactions of biological, geological, chemical and physical oceanographic phenomena. It covers in detail aspects of the geochemical cycles of some trace elements and major biogeochemical elements that exemplify the range of geochemical processes in marine environments. It examines major nutrient cycles as a whole, and their homeostatic regulation. There is a particular focus on the ocean carbon cycle and ocean acidification. Consideration of processes at the ocean boundaries focuses mainly on the coupling of the ocean and atmosphere as geochemical systems, and the fluxes of aerosols and gases, and on the chemistry of hydrothermal systems.

This module examines coastal geomorphology and its change under the influence of waves, tides, etc. It is important to understand coastal morphodynamics as natural coastal geomorphology such as beaches provides substantial protection and this needs to be monitored and evaluated. Further, there is increasing interest in soft as opposed to hard approaches to coastal engineering that are inspired by natural geomorphic systems. 

This module will present a variety of different types of geophysical, oceanographic and remote sensing data and will explore methods for processing, analysing and modelling using MATLAB. The module will introduce statistical analysis, curve fitting and the interpolation of data. The analysis of data in the frequency domain using the Fourier Transform will be covered with applications to filtering in 1-D and 2-D. The fundamentals of computer programming will be taught in practical sessions using MATLAB and will involve implementing the techniques covered in the lectures. The course will include optimal methods for the display of data.

The shelf seas and shelf edge are dynamically very different from the open ocean in terms of typical levels of turbulence and of the control exerted by coastan and seabed boundaries. This module provides you with core knowledge of the processes that govern the relatively shallow shelf seas, from coastal waters to the shelf break. By the end of the course, you will understand a range of physical and biological processes that explain observed structures, distributions and phenomena, both physical and biological, on time scales ranging from seconds to years.

*Course offering of elective courses may vary each year.

**Elective courses at the University of Southampton shall become Core courses once selected and may not be passed by compensation.