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Oceanography

a key to better understand our world

Jordi Serra

The course for a round the world regatta leads the boats through the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic, Southern Indian and South Pacific Oceans. On their voyage, the skippers come across a large variety of oceanographic situations: strong currents, floating ice, wave formations of every kind and biological diversity.

In this course the student will learn about the foundations of the science of oceanography. You'll learn about the classification and formation of the ocean floor, how current sea satellite analysis systems work, the chemistry of the oceans and the processes that led to its formation.

Read more

The course for a round the world regatta leads the boats through the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic, Southern Indian and South Pacific Oceans. On their voyage, the skippers come across a large variety of oceanographic situations: strong currents, floating ice, wave formations of every kind and biological diversity.

In this course the student will learn about the foundations of the science of oceanography. You'll learn about the classification and formation of the ocean floor, how current sea satellite analysis systems work, the chemistry of the oceans and the processes that led to its formation.

To follow this course does not require previous knowledge of oceanography.

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What's inside

Syllabus

1A - The Mediterranean: a model of an ocean - Temperature, salinity and pressure.
Module 1 addresses some of the fundamental concepts of descriptive oceanography related to the physical characteristics of water: the vertical distribution of temperature and salinity, TS diagram, stability and destabilization of the water column, the formation of water dense and deep, the water masses and circulation. It is necessary also introduces concepts to understand the relationship between the distribution of the mass of water, its surface topography of a regional or larger scale, and called geostrophic circulation, where it plays a fundamental role the Coriolis force. While the concepts presented have general applicability, examples are the Mediterranean, starting with the characteristics of the waters near Barcelona, where it begins and ends the Barcelona World Race, and ending with the general circulation of the water masses around the Mediterranean.
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
This course provides a foundation in oceanography and is suitable for absolute beginners
Exploration of a diverse range of oceanographic phenomena
Taught by renowned oceanography professor Jordi Serra
Covers various aspects of oceanography, from physical to chemical to biological processes
Offers insights into the formation of ocean floor, ocean circulation, and marine life
Provides a glimpse into cutting-edge satellite oceanography techniques
Examines the role of the ocean in shaping Earth's climate
Requires no prior knowledge in oceanography

