Thiruvananthapuram: Oceanography is a branch of a science which is also called Oceanology and Marine Science. It is a sub branch of earth science that studies the ocean. It is a multiple discipline study which blends together the study of subjects like biology, chemistry, geology, meteorology, physics and geography.
The minimum educational qualification to join a PG course in Oceanography is a BSc degree in any one of the subjects of zoology, botany, chemistry, fisheries science, earth science, physics, agriculture, microbiology or applied sciences.
Some of the main colleges which offer courses in post graduate studies in oceanography include the National Institute of Oceanography, Goa, Centre for Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences (CAOS), Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS), Kochi and CUSAT.
Reputed universities offering Oceanography are Bangor University and University of Southampton, UK, Sunway University, Malaysia and University of South Alabama, US.
There also bachelor’s level courses in oceanography for those have passed higher secondary examinations from a recognised board with physics, chemistry and mathematics at the plus-two level with a minimum of 50 per cent marks.
Job are there for those who’ve studied Oceanography, in companies like Oil India Department of Oceanography, Geological Survey of India, National Institute of Oceanography, Meteorological Survey of India, Coal India, Mineral Exploration Authority, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation and Hindustan Zinc.
Candidates with good teaching skills and ability can opt for oceanography as a profession. They can also opt for a career in teaching in colleges and universities, both in India and abroad.
A. Bijukumar, head of the department of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries, of Kerala University, said there were plenty of career opportunities for those who had a degree or master’s in Oceanography.
There are also opportunities in research institutions, meterological department, oceanographic institutes and marine cruises, he said.
However, aptitude for the job is a must for oceanographers as they may have to work in research stations at sea for several weeks or months. The job also involves working in onshore laboratories, offices and aquariums.
The starting salary after post graduation can range from Rs 8,000 to Rs 12,000 per month in the Government sector and up to Rs 15,000 per month in the private sector. In countries like the US, the starting pay package can range anywhere between $50,000 and $80,000 a year. Beginners with PhD can get a higher salary in research organisations.
