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Sarah Fielding, Rachel Mills, Nicky Farrow, Adeline Dutrieux, Vicki Taylor, Moira MacLean, Wenhao Wang, Bastien Linol, Stephanie Plön, Adam Reed, Jörg Wiedenmann, Phillip Fenberg, Jon Copley, and Ken Collins

Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more Everyone is welcome to take this course, and no previous knowledge is required or assumed. You can use the hashtag #FLocean to talk about this course on social media.

Topics Covered

Read more

Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more Everyone is welcome to take this course, and no previous knowledge is required or assumed. You can use the hashtag #FLocean to talk about this course on social media.

Topics Covered

  • History of ocean exploration
  • Modern mapping of the ocean
  • The movement of ocean currents
  • The composition of the ocean
  • Ocean biodiversity
  • Characteristics of life in the deep sea
  • Ocean resources and ownership
  • Human impacts on the ocean

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Reviews summary

Broad introduction to oceanography for beginners

According to learners, Exploring Our Ocean provides a largely positive and accessible introduction to a wide range of topics in oceanography. Many found the course's presentation engaging and the content easy to digest, making it an excellent starting point for those new to the subject or seeking general knowledge. However, a significant number of students note that while the course offers broad coverage, it often lacks significant depth, which might make it less suitable for learners with prior knowledge or those requiring detailed insights for professional purposes. Some reviews also suggest that certain sections could benefit from updates to reflect current scientific understanding or global issues.
Covers many oceanography topics.
"A really good overview. Covers lots of different aspects from physics to biology."
"It covers a lot but doesn't go into much depth on any topic."
"It gives you a great starting point to understand the complexities of our oceans."
Lectures are clear and visuals good.
"The instructors explain everything clearly."
"Loved this course! The lectures were well-produced, and the visuals were stunning."
"The content is presented okay, but there's no substance."
Excellent starting point for newcomers.
"This course is fantastic for anyone wanting a broad introduction to the ocean."
"It's accessible and engaging. Great for general knowledge."
"Excellent foundational course! The modules are bite-sized and easy to digest."
"Perfect for fitting into a busy schedule and easy to follow."
Content is too superficial for advanced study.
"Disappointed by the lack of detail. The course touches on many interesting things but never explores them properly."
"As someone with some prior knowledge, I didn't learn much new. Feels too superficial."
"Waste of time if you want anything beyond basic facts. This is extremely superficial."
"Felt more like a high-level summary. Good if you know absolutely nothing, but if you have some background, it might feel a bit basic."

Activities

Coming soon We're preparing activities for Exploring Our Ocean. These are activities you can do either before, during, or after a course.

Career center

Learners who complete Exploring Our Ocean will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Reading list

We haven't picked any books for this reading list yet.
Focuses on the physical aspects of oceanography, covering topics such as the circulation of the oceans, the waves, and the tides.
Focuses on the role of the oceans in climate change, covering topics such as the role of the oceans in the carbon cycle, the impact of climate change on the oceans, and the potential for the oceans to mitigate climate change.
Provides a broad overview of oceanography, with a focus on the visual aspects of the oceans.
Provides a broad overview of oceanography, with a focus on the global perspective of the oceans.
This comprehensive textbook provides a broad overview of oceanography and marine biology, covering topics such as the physical, chemical, biological, and geological aspects of the oceans.
This introductory textbook provides a comprehensive overview of oceanography, covering topics such as the physical, chemical, biological, and geological aspects of the oceans.
Provides a historical perspective on oceanography, exploring the development of the field over time.
Focuses on the chemical aspects of oceanography, covering topics such as the composition of seawater, the role of the oceans in the carbon cycle, and the impact of human activities on the oceans.
Is widely used as an introductory textbook for undergraduate students. It provides a broad overview of the four main branches of oceanography: physical, chemical, biological, and geological. Its accessible writing style and numerous illustrations make it an excellent resource for gaining a foundational understanding of the topic. This book is commonly used as a textbook in academic institutions.
Another popular introductory textbook, this book offers a comprehensive overview of marine science, including oceanography. It is designed for students with little to no science background and emphasizes the process of science. The book includes engaging features and is often used in introductory oceanography courses.
Provides a more focused introduction to physical oceanography, emphasizing large-scale oceanographic phenomena based on observations. It is suitable for advanced undergraduate and graduate students and valuable reference for understanding ocean circulation, water masses, and heat and salt budgets. This widely recognized text in physical oceanography.
This updated edition offers a firm grounding in the fundamentals of biological oceanography. It covers topics such as marine environments, organisms, food webs, and human impacts on marine ecosystems. It is suitable for undergraduate students and serves as a solid introduction to the biological aspects of oceanography. The third edition includes a revised focus on anthropogenic impacts.
This textbook delves into the principles of chemical oceanography with a strong focus on the marine carbon cycle. It is suitable for students with some scientific background and provides insight into the processes regulating ocean chemistry. It valuable resource for those interested in the chemical aspects of oceanography and climate change.
A timeless classic, this beautifully written book explores the natural history of the world's oceans. While not a textbook, it provides a broad and poetic understanding of the ocean's influence on Earth's climate and ecosystems. It is an excellent choice for gaining a general appreciation for oceanography and its importance. is considered a classic in environmental literature.
Part of Rachel Carson's sea trilogy, this book focuses on the ecology of the Atlantic seashore. It blend of scientific accuracy and lyrical prose, exploring the diverse life found at the intersection of land and sea. It serves as a wonderful introduction to marine biology and coastal ecosystems. classic of nature writing.
This collection of essays offers a unique perspective on world history viewed through the lens of the oceans. It explores the historical interactions between humans and the marine environment across different oceanic regions. is valuable for those seeking a broader, interdisciplinary understanding of the ocean's role in shaping human history and is suitable for advanced undergraduates and graduate students interested in the history and social impact of oceanography.
Dives into the contemporary topic of the deep ocean, an often-overlooked realm. It highlights the incredible biodiversity and unique ecosystems of the deep sea and discusses the threats they face from human activities. This is an excellent choice for those interested in current research and conservation issues in oceanography.
Focuses on the biological aspects of oceanography, covering topics such as the distribution of marine organisms, the role of the oceans in the food chain, and the impact of human activities on marine ecosystems.

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