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Reviews summary

Foundational oceanography: a beginner's guide

According to learners, this course offers a broad and accessible introduction (positive) to oceanography, making complex topics understandable for those with no prior background (positive). Many highlight the clear explanations (positive) provided by the instructors and the logical flow (positive) of the course content, covering everything from ocean chemistry to satellite observation. While largely positive, some students noted that certain sections, particularly those involving physics or satellite data interpretation, can be challenging for true beginners (warning), requiring careful attention or rewatching of lectures. Overall, students feel it provides a solid foundation for exploring the world's oceans.
Course modules flow logically.
"The course is well-structured, building knowledge module by module."
"I appreciated the way they linked the Mediterranean to the global ocean systems."
"The content progression makes sense and is easy to follow."
"Each section felt like a natural next step in understanding the oceans."
Knowledgeable and passionate educators.
"The professors are clearly passionate about oceanography and it shows in their lectures."
"They made the topics interesting and engaging throughout the course."
"Their enthusiasm is contagious and keeps you motivated to learn."
"Expert instructors who know how to teach complex subjects effectively."
Covers a wide range of oceanographic topics.
"Loved how it covered physical, chemical, and even satellite aspects of the ocean."
"It gave me a great overview of what oceanography is all about."
"From ocean basins to currents, the course touches on many fascinating areas."
"A perfect starting point for anyone curious about the science of the seas."
Complex science made easy for beginners.
"The professors explained difficult concepts in a simple way that was easy to grasp."
"I had absolutely no background in oceanography, but I could follow the lectures perfectly."
"The videos were clear and the visuals really helped me understand the material."
"Everything was broken down into bite-sized pieces, making it very accessible."
Some parts require extra effort for newcomers.
"Some physics concepts felt a bit advanced despite the 'no prior knowledge' claim."
"I found the module on satellite oceanography quite dense and hard to follow at times."
"Needed to spend extra time reviewing certain lectures to fully grasp the material."
"It's a good beginner course, but be prepared for some challenging moments."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Oceanography: a key to better understand our world with these activities:
Review of Aquatic Concepts
Brush up on oceanography and marine biology to recall and solidify basic concepts.
Browse courses on Oceanography
Show steps
  • Review chapters on basic oceanography concepts from a textbook or online resources.
  • Read articles and watch videos on marine biology to familiarize yourself with the subject.
Explore the Valencia Institute of Oceanography
Visit the official website of the Valencia Institute of Oceanography and explore its resources to broaden your understanding of oceanography.
Show steps
  • Browse the website to learn about the research conducted by the institute.
  • Watch videos and read articles on oceanography-related topics published by the institute.
  • Participate in online forums or webinars offered by the institute.
Get comfortable with Meteorology
Review some basic Meteorology and Oceanography to better understand the course's content.
Browse courses on Oceanography
Show steps
  • Review basic Meteorology and Oceanography concepts
  • Read reliable articles or watch videos to learn more
  • Take a short course or workshop
Seven other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all ten activities
Watch video tutorials on Oceanography
Watch video tutorials on Oceanography to supplement your learning and gain a deeper understanding of the subject.
Browse courses on Oceanography
Show steps
  • Find reputable video tutorials online
  • Watch the tutorials and take notes
  • Pause and rewind the tutorials as needed
Ocean Currents Simulation
Engage in online simulations or exercises that demonstrate how ocean currents form and move, enhancing your comprehension of this topic.
Browse courses on Ocean Currents
Show steps
  • Find online simulations or exercises that allow you to manipulate variables and observe the effects on ocean currents.
  • Experiment with different settings to understand the factors influencing ocean current patterns.
Discussion on Oceanographic Phenomena
Participate in online discussion forums or join study groups to discuss and exchange knowledge on specific oceanographic phenomena.
Show steps
  • Identify online discussion forums or study groups related to oceanography.
  • Select a topic of interest and prepare to share your insights and questions.
  • Engage in discussions, ask thoughtful questions, and actively listen to others' perspectives.
Practice solving Oceanography problems
Practice solving problems related to oceanography to improve your understanding and problem-solving skills.
Browse courses on Oceanography
Show steps
  • Find practice problems online or in textbooks
  • Solve the problems on your own or with a study group
  • Check your answers and learn from your mistakes
Create a presentation on Oceanography
Convey your Oceanography knowledge by creating a presentation to solidify your understanding and improve your communication skills.
Browse courses on Oceanography
Show steps
  • Choose a topic
  • Research your topic
  • Create your presentation slides
  • Practice your presentation
  • Present your presentation
Oceanographic Data Analysis
Work on a project that involves analyzing real oceanographic data, such as temperature, salinity, or current data, to gain practical experience in data interpretation.
Show steps
  • Identify a dataset of interest from online repositories or research institutions.
  • Use data analysis tools or software to explore, visualize, and interpret the data.
  • Draw conclusions and identify patterns or trends in the data.
Design and conduct an Oceanography experiment
Design and conduct an Oceanography experiment to apply your knowledge and gain hands-on experience.
Browse courses on Oceanography
Show steps
  • Choose a research question
  • Design your experiment
  • Conduct your experiment
  • Analyze your results
  • Write a report on your findings

