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 and 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.

The major in Ocean sciences is an interdisciplinary program administered by the Department of Ocean Sciences, providing a solid foundation in ocean studies, including the basic principles of its main sub-disciplines (physical, chemical, geological, and biological oceanography).

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• Admission requirements - entry to the university
• Your first year
• Admission requirements - admission to the major
• Sample courses
• Career opportunities

Ocean sciences at Memorial

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.

Minor in oceanography

This is an interdisciplinary program administered by the Department of Ocean Sciences in cooperation with the departments of Biology, Chemistry, Earth Sciences and Physics and Physical Oceanography.

Minor in sustainable aquaculture and fisheries ecology

The minor in sustainable aquaculture and fisheries ecology (SAFE) will introduce students to aquaculture and fisheries management practices and help prepare them for a career as a developer, technologist, or researcher.

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Admission requirements - entry to the university

Applications are considered on a rolling basis. You are encouraged to apply by:

You may apply for admission into the Faculty of Science by indicating bachelor of science as your program of choice on the undergraduate application for admission.

Direct entry into the Faculty of Science from high school is subject to meeting the  for Memorial University, including appropriate courses in mathematics and a laboratory science.

Important to know: You cannot choose ocean sciences as your major at the time of application. Admission into the major requires the completion of university level courses. Follow the information listed below under your first year and admission to the major for further details.

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Your first year

Have a look at a sample schedule of 10 courses you may need to take before you declare a major in ocean sciences majors, including ocean sciences (environmental systems).

This is a sample only. Meet with an academic advisor to create a plan that aligns with your specific needs and goals.

1. Entrance to the Ocean Science major program requires completion of 10 courses. Students who must complete Mathematics 1090 or Chemistry 1010 will not have space in their schedules to declare this major following completion of two semesters. Please seek support at the contact info listed below if you are concerned about course scheduling and need advice on when to apply.

Further assistance

For assistance with course selection, contact the Academic Advising Centre.

For additional program information, visit the Department of Ocean Sciences or email oceanundergrad@mun.ca.

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Admission requirements - admission to the major

Current Memorial students

To be considered for admission to the ocean sciences major, students must complete the following 30 credit hours (10 courses) with a minimum 65% overall average:

• Biology 1001 and 1002
• Chemistry 1050 and 1051 (or 1200 and 1001)
• Earth Sciences 1000
• six credit hours in Critical Reading and Writing (CRW) courses, including at least three credit hours in English
• Mathematics 1000
• Ocean Sciences 1000
• Physics 1020 (or 1050) or one Ocean Sciences course at the 2000 level

Students must complete Ocean Sciences 1000 with a minimum grade of  65%.

Declare your major

Upon completion of these courses, students should contact the Department of Ocean Sciences to declare the major.

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Sample courses

OCSC 1000 - Exploration of the World Ocean
OCSC 2500 - Introduction to Practical Ocean Sciences
OCSC 3002 - Aquaculture and Fisheries Biotechnology

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Career opportunities

Our planet is predominantly covered by a vast ocean, which plays a key role in driving its climate and ecosystems, directly or indirectly affecting the lives of most of its inhabitants. Therefore, job opportunities and career perspectives for students with training in Ocean Sciences are extremely varied and rewarding.

Trainees and graduates may find work as laboratory technicians or research assistants in ocean-related fields such as:

• oceanography
• marine biology
• aquaculture
• fisheries
• wildlife management

Other potential positions may include, but are not limited to:

• marine science educator
• fisheries officer
• nature interpreter
• aquarium curator
• 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.

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