The study of Oceanography begins with Level I Marine Science and continues in second and third year with Level II and III Oceanography to develop a major or a minor. Level I Marine Science provides students with a broad introduction to the study of the oceans, including topics in ocean and atmosphere circulation, marine physics, chemistry, biology, ecology and geology. Level II and III Oceanography use physical and applied mathematical arguments to develop an understanding of physical phenomena that take place within the world's oceans. The emphasis in Level II and III Oceanography is placed on physical oceanography, including components covering marine acoustics and optics, marine chemistry or remote sensing.

Note: For students wishing to study Level II Oceanography, ZPEM1301 Mathematics 1A and ZPEM1302 Mathematics 1B are pre-requisites, as the courses require a basic understanding of algebraic manipulations and calculus.

Minor
A minor sequence in Oceanography comprises:

Four Level II courses consisting of the three following courses

Plus one of the following

Major
A major sequence in Oceanography comprises of two Level I courses

Four Level II courses consisting of the three following courses

Plus one of the following:

plus 24 units of credit in Level III Oceanography courses.

Oceanography Honours is designed for students showing a special interest and aptitude for work in the discipline and who satisfy the requirements for entry into the degree of Bachelor of Science with Honours. The Honours program provides students with the opportunity to undertake a research project and to present their results in a thesis. Coursework in the form of seminars, lectures and assignments is also normally undertaken.