Career center

Learners who complete Oceanography: a key to better understand our world will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Oceanographer
Oceanographers study the physical, chemical, and biological properties of the ocean. They may work in a variety of settings, from research institutions to government agencies, and they may use a variety of techniques, from shipboard observations to computer modeling. This course provides a comprehensive overview of oceanography, covering topics such as ocean currents, waves, tides, and marine ecosystems. It is an ideal foundation for anyone who wishes to pursue a career in oceanography.
See salaries and explore the career path for Oceanographer
Marine Policy Advisor
Marine Policy Advisors develop and analyze policies for government agencies or other organizations that relate to the ocean. They may focus on a particular area of marine policy, such as fisheries management or coastal development, or they may work on a variety of marine policy issues. This course provides a comprehensive overview of oceanography, which is essential for understanding the issues that Marine Policy Advisors work on. It can help aspiring Marine Policy Advisors build a strong foundation in oceanography and prepare them for success in this field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Marine Policy Advisor
Marine Biologist
Marine Biologists study the biology of marine organisms, from the microscopic to the massive. They may focus on a particular group of organisms, such as fish, or they may study the entire ecosystem of a particular area. Oceanography is a fundamental field for Marine Biologists, as it provides an understanding of the physical and chemical properties of the ocean and how these factors affect marine life. This course, which covers topics such as water temperature, salinity, and ocean currents, can help aspiring Marine Biologists build a strong foundation in oceanography and prepare them for success in this field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Marine Biologist
Marine Conservationist
Marine Conservationists work to protect and conserve marine ecosystems. They may work with government agencies, non-profit organizations, or private companies, and they may use a variety of methods, from scientific research to public education. This course provides a strong foundation in oceanography, which is essential for understanding the threats facing marine ecosystems and developing effective conservation strategies.
See salaries and explore the career path for Marine Conservationist
Environmental Scientist
Environmental Scientists study the environment and its interactions with human activities. They may work in a variety of settings, from government agencies to private companies, and they may focus on a particular area of environmental science, such as water quality, air pollution, or climate change. This course provides a broad overview of oceanography, which is an important part of understanding the global environment. It can help aspiring Environmental Scientists build a strong foundation in oceanography and prepare them for success in this field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Scientist
Meteorologist
Meteorologists study the atmosphere and its interactions with the Earth's surface. They may work in a variety of settings, from government agencies to private companies, and they may focus on a particular area of meteorology, such as weather forecasting, climate modeling, or air pollution. This course provides a basic understanding of oceanography, which is an important part of understanding the Earth's climate system. It can help aspiring Meteorologists build a strong foundation in oceanography and prepare them for success in this field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Meteorologist
Hydrologist
Hydrologists study water and its movement through the environment. They may work in a variety of settings, from government agencies to private companies, and they may focus on a particular area of hydrology, such as water quality, water resources, or flood control. This course provides a basic understanding of oceanography, which is an important part of understanding the global water cycle. It can help aspiring Hydrologists build a strong foundation in oceanography and prepare them for success in this field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Hydrologist
Climatologist
Climatologists study climate and its changes over time. They may work in a variety of settings, from government agencies to private companies, and they may focus on a particular area of climatology, such as climate modeling, climate change, or paleoclimatology. This course provides a basic understanding of oceanography, which is an important part of understanding the global climate system. It can help aspiring Climatologists build a strong foundation in oceanography and prepare them for success in this field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Climatologist
Environmental Engineer
Environmental Engineers design and implement solutions to environmental problems. They may work in a variety of settings, from government agencies to private companies, and they may focus on a particular area of environmental engineering, such as water treatment, air pollution control, or waste management. This course provides a basic understanding of oceanography, which is an important part of understanding the global environment. It can help aspiring Environmental Engineers build a strong foundation in oceanography and prepare them for success in this field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Engineer
Geologist
Geologists study the Earth's physical features and the processes that have shaped them. They may work in a variety of settings, from academia to industry, and they may focus on a particular area of geology, such as geophysics, geochemistry, or paleontology. This course provides a basic understanding of oceanography, which is an important part of understanding the Earth's systems. It can help aspiring Geologists build a strong foundation in oceanography and prepare them for success in this field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Geologist
Science Writer
Science Writers communicate science to the public. They may work for newspapers, magazines, or websites, or they may write books or other materials. This course provides a broad overview of oceanography, which is an important part of science communication. It can help aspiring Science Writers build a strong foundation in oceanography and prepare them for success in this field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Science Writer
Policy Analyst
Policy Analysts develop and analyze policies for government agencies or other organizations. They may focus on a particular area of policy, such as environmental policy, or they may work on a variety of policy issues. This course provides a basic understanding of oceanography, which is an important part of understanding environmental policy. It can help aspiring Policy Analysts build a strong foundation in oceanography and prepare them for success in this field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst
National Park Ranger
National Park Rangers protect and manage national parks and other public lands. They may work in a variety of settings, from forests to beaches, and they may have a variety of responsibilities, from law enforcement to visitor education. This course provides a basic understanding of oceanography, which is an important part of understanding the environment in which National Park Rangers work. It can help aspiring National Park Rangers build a strong foundation in oceanography and prepare them for success in this field.
See salaries and explore the career path for National Park Ranger
Environmental Lawyer
Environmental Lawyers specialize in environmental law. They may work for government agencies, private companies, or non-profit organizations, and they may focus on a particular area of environmental law, such as water law, air pollution law, or climate change law. This course provides a basic understanding of oceanography, which is an important part of understanding environmental law. It can help aspiring Environmental Lawyers build a strong foundation in oceanography and prepare them for success in this field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Lawyer
Science Teacher
Science Teachers teach science to students at all levels, from elementary school to college. They may focus on a particular area of science, such as biology, chemistry, or physics, or they may teach general science. This course provides a broad overview of oceanography, which is an important part of science education. It can help aspiring Science Teachers build a strong foundation in oceanography and prepare them for success in this field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Science Teacher

