Education and Careers in India

OCEANOGRAPHY AND MARINE SCIENCES COURSES AND CAREER IN INDIA

List of Universities in India offering M.Sc, M.Phil and PhD courses in Oceanography and Marine Sciences is provided here. Given below information is also provided about career prospects of Oceanography and Marine Science courses.

Study/Training

The study of oceanography is offered at the postgraduate level in subject options related to the various branches of its study. The subjects available are marine biology, marine zoology, marine geology, marine geophysics, physical oceanography, marine chemistry etc. Graduates from a related subject background are enrolled in the courses. Universities where these courses are conducted are located in the coastal regions.

Universities offering Post Graduate and Doctorate Courses in Oceanography and Marine Sciences

  • Bharathidasan University
  • Karnatak University
  • Alagappa University
  • Amity University
  • Andhra University
  • Annamalai University
  • Bharathidasan University
  • Calcutta University
  • Central University Hyderabad
  • Karnatak University
  • Madras University
  • University of Hyderabad
  • Annamalai University
  • Andhra University
  • Bharathidasan University
  • Calcutta University
  • Jadavpur University
  • Karnatak University
  • Calcutta University

CAREER IN OCEANOGRAPHY

Oceanographers study the seas, its coastline, estuaries, coastal waters, shelves and the ocean bed. Their work incorporates the scientific knowledge of biology, chemistry, physics, geology, geophysics and the application of mathematics, engineering science along with the use of marine life etc.

Oceanographers collect and study data of ocean waters through waves, currents, and tides; marine life, mineral and oil deposits in the ocean bed, as well as the contours of the ocean bed. The study of oceanography is used for the preparation of maps, charts and graphs.

Oceanographers work on the sea to collect data and record scientific evidence. The work entails laboratory work on captive organisms or models. They use a variety of highly technical devices for underwater work. Some of the new technologies being used are satellite sensors and acoustic measurement instruments.

Oceanographers work as part of a team where there are specialists from different branches of oceanography. The work oceanographers do is in one of the following areas-biological, chemical, physical and in geological oceanography.

Biological oceanographers study life under the sea. They are interested in how the life develops, interacts, and adapts to its environment. Their work is research based and finds application in fishery sciences and biotechnological pursuits. Aquatic life is being used to develop new therapeutic agents and medicines.

Chemical oceanographers study the chemical system in the sea-the concentration of chemicals in the water, their distribution and transfer to the seafloor and finally the effects of these chemicals. The work of chemical oceanographers holds special relevance today due to threat caused by pollutants. They work with physicists who help them determine the nature of forces involved in the distribution of the chemicals. They study the effects of pollutants and work on projects for treatment of industrial, solid and sewage waste. 

Physical oceanographers concern themselves with physical phenomena such as waves, tides, current, temperature and salinity. Collecting data from different regions is a highly technical exercise involving the use of accoustic techniques and satellite remote sensing.

Geological oceanographers are involved in the geological study of the ocean floor and the sedimentations. They are concerned with the movements of the earth's crust, coastal margins, effects of offshore dredging on beaches, location of mineral resources and eventually the ideal site for marine structures such as offshore drilling plants.

Marine geologists explore the ocean floor in search fo petroleum and mineral deposits. They study all about the living creatures in the sea. Their interest is to study conditions for healthy marine life and research for its propagation and maintenance. They also study their relationships to environmental conditions. Oceanographer's work requires them for long stretches of time to be on research ships at sea.

Work Environment

Oceanographers at some time or the other have to be on research station at sea for several weeks. Oceanographers work in onshore laboratories, offices and aquariums. The job incorporates conducting studies on samples collected from the sea, preparing plans for sea trips, and teaching. They work in laboratories with sophisticated equipments. Oceanographers working at sea encounter a physically demanding work environment where they are often away from home at sea for weeks or months. Life on board a ship can be entirely different and weather conditions can be very demanding. Oceanographers who are working in underwater research may find the job adventurous but it can also be hazardous. They often have to go to the sea-bed in diving gear or in submersible vehicles.

Check out Courses in Other streams -

Science   |   Medical   |   Agriculture

Engineering   |   Computer   |   Accountancy

Finance   |   Management   |  Banking

 

You can contact for a personalized advice and career counselling. Also Check course selection and career planning