Oceanography, research focus (MER - Erasmus mundus)

Programme content

The Master's degree in Sciences MER is a joint European Master's degree in Sciences. Organised in association with several universities (University of Southampton, Universidad del Pais Vasco, University of Bordeaux and University of Liège), this program aims at training multidisciplinary graduates. It aims at attracting highly qualified and motivated students, who come from all around the world, for a high level European Master's degree in Sciences.

In order to meet the requirements of a career in sectors related to sea sciences, this Master's degree gives students the opportunity to develop the following skills and aptitudes:

- Management of coastal zones,

- Environmental protection in estuaries and seas,

- Adaptation to global climate change,

- Diagnosis of the marine ecosystem,

- Preservation of the biodiversity and natural heritage.

More information on the MER Consortium website.

Learning outcomes

Competences

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the following topics:

• Ocean processes within all four main disciplines of oceanography (e.g. biological, chemical, geological and physical), at an advanced level.
• The processes that shape the marine world at different temporal and spatial scales.
• The terminology, nomenclature and classification systems used in marine environmental sciences.
• Theory, practice, acquisiton, analysis and interpretation of data, across a range of marine environmental applications.
• The value and need for multi-disciplinary approaches in advancing knowledge.
• The application of oceanographic knowledge to contribute to the sustainable management of the environment.
• A wide selection of topics presently at the frontiers of research, together with many of the specialised techniques used to investigate them.

Subject Specific Skills

• Understand scientific processes.
• Recognise and use of theories, paradigms, concepts and principles, to design and undertake primary research on the marine environment.
• Critically analyse, synthesise, interpret and summarise complex scientific information.
• Collect, record and analyse marine environment data (field/lab), using state-of-the-art techniques and equipment.
• Read, use and reference the marine environmental publised work of others, in an appropriate manner.

General and Transferable Skills

• Apply and further develop computing, statistical and mathematical skills.
• Appreciate statistical issues (sample selection, accuracy, precision, uncertainty) during environmental data collection, recording and analysis.
• Prepare, process and present data and solve numerical problems using computer and non-computer-based techniques.
• Develop, where appropriate, advanced skills in computer programming.
• Collect and integrate several lines of evidence, to formulate and test hypotheses.
• Apply knowledge and understanding, to address familiar and unfamilial problems.
• Design, implement and report on scientific research projects, including a research project at the forefront of marine environmental knowledge.
• Undertake field and laboratory investigations in a responsible and safe manner, paying due attention to risk assessment, rights of access, relevant health and safety regulations and sensitivity to the impact of investigations on the environment and stakeholders.
• Critically use the Internet as a mean of communication and data dissemination, and as a source of information.
• Identify individual and collective goals, take responsibilities and perform in an appropriate manner.
• Recognise and respect the views of other team members.
• Evaluate performance as an individual and as a team member.
• Understand the roles of individual in teams and how individuals learn in team groups.
• Continue to develop the skills necessary for self-managed and life-long learning.
• Identify and work towards targets for personal, academic and career development.
• Develop an adaptable and flexible approach to study and work.
• Appreciate ethical issues in science research.

Soft Skills

• Use of English as lingua franca in science but recognise worldwide diversity in the use of English, wich will enhance communication skills.
• Be aware that other languages are used in Europe and recognise the value of cultural diversity; as susch will be able to enhance language proficiency in some of them (e.g. French, Spanish and Basque language courses (mainly in troductory) are offered in parallel to the MER2030 EMJMD programme.
• Be aware of cultural diversity (both at European level, through mobility amongst Partner Universities, and at worldwild level, through being exposed to a multicultural international atmosphere with classmates and visiting scholars).
• Identify themselves as open-minded citizens of the wold.