Reading list

We've selected nine books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Oceanography: a key to better understand our world.
Cover image
Managing the Drug Discovery Process
Save
This introductory textbook provides a comprehensive overview of biological oceanography, covering topics such as marine ecology, marine biodiversity, and marine conservation. It valuable resource for students and professionals in the field.
Managing the Drug Discovery Process: Insights and...
Paperback
$$$$
Managing the Drug Discovery Process: Insights and...
Kindle Edition
$$$$
Descriptive Physical Oceanography
Save
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of physical oceanography, covering topics such as the physics of seawater, ocean circulation, and waves. It valuable resource for students and professionals in the field.
Descriptive Physical Oceanography: An Introduction
Paperback
$$$$
Cover image
Atmosphere, Ocean, and Climate Dynamics
Save
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the physical processes that occur in the atmosphere and ocean. It good resource for students who want to learn more about the dynamics of the Earth's fluids.
Atmosphere, Ocean and Climate Dynamics: An...
Hardcover
$$$
Atmosphere, Ocean and Climate Dynamics, Volume 16:...
Hardcover
$$$
Atmosphere, Ocean and Climate Dynamics, Volume 9:...
Hardcover
$$$
Atmosphere, Ocean and Climate Dynamics, Volume 8:...
Hardcover
$$$
Atmosphere, Ocean and Climate Dynamics, Volume 10:...
Hardcover
$$$
Atmosphere, Ocean and Climate Dynamics, Volume 3:...
Hardcover
$$$
Atmosphere, Ocean and Climate Dynamics, Volume 15:...
Hardcover
$$$
Atmosphere, Ocean and Climate Dynamics: An...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Biological Oceanography
Save
This textbook covers the biological aspects of the ocean, including the distribution and abundance of marine organisms. It good resource for students who want to learn more about the ecology of the ocean.
Biological Oceanography
Paperback
$$$
Biological Oceanography
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Chemical Oceanography
Save
This textbook covers the chemical aspects of the ocean, including the distribution and abundance of dissolved substances. It good resource for students who want to learn more about the chemistry of the ocean.
Gulf of Mexico Origin, Waters, and Biota: Volume 5,...
Hardcover
$$$
Chemical Oceanography
Paperback
$$$$
Chemical Oceanography, Third Edition (MARINE...
Paperback
$$
Chemical Oceanography
Paperback
$$
Gulf of Mexico Origin, Waters, and Biota: Volume 5,...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Chemical Oceanography
Kindle Edition
$$$$
Cover image
Introduction to Marine Biogeochemistry
Save
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of marine biogeochemistry, covering topics such as the cycling of carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen in the ocean. It valuable resource for students and professionals in the field.
An Introduction to Marine Biogeochemistry
Hardcover
$$
Introduction to Marine Biogeochemistry
Hardcover
$$$
Introduction to Marine Biogeochemistry
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Sea Cliffs, Beaches, and Coastal Valleys of San...
Save
This textbook covers the geological aspects of the ocean, including the structure and composition of the ocean floor. It good resource for students who want to learn more about the geology of the ocean.
Sea Cliffs, Beaches, and Coastal Valleys of San...
Paperback
$$
Cover image
Oceanography: An Invitation to Marine Science
Save
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of oceanography, covering topics such as the physical, chemical, and biological aspects of the ocean. It valuable resource for students and professionals in the field.
Oceanography: An Invitation to Marine Science...
Hardcover
$$$
Oceanography: An Invitation to Marine Science...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Memory Traces
Save
Provides an overview of the use of satellite data to study the ocean. It good resource for students who want to learn more about the use of remote sensing in oceanography.
Memory Traces: Analyzing Sacred Space at Five...
Kindle Edition
$$$

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Via
Coursera
Institutions
Universitat de Barcelona
Fundació Navegació Oceànica Barcelona
Instructor
Jordi Serra
Language
English
Transcripts
Español Français Português Deutsch Italiano 中文 العربية 한국어 日本語 हिंदी Nederlands Svenska Pусский Türkçe Polski Ελληνικά українська мова magyar nyelv Bahasa Indonesia ไทย қазақша اُردُو, فارسی বাংলা tiếng Việt پښتو آذربایجان دیلی
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
This course provides a foundation in oceanography and is suitable for absolute beginners
Exploration of a diverse range of oceanographic phenomena
Taught by renowned oceanography professor Jordi Serra
Covers various aspects of oceanography, from physical to chemical to biological processes
Offers insights into the formation of ocean floor, ocean circulation, and marine life
Provides a glimpse into cutting-edge satellite oceanography techniques
Examines the role of the ocean in shaping Earth's climate
Requires no prior knowledge in oceanography
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