Ocean Sciences
The Department of Oceanography at Dalhousie University offers a unique range of courses across the core sub-disciplines of ocean science. Complete your undergraduate degree as a major steps away from the Atlantic Ocean, or consider completing an honours degree and/or earning one or more certificates if certain courses are taken as part of the program.
Your major map: Ocean Sciences
The Ocean Science Major Map highlights academic and co-curricular opportunities and provides an overview of how students can customize their degree. Students are encouraged to connect with advising supports at Dalhousie and use the Academic Calendar and Timetable to create their course plan.
< 30 CREDIT HOURS/FIRST YEAR
- Complete required introductory courses in Physics: PHYC 1190/1290 and in other subjects. See the first-year course planner worksheet for more information
- At the end of your first year, you can declare your major and register for second-year courses
30-60 CREDIT HOURS/SECOND YEAR
- You will start taking more core courses* in OCEA, gaining knowledge and lab experience: OCEA 2001, OCEA 2002, OCEA 2020, OCEA 2021
- Consider combining your degree with another subject with a double major, minor, or certificate
- Consider incorporating summer field courses through the SEASIDE program
60-90 CREDIT HOURS/THIRD YEAR+
- Aim to take 4-6 OCEA* courses. Make sure you're on track with course requirements using DARS
- Looking for a hands-on learning experience? there are experiential learning and directed research courses offered by the department
- Complete OCEA 3003: Field Oceanography, a summer field course available through the SEASIDE program
- Apply for an honours degree ahead of your fourth year if you are considering graduate studies
90-120 CREDIT HOURS/FINAL YEAR
- Aim to take 4-6 OCEA courses*. Ensure to complete the course requirements: OCEA 4000 and OCEA 4401/4402 in your final year.
- Complete any remaining requirements for a certificate or minor and check your degree audit to ensure you are on track to graduate
- Apply to graduate by Dec 1 for spring convocation and July 2 for fall convocation
*Note that not all courses are offered each semester or year and that course requirements may vary according to your degree type (major, double major, minor, honors) be sure to keep track of these by consulting the academic calendar.
*After declaring your major, we strongly encourage you to connect with program advisors for course planning and any other questions related to your program.
< 30 CREDIT HOURS/FIRST YEAR
- Build connections by enrolling in a first-year interest group (FIGS) like Oceans, Climate Change, and Earth and Environment
- Sign up to be mentored by an upper-year student
30-60 CREDIT HOURS/SECOND YEAR
- Explore the myCareer portal to browse through work and volunteer opportunities on and off campus
60-90 CREDIT HOURS/THIRD YEAR+
- There are 70 Faculty-coordinated summer research awards available each year that you can apply for on a competitive basis
- Other opportunities include science communication internships, science innovation and entrepreneurship through SURGE, and student society leadership roles
90-120 CREDIT HOURS/FINAL YEAR
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< 30 CREDIT HOURS/FIRST YEAR
- Attend the Dal Science Welcome Party
- Attend the Faculty of Science Program Fair for help planning your next steps
- Consider joining DOUGS – Dalhousie Oceanography Undergraduate Society! Meet other like-minded students and participate in fun events
30-60 CREDIT HOURS/SECOND YEAR
- Attend the department seminar series to learn about hot topics and ongoing research in ocean science!
60-90 CREDIT HOURS/THIRD YEAR+
- Consider running for a position with the Dal Science Society's Executive or with your student society
- Reach out to the department's many researchers and faculty to join a research lab as a volunteer and take advantage of world-class facilities
90-120 CREDIT HOURS/FINAL YEAR
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< 30 CREDIT HOURS/FIRST YEAR
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30-60 CREDIT HOURS/SECOND YEAR
- Explore career paths and industries that spark your interest by attending an alumni panel discussion
60-90 CREDIT HOURS/THIRD YEAR+
- Consider applying for a summer research award with NSERC/URSA through the department, available on a competitive basis
90-120 CREDIT HOURS/FINAL YEAR
- Time to celebrate your achievements and graduate!
- Connect with the Bissett Student Success Success Centre career supports to get prepared for interviews, and more as your prepare to head out on the job hunt or to apply for graduate school
For any questions about your major, enrolling in a minor or certificate, summer research, or honours, speak with a program advisor!
Where your degree can take you
A BSc degree in Ocean Science provides great preparation for a variety of careers. The skills and knowledge acquired through this program can be applied, but are not limited to career paths in:
Marine technology, renewable energy, ocean literacy and education, ocean policy, research, conservation, government and regulatory affairs, consulting, management, engineering, and education, among many more.
Core competencies gained
Discipline-related skills:
- An interdisciplinary understanding of the physical, chemical, biological, and geological processes and characteristics that make up the ocean ecosystem
- First-hand experience with exciting technological innovations used for ocean research and monitoring
- Scientific application of sampling techniques, modeling, and use of programming languages
- An understanding of how and why oceans change, and the role of ocean science in policy for solving pressing environmental problems
Transferable skills:
- Academic writing and presentation skills
- Critical thinking, synthesis, and analytical skills
- Communication skills
- Numeracy skills
- Time/project management
- Leadership and teamwork
- Basic statistical analyses
- R Software
- Research/fieldwork skills
Possible careers and employment
Ocean science Alumni can be employed within a variety of industries and have multiple career path options. These are influenced by the student's elective courses, experiential learning choices, and certificates. Some of the options below will typically require additional or graduate-level training*, while some can be pursued following the completion of baccalaureate program only.
- Acoustic Technician
- Aquatic Research Technician
- Conservation Officer
- Environmental Planner
- Fisheries Technician
- GIS Technologist*
- Hydrologist*
- Laboratory Manager
- Marine Technician
- Marine Science Educator
- Marine Scientist*
- Marine Lawyer*
- Oceanographer*
- Ocean Engineer*
- Ocean Policy Advisor
- Research Assistant
- Technical Writer
- Teach/Professor*
- Scientific Writer/Communicator
