Physical Oceanography

Code:

RM08

Acronym:

OF

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Marine Sciences

Instance: 2018/2019 - 1S

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Aquatic Production
Course/CS Responsible:	Master Degree in Marine Sciences - Marine Resources

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
MCMRM	1	Oficial Plan 2018	1	-	5	50	135

Teaching language

Suitable for English-speaking students

Objectives

Students are expected to deepen their general understanding of the fundamental concepts of physical oceanography, global circulation, coastal phenomena, methods of obtaining and processing data, and numerical analysis through the formulation, analysis, interpretation and discussion of scientific results.

Learning outcomes and competences

Topics will be covered from the estuarine and coastal areas to the oceans, with particular emphasis on the use of statistical tools and numerical methods as well as the use of oceanographic instruments.

It is intended that the students be autonomous in the management and analysis of oceanographic data and be able to make an interpretation of the obtained results, bridging the theoretical and observed knowledge, in order to explain the main characteristics of physical oceanography and the related topics, such as climatology and meteorology.

Working method

Presencial

Pre-requirements (prior knowledge) and co-requirements (common knowledge)

Basic knowledge of mathematics

Basic knowledge of physical oceanography

Program

The program will boost students' autonomous work and will be done according to the number of students of each year.

During the semester, the following topics will be addressed through theoretical classes, in order to provide the students with the necessary tools to carry out the final individual work.

• Instruments for obtaining oceanographic and meteorological data
• Main statistical techniques in the analysis of geophysical data
• Numerical models

Mandatory literature

Pickard George L.; Descriptive physical oceanography. ISBN: 0-08-037952-4

Complementary Bibliography

Robinson I. S.; Satellite oceanography. ISBN: 0-13-791393-1
Gower J. F. R. 340; Oceanography from space. ISBN: 0-306-40808-2
Brown Joan 070; Ocean circulation. ISBN: 0-08-036369-5
Earle Marshall D. 340; Ocean wave climate. ISBN: 0-306-40079-0
Tolmazin David; Elements of dynamic oceanography. ISBN: 0-412-53230-1
Dietrich Gunter 070; General oceanography. ISBN: 0-471-02102-4
Brown Joan 070; The^ocean basins. ISBN: 0-08-036365-2
Gibbs Ronald J. 340; Transport processes in lakes and oceans. ISBN: 0-306-35507-8

Teaching methods and learning activities

Theoretical lessons: Presentation of the topics with the projection of slides and examples of the theoretical concepts explained.

Final work: Conducted a research work supervised until the end of the semester, using oceanographic data available, statistical and numerical analysis tools and reading of scientific papers.

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation without final exam

Assessment Components

Designation	Weight (%)
Apresentação/discussão de um trabalho científico	30,00
Trabalho escrito	70,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

Designation	Time (hours)
Apresentação/discussão de um trabalho científico	40,00
Trabalho de investigação	70,00
Trabalho escrito	25,00
Total:	135,00

Eligibility for exams

Attendance is optional. The studients need to perform the proposed work and make an oral presentation.

Calculation formula of final grade

Final written work (70% of the final mark), elaborated using the methods presented in the theoretical classes, in which the research and synthesis capabilities will be evaluated.

Oral presentation and work defense (30% of final mark)

Final mark: Weighted mean of written work and oral presentation marks

The final mark for pass must be equal to or higher than 9.5

Examinations or Special Assignments

Besides the final work no additional work is required

Special assessment (TE, DA, ...)

Students with special status have access to the exams. Attendance is optional. If they choose to carry out the practical work, it is necessary to submit the individual report, as well as the respective oral presentation and defense. If they choose not to do the practical work, the final exam is the only evaluation component. These exams will be based on topics covered in class.

Classification improvement

The improvement of the final classification can be done. These exams will be based on topics covered in class.

Observations

Software

A list of free software for the analysis, interpretation and management of the meteorological and oceanographic data that will be used in the final work will be provided to the students