OCEANOGRAPHY COLLEGES AND COURSES IN INDIA

Oceanography Colleges and Courses in India

Aim of this webpage is to provide information about Oceanography Colleges and Courses in India which comes under the section of Geography colleges in India. This consolidated list of colleges includes the best Oceanography Colleges and Courses in India and other private and government colleges of reputed standard.

The following information about Oceanography Colleges and Courses in India is accurately compiled for student's reference purposes. But in case, there is some discrepancy in the details of the colleges provided here, then we welcome any suggestion that will improve the quality of this page.

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.

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. Ocean engineering can be pursued at IIT, Chennai.

The National Institute of Oceanography is located at Goa. The Institute besides involving itself in research conducts training programmes for professionals working in ocean sciences.

Courses/Institutions

Post Graduate Courses in Oceanography, Marine Science & Geology