Ocean sciences (environmental systems)

Ocean sciences, or oceanography, is a field that encompasses the study of the global marine environment from broad geographic and disciplinary perspectives. It essentially looks at the interaction between marine life and oceanic processes, covering such diverse topics as coastal processes, deep-sea food webs, marine animal ecology, physiology and behaviour, plankton dynamics, the effects of pollution or climate change on ocean life and ecosystems, the management and conservation of aquatic resources, and much more.

Ocean sciences at Memorial

The major in ocean sciences (environmental systems) is a formal stream of the major in ocean sciences, with a curriculum that blends foundation courses in earth and ocean sciences, with a focus on environmental issues. It is designed for students with special interest in geography (e.g. cartography, remote sensing), climate, natural resources and marine geology.

The Department of Ocean Sciences (DOS) is housed at the Ocean Sciences Centre (OSC) in Logy Bay, which is located approximately 10 kilometers (10 min) from the main St. John's campus of Memorial University. The OSC is a major facility for marine research on the Atlantic coast and is one of Canada's largest marine laboratories. By virtue of its location, the department provides scientists and students access to the flora and fauna of the northwest Atlantic Ocean and is uniquely situated for shore-based studies of cold-ocean processes and subarctic, Arctic and deep-sea organisms.

Education and training is one of the Department's principal mandates, and is achieved by providing a stimulating, research-intensive environment in which students can develop and thrive. The Department offers graduate and undergraduate programs, as well as hands-on field and laboratory research experience through part-time and summer research positions for undergraduates.

A bachelor of science degree, with a major in ocean sciences, prepares students for a variety of careers including:

• oceanographer
• marine geologist
• environment/wildlife manager
• science educator
• fisheries officer
• nature interpreter
• environmental analyst/consultant

Note: some of these careers may call for supplementary education or preparation in the form of graduate studies, experiential learning or professional courses and exams.

1. Choose a program and a campus

Memorial University offers a wide variety of programs. With over 300 program options and multiple campuses to choose from, your choices are wide open. Check out what is offered at the St. John’s Campus, Grenfell Campus, the Marine Institute, the Labrador Campus or online.