The Bachelor's programme in Meteorology and Oceanography provides students with a basic introduction to factors controlling the dynamics of the atmosphere and the ocean: the physical characteristics of the atmosphere, physical and chemical properties of the ocean, measurement and analysis of the atmosphere and the ocean. The programme will also give an introduction to phenomena that affect interactions between the atmosphere and the ocean, and the ways in which the above-mentioned knowledge can be used to understand and explain variability and changes in climate.
The Bachelor's programme combines the classical natural sciences of physics and mathematics and gives students a good background for working in e.g. research, education, management, weather forecasting, climate related topics and renewable energy.
The specialization in oceanography includes the study of phenomena in the ocean and seawater and their physical and chemical properties. The role of the ocean in climate variability and climate change is also a key topic here. The specialization in meteorology includes the study of weather phenomena, physical processes in the atmosphere, climate and climate change. In both meteorology and oceanography the physical laws are formulated by means of mathematical equations that are used to describe and better understand nature.
Since the majority of the courses use information technology in various forms, courses in computer science are recommended. The programme utilizes research in and knowledge from physics, mathematics, chemistry and geophysics to give candidates an education with expertise in meteorology, oceanography and climate. This background forms the basis for further specialization in a Master's degree.
A candidate who has completed his or her Bachelor's degree in Meteorology and Oceanography should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:
Knowledge
The candidate
- knows the historical development of meteorology and oceanography
- is familiar with the terminology in meteorology and oceanography
- can provide an overview of key features of the dynamics and the physics of the atmosphere and the oceans and their underlying principles
- is able to describe and quantify the factors controlling variations and changes in climate
- is familiar with the measurement of key quantities in the atmosphere and the oceans and is able to perform related analysis to some extent
- can summarize field and/or laboratory work in a written report
Skills
The candidate
- can analyze atmospheric and oceanic processes and interactions
- is able to perform calculations using knowledge from fluid dynamics, classical mechanics, thermodynamics and data analysis
- can explain meteorology, oceanography and climate to lay people and professionals
- is able to use library and scientific databases to collect relevant information
- is able to write an essay on a meteorological and/or oceanographic topic
General competence
The candidate
- can explain mathematical concepts and apply mathematical formalism to geophysical problems based on analysis, complex numbers, linear algebra and simple differential equations
- is able to explain key concepts in meteorology and oceanography, and discuss similarities and differences between them
- is familiar with basic knowledge about experimental apparatuses and field activity in meteorology and oceanography and is able to conduct and present appurtenant data analysis
- is capable of conducting an independent project and can write and present a final project report in accordance with good scientific practice
- has knowledge of how to model basic aspects of the dynamics and physics of the atmosphere and the ocean
- is able to communicate key topics in meteorology and oceanography at the Bachelor¿s degree level
- can reflect on central ethical and scientific issues in the fields of meteorology, oceanography and climate