Oceanography Courses in India

Oceanography Courses in India are also referred as Marine Courses in India, mostly because they deal with the study of the sea. Oceanography is defined as a branch of science which deals with the physical and biological properties and phenomena of the oceans. Simply, put it is the ‘Science of Oceans’. As science of oceans it covers a wide range of topics which include marine organisms, ocean currents, waves, sea floor, plate tectonics and various other related topics. Modern oceanography began in the 1760s with explorers like James Cook (britisher) and Antoine de Bougainville (French), who included oceanographic observations in reports of their journeys. Since it is a wide field, it employs the study of other sciences in understanding the sea, thus it is interdisciplinary in nature involving the principles of Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Meteorology and Physics.

It is also known as ‘Oceanology’ or ‘Marine Science’. Oceanography professionals are known as Oceanographers. Oceanographers’ job involves applying the basic sciences to study the world’s oceans and coastal waters. They study the motion and circulation of the ocean waters and their physical and chemical properties and how these properties affect coastal areas, climate and weather. Since it is essentially a research–oriented profession, Oceanographers’ collect samples, conduct surveys, analyse data using sophisticated equipment in the sea for several hours. Most oceanographers work aboard a ship. Apart from the ship environment, they spend a great deal of time in the laboratory interpreting data. Oceanographic work is mostly carried out in research laboratories, universities and in industries.

Some of its specialized fields are -

Biological Oceanography – It is deals with the ocean processes that control the productivity and distribution of marine life including plants, animals and microbes. As such it is also known as ‘Marine Biology’.

Chemical Oceanography – It deals with the chemistry of the ocean and its chemical interaction with the atmosphere. Because of its specialised field it is also known as ‘Marine Chemistry’.

Geological Oceanography – It deals with the study of the geology of the ocean floor including plate tectonics and paleoceanography. It is also known as or ‘Marine Geology’.

Physical Oceanography – It deals with the study of the ocean's physical attributes including temperature-salinity structure, mixing, waves, internal waves, surface tides, internal tides and currents. It is also known as ‘Marine Physics’.

Content of Oceanography Courses in India

The study of this field includes all or few of these –

• Principles of Oceanography.
• Marine Ecology and Zoogeography.
• Marine Pollution.
• Marine Paleobiology.

Objectives of Marine Courses in India

• Understanding the scientific method of observation and experimentation.
• Investigate the oceans effect on the evolution of weather and climate.
• To develop better means and technology for conservation and proper utilisation of Ocean Resources.

Basic Requirements for Marine Courses in India

Oceanography Courses in India are offered at various levels from bachelor level to postgraduate level.

Oceanography Courses offered by Marine Colleges in India

B.Sc. Marine Science.
Eligibility - +2 with Chemistry, Maths and Physics.
Duration – 3 years.

M.Sc. Oceanography.
Eligibility – B.Sc. in Zoology / Botany / Chemistry / Fishery Science / Earth Science / Physics / Agriculture / Microbiology / Applied Sciences or in any other equivalent disciplines.
Duration - 2 years.

M.Sc. Marine Biology.
Eligibility – Graduate in science i.e. B.Sc.
Duration - 2 years.

M.Tech in Oceanography or Marine Biology.
Eligibility – M.Sc. and sometimes a valid GATE score

M.Phil. Marine Biology.
Eligibility – M.Sc. or equivalent degree in related field.

M.Phil. Chemical Oceanography.
Eligibility – M.Sc. or equivalent degree in related field.

Ph.D. Oceanography.
Eligibility - Qualify either NET or GATE.

Most of the institutes/universities in India offer postgraduate course in Oceanography. M.Phil and Ph.D. are also offered by few universities. A postgraduate in the same branch or any equivalent branch can be eligible for pursuing the program. Most of the courses in oceanography are of three years duration. Apart from academic studies, a candidate has to go through professional training.

Oceanography Colleges in India

• Anna University, Institute for Ocean Management, Chennai.
• Annamalai University, Centre for Advanced Study in Marine Biology, Parangipettai, Tamil Nadu.
• Goa University (Department of Marine Sciences; Department of Marine Biotechnology, Bambolim, Goa)
• Mangalore University (Department of Marine Geology, Mangalagangotri, Karnataka).
• Berhampur University, Berhampur, Orissa.
• Cochin University of Science and Technology (Department of Physical Oceanography, Kerala).
• National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, Goa.

Personal Attributes

• Of all the attributes, love and curiosity for the oceans and sense of adventure is very much necessary because the work will require you to travel in the sea.
• A candidate should also have or develop physical stamina, enduring patience, adaptability, a high tolerance to motion sickness, ability to withstand boredom and loneliness which makes one sea worthy and not sea sick. Apart from all these knowledge of swimming and diving are essential attributes.
• Knowledge of additional languages/language and some mechanical ability are also some plus points.

Job Perspectives

Oceanography Careers in India are vast and varied. There are numerous oceanography jobs in India especially in industry, commerce or research. Those who have a strong scientific training including laboratory or computing skills, as well as knowledge about the environment have plenty of opportunities. Those with right qualification can get oceanography jobs in public sector, private sector and various governmental establishments as a scientist, engineer or a technician. In public sector one can find opportunities in Oil India and government sector organisations like Geological Survey of India, Meteorological Survey of India, Department of Oceanography etc. Companies in the private sector with interests in the marine industries, products or research also provide job options. Candidates with skill and ability can also choose indulge in teaching.

Remuneration

The salary varies according to the experience and qualifications of the oceanographer. The starting salary after post graduation can be in the range of Rs 8,000 to 12,000 per month in the government sector and slightly higher in the private sector. With a Ph.D., one can earn above Rs. 15,000 per month. The salary of oceanographers is relatively higher in foreign countries. Countries like US, UK, France offer pay package between $50,000 and $80,000 a year.

Some Job Types

• Marine Policy Experts.
• Marine and Ocean Engineers.
• Marine Archaeologists.
• Marine Biologist.
• Physical Oceanographers.
• Marine Environmentalists.
• Geological Oceanographers and Geophysicists.
• Physical Oceanographers.
• Chemical Oceanographers and Marine Geochemists.
• Biological Oceanographers, Marine Biologists and Fisheries Scientists.
• Marine and Ocean Engineer.
• Hydrographer.
• Marine Technician.

Some Employment Areas

• Industrial Research Laboratories.
• Environmental Protection Agencies.
• Educational Institutes.
• Navy.
• Marine Equipment Manufacturers.
• Geological Department.
• Oil And Gas Industry.
• Consultancy.
• Marine Workshops.
• Safety Organizations.