Ocean And Geophysics

Highlights

Undertake boat and lab-based analysis using our sea research ship the Prince Madog, and smaller work boats. Supercomputers, state-of-the art survey equipment and oceanographic moorings for data collection. Our staff are world leaders in oceanographic research.

Yueng-Djern Lenn and Mattias Green co-wrote: 30 Second Ocean - a popular book in the field. Specialist learning facilities include scientific laboratories for fluid dynamics, geotechnics and sedimentology, and computing facilities for industry-standard GIS and analytical software to support your learning and develop strong employability skills. Global links with the offshore survey and marine renewables industries, leading environmental consultancies, and government bodies, including the Met Office, National Oceanography Centre, HR Wallingford, CGG, and National Resources Wales.

Active student community with socials, excursions and talks from Endeavour, our long-standing Ocean Sciences Society, and Bangor Geographical Society (GeogSoc). You can also learn to surf or dive.

Course overview

From glacial to riverine environments, this degree in Ocean and Geophysics focuses on the role of the oceans in the Earth system and their influence on climate in the past, present and future. You will study a wide range of factors - natural and caused by human beings - ranging from the lunar cycle, solar system, tidal waves and water levels to the interaction between ice and oceans and the habitability of other planets. We place a particular emphasis on developing knowledge and skills, including field, lab and computer-based techniques, of direct relevance to industry, particularly in relation to issues such as future climate change, sea level rise, marine pollution and exploitation of marine renewable energy.

Situated next to the Menai Strait and Irish Sea, our location provides a rich context to studies. You’ll observe the ocean and seabed on our £3.5 million ocean-going research ship, using state-of-the-art technology and sub-sea instruments in its onboard laboratories. Local fieldwork on the coasts and in the estuaries of North Wales will link climate change with coastal erosion, flood risk and water quality.

You will also conduct field trips to Eryri National Park (also known as Snowdonia) and the UNESCO designated GeoMôn Global Geopark - one of the world’s top 100 geosites. Bangor University is at the forefront of world-leading research in oceanography and geophysics, from climate change and the Atlantification of the Arctic to the expanding offshore renewable energy industry. Actively supporting the global push for a net zero carbon future, we are improving understanding of marine renewable energy, climate and sea-level change, and coastal erosion.

With a dedicated School of Ocean Sciences, the University is one of the largest and oldest university centres in Britain for teaching and research in marine sciences with some of the best specialist facilities and equipment. On this BSc (Hons) Ocean and Geophysics, you’ll be taught by staff whose specialisms include marine geology, coastal processes, tidal evolution, polar oceanography, physical oceanography, sedimentology, and climate science. The University is home to the Marine Centre Wales and Environment Centre for Wales, a partnership with the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (UKCEH).

Elsewhere in Bangor, you’ll find regional offices of Natural Resources Wales (NRW) and Dŵr Cymru/Welsh Water. Strong links with these employers provide opportunities for work placements, research projects and some contribute to teaching. Read more Course options

Placement year

What is the Placement Year? This exciting opportunity allows you to spend a year working with a self-sourced, professional organisation relevant to your studies. You'll typically start between June and September of your second year and finish by the following June or September.

Placements can be UK-based or even overseas. Why choose a…