This new stream allows our Marine Science BSc students with a particular interest in physics and maths and a good aptitude for quantitative working to acquire in depth robotics and oceanography expertise recognised in their qualification title. This is the only such programme available in the UK. Given that robotics is a rapidly growing industry this new stream will provide some of the skilled graduates this sector requires.
Students will initially register for the Marine Science BSc programme and can, through selection of a specific range of modules, choose to graduate with this dedicated exit qualification. Like the Arctic Studies stream students can revert back to the core degree at any point during their studies as long as they maintain the multidisciplinary balance of the programme when chosing elective modules. The course is taught by a combination of face-to-face teaching and self study.
FIRST YEAR (SCQF 7) MODULES: All degree streams study the same six modules (see 'Marine Science BSc'): Fundamentals of Marine Physics; Fundamentals of Marine Chemistry; Fundamentals of Marine Geology; Fundamentals of Marine Biology; Mathematics and Statistics; Field Course
SECOND YEAR (SCQF 8) MODULES: Physical Oceanography; Statistics & Experimental Design; Advanced Maths & Programming; Chemical Oceanography; Marine Biology; Marine Geology
THIRD YEAR (SCQF 9) MODULES: Core: Literature Review (relevant to oceanography / robotics); Marine Robotics; Marine Instrumentation & Data; Ocean Circulation and Climate. Select 2 from: Marine Zoology, Marine Conservation, Marine Biogeochemical Cycling, Marine Pollution
FOURTH YEAR (SCQF 10) MODULES: Dissertation (must contain significant element of marine technology, modelling and/or numeracy); Marine Modelling; Polar Seas; Coastal and Shelf Sea Dynamics. Select one from: Defining the Marine Carbon Cycle, Behaviour and Biological Clocks.
Entry requirements are the same as for the UHI Marine Science BSc programme.
The importance of physics in understanding the marine environment is often overlooked. Marine science is commonly perceived to be solely about the biological and geochemical aspects of the environment. However, increasingly, there is a need to understand how the physical processes determine key responses of the ocean and thus be able to predict and manage the marine environment. The use of complex numerical models are an important tool and it is necessary for skill development to include the more numerate aspects of oceanography.
Further, modern technology is increasingly allowing us to make in situ observations of the oceans. It is likely that developments of technologies such as gliders, autonomous underwater vehicles, in situ instrumentation, remote sensing, and airborne surveying from remotely piloted aircraft will increase rapidly in the coming years opening a new age in ocean observation. SAMS UHI hosts the Scottish Marine Robotics Facility and is therefore uniquely placed to deliver degree level teaching in this developing area.
The marine science with oceanography and robotics BSc degree stream
- >focuses on the physics/engineering aspects of marine science
- >meets an employer need for a more numerically trained graduate
- >prepares students to respond to the current scientific/industrial interest in how these technologies are used for environmental science