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Ocean Sciences Degree Planner

Ocean SciencesÌý

The Department of Oceanography at Â鶹´«Ã½ offers a unique range of courses across the core sub-disciplines of ocean science.ÌýComplete your undergraduate degree as a major steps away from the Atlantic Ocean, or consider completing an honours degree and/or earning one or more certificates if certain courses are taken as part of the program.


Your major map: Ocean Sciences

The Ocean Science Major Map highlights academic and co-curricular opportunities and provides an overview of how students can customize their degree. Students are encouraged to connect with advising supports at Â鶹´«Ã½ and use the Ìý²¹²Ô»å to create their course plan.


< 30 CREDIT HOURS/FIRST YEAR ÌýÌý

  • Complete required introductory courses in Physics: PHYC 1190/1290 and in other subjects. See the first-year course planner worksheet for more information
  • At the end of your first year, you can declare your major and register for second-year courses

30-60 CREDIT HOURS/SECOND YEAR

  • You will start taking more core courses* in OCEA, gaining knowledge and lab experience: OCEA 2001, OCEA 2002, OCEA 2020, OCEA 2021
  • Consider combining your degree with another subject with a double major, minor, or certificate
  • Consider incorporating summer field courses through the SEASIDE program

60-90 CREDIT HOURS/THIRD YEAR+Ìý

  • Aim to take 4-6 OCEA* courses. MakeÌýsure you're on track with course requirements usingÌýDARSÌý
  • Looking for a hands-on learning experience? there areÌýexperiential learning and directed research courses offered by the department
  • Complete OCEA 3003: Field Oceanography, a summer field course available through the SEASIDE program
  • Apply for an honours degree ahead of your fourth year if you are considering graduate studies

90-120 CREDIT HOURS/FINAL YEAR

  • Aim to take 4-6 OCEA courses*. Ensure to complete the course requirements: OCEA 4000 and OCEA 4401/4402 in your final year.
  • Complete any remaining requirements for a certificate or minor and check your degree audit to ensure you are on track to graduateÌý
  • Apply to graduate by Dec 1 for spring convocation and July 2 for fall convocationÌý

*Note that not all courses are offered each semester or year and that course requirements may vary according to your degree type (major, double major, minor, honors) be sure to keep track of these by consulting the academic calendar.Ìý

*After declaring your major, we strongly encourage you to connect withÌýprogram advisorsÌýfor course planning and any other questions related to your program.Ìý Ìý

< 30 CREDIT HOURS/FIRST YEAR Ìý

  • Build connections by enrolling in a (FIGS) like Oceans, Climate Change, and Earth and Environment
  • Sign up to beÌý

30-60 CREDIT HOURS/SECOND YEAR

  • Explore the portal to browse through work and volunteer opportunities on and off campusÌý

60-90 CREDIT HOURS/THIRD YEAR+Ìý

90-120 CREDIT HOURS/FINAL YEAR

  • Gain teaching and communication skills by applying for a teaching assistant role or working with a science outreach organization like or
  • Attend career prep workshops or apply for graduate or professional programs
  • Don't forget to complete your Co-Curricular Record!

Ìý

< 30 CREDIT HOURS/FIRST YEAR

  • Attend the Dal Science Welcome Party
  • Attend the Faculty of Science Program Fair for help planning your next steps
  • Consider joining DOUGS – Â鶹´«Ã½ Oceanography Undergraduate Society! Meet other like-minded students and participate in fun eventsÌý

30-60 CREDIT HOURS/SECOND YEAR

60-90 CREDIT HOURS/THIRD YEAR+Ìý

90-120 CREDIT HOURS/FINAL YEAR

  • You're about to join over 30,000 other grads all over the world as a Dal Science alumni!Ìý
  • Stay involved with your faculty and department and with our incredible network of alumni

Ìý

< 30 CREDIT HOURS/FIRST YEAR

  • Familiarize yourself with Â鶹´«Ã½'s many supports and reach out to advisors for guidance
  • Plan out your course and credits hours by navigating Ìý²¹²Ô»å departmental planning sheets

30-60 CREDIT HOURS/SECOND YEAR

60-90 CREDIT HOURS/THIRD YEAR+Ìý

  • Consider applying for aÌýsummer research awardÌýwith NSERC/URSA through the department, available on a competitive basis

90-120 CREDIT HOURS/FINAL YEAR

For any questions about your major, enrolling in a minor or certificate, summer research, or honours, speak with a program advisor!


Where your degree can take you

A BSc degree in Ocean Science provides great preparation for a variety of careers. The skills and knowledge acquired through this program can be applied, but areÌýnot limited to career paths in:

Marine technology, renewable energy, ocean literacy and education, ocean policy, research, conservation, government and regulatory affairs, consulting, management, engineering, and education, among many more.


Core competencies gained

Discipline-related skills:Ìý

  • An interdisciplinary understanding of the physical, chemical, biological, and geological processes and characteristics that make up the ocean ecosystem
  • First-hand experience with exciting technological innovations used for ocean research and monitoring
  • Scientific application of sampling techniques, modeling, and use of programming languages
  • An understanding of how and why oceans change, and the role of ocean science in policy for solving pressing environmental problems

Transferable skills:Ìý

  • Academic writing and presentation skills
  • Critical thinking, synthesis, and analytical skills
  • Communication skills
  • Numeracy skills
  • Time/project management
  • Leadership and teamwork
  • Basic statistical analyses
  • R SoftwareÌý
  • Research/fieldwork skills

Possible careers and employment

Ocean science Alumni can be employed within a variety of industries and have multiple career path options. These are influenced by the student's elective courses, experiential learning choices, and certificates.ÌýSome of the options below will typically require additional or graduate-level training*, while some can be pursued following the completion of baccalaureate program only.

  • Acoustic Technician
  • Aquatic Research Technician
  • Conservation Officer
  • Environmental Planner
  • Fisheries Technician
  • GIS Technologist*
  • Hydrologist*
  • Laboratory Manager
  • Marine Technician
  • Marine Science Educator
  • Marine Scientist*
  • Marine Lawyer*
  • Oceanographer*
  • Ocean Engineer* Ìý
  • Ocean Policy Advisor
  • Research Assistant
  • Technical Writer
  • Teach/Professor*
  • Scientific Writer/Communicator
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