Course at a glance
Introduction
Oceanography, also known as marine science, is the study of the world’s oceans and their complex processes. Covering 70% of the Earth’s surface, oceans play a crucial role in climate, biology, and geology. This course begins by exploring the differences between oceans and seas, the formation and changes of ocean basins, and the historical significance of key research, like the Challenger expedition, in advancing our knowledge of the marine environment.
The following unit descriptors are brief content guides to the course components and should provide a holistic overview of structure and format.
Benefits of the Course:
Students will expect to derive the following benefits from the diploma course:
- Students will gain knowledge in Oceanography
- Students will explore the different types of Oceanography such as physical, Geological and Operational and more.
- You will discover the names and locations of the oceans and seas.
- At the end of the course you will have a great understanding of the variations of Oceanography.
Assessment Objectives (AO)
AO: 1
Students must select and demonstrate clearly relevant knowledge and understanding through the use of evidence, examples and correct language and terminology appropriate to the course of study. This assessment, involves two written assignments: one halfway through the course and following the final unit. Both are assessed and graded by the assigned tutor, according to college procedures. The grading procedure if Pass or Fail. If you Fail an assessment you have the opportunity to amend where your tutor has highlighted and resubmit.
AO: 2
Students must critically evaluate and justify a point of view through the use of evidence and reasoned argument. Students can include evidence in different formats to support their written work such as documentation or images to support their course remembering Confidentiality and Data Protection.
Quality of Written Communication (QWC)
In addition, COLC require students’ to produce written material in English, candidates must: ensure that text is legible and that spelling, punctuation and grammar (SPG) are accurate so that meaning is clear; select and use a form and style of writing appropriate to studying a complex subject matter; organise information clearly and coherently, using specialist vocabulary when appropriate and Harvard referencing of citation and sources. In this Specification, SPG will be assessed in all tutor marked assignments (TMAs)
To ensure that we maintain quality standards; all our students written assignments are subject to our plagiarism policy and procedure.
Accredited Level 3 Oceanography Diploma Entry Requirement
Entry to this Accredited Level 3 Oceanography Diploma requires that potential students have gained GCSE/IGCSE or equivalent qualifications and have, good English oral, reading and writing skills.
Advice on enrolment and guidance of prior learning (APL) can be obtained through out contact centre. The course is a rolling programme and can be started at any point in the year. Successful students can go on to Higher Education, including remaining as students at COLC to complete courses in our portfolio of higher awards.
All students must be aged 16 or over.
Assessment
The coursework is assessed through continuous assessment with no formal exit examinations.
Study Hours
Approximately: 200 hours of personal study time for the entire course is recommended. All of which is supported by the COLC Course Tutor, who we greatly encourage students to access support from throughout their course.
Quality Assurance
This course has been developed by the College’s professional team of tutors to meet the needs of sector based employers and employees.
Further details of our accreditations are provided on our website.
Course Length
1 Year.
Awarding Body
Accredited Level 3 Oceanography Diploma Course Content
Unit 1: Introduction to the Oceans and Oceanography
This foundational unit covers the interdisciplinary nature of oceanography, including biological, chemical, geological, and physical perspectives. Students will gain skills in scientific measurement and research techniques used in the study of ocean processes, helping in weather prediction and trend analysis.
Unit 2: Maths for Oceanography
Basic mathematical skills are essential for oceanographic data analysis. This unit includes units of measurement, statistics, algebra, and trigonometry, providing students with the tools to interpret oceanographic data accurately and predict impacts on climate and ecosystems.
Unit 3: The Ocean Basins
This unit explores the geological formation of ocean basins through plate tectonics and continental drift, as well as bathymetry, which studies ocean floor topography. Students will learn about different rock types and geological processes that continue to shape ocean basins.
Unit 4: Properties of Seawater
Understanding the unique properties of seawater is key in oceanography. This unit covers the chemical composition of seawater, how light and sound travel through it, and variations in density, salinity, and temperature across different ocean regions.
Unit 5: Currents and Circulation
Ocean currents significantly affect climate, weather, and marine life. This unit covers the types of currents, such as gyres and vertical currents, and phenomena like El Niño and La Niña. Students also learn about energy production from ocean currents and modern measurement techniques.
Unit 6: Waves and Tides
Students explore wave and tide classification, their causes, and their impact on the marine environment, including coastal erosion and sediment transport. The unit also covers tidal energy as a renewable resource and the effects of tsunamis on coastal areas.
Unit 7: The Oceans and Climate
This unit delves into how oceans influence global climate, including the role of water properties in climate regulation. Topics include climate change, global warming, greenhouse gas reduction, and strategies to mitigate climate impacts.
Unit 8: Palaeoceanography
Palaeoceanography studies the ancient history of oceans and their influence on climate. Students learn how sediments, rocks, and fossils reveal Earth’s past climates and events like mass extinctions, plate tectonics, and species evolution.
Unit 9: Biological Oceanography
This unit covers the marine organisms that inhabit the oceans and their ecological relationships. Topics include chemical cycles, geothermal vents, and human impacts on the ocean environment, such as pollution and oil extraction.
Unit 10: Careers in Oceanography
The final unit introduces students to career paths in oceanography, covering roles in marine research, environmental monitoring, and engineering. Topics include marine law, ocean mining, telecommunication cables, and energy production, helping students plan their future in the field.
Progression
This Accredited Level 3 Oceanography Diploma can be used to gain entry to a Level 4+5 Diploma or higher.
You can view a lit of our Level 4+5 Diplomas here: Accredited level 4+5 Diplomas
