Physical Oceanography unit (QMS511)

Hobart

Introduction

The purpose of this unit is to introduce physical oceanographic concepts, including the ocean's circulation and physical structure to students with a broad background in university level physics and mathematics. The unit will cover seawater properties, instruments and observing platforms, equations of motion, geostrophic circulation, Ekman layer theory and wind driven circulation, meridional overturning circulation, circulation of the Southern Ocean,waves in the ocean, and basics of ocean modelling. The student will learn the fundamental concepts that are used in physical oceanography for describing and modelling currents, waves, and their role in the climate system.

Summary

Unit name	Physical Oceanography
Unit code	QMS511
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Sciences and Engineering Institute for Marine & Antarctic Studies
Discipline	Oceans Ice and Climate
Coordinator	Associate Professor Maxim Nikurashin
Delivered By
Level	Postgraduate

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Hobart	11 Week Session Oct

Note

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Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
11 Week Session Oct	28/9/2025	15/10/2025	6/11/2025	13/12/2025

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2025 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2025 will be available from the 1st October 2024. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

• Explain concepts and principles used in physical oceanography
• Solve physical oceanographical problems by applying theoretical and practical principles.
• Analyse experimental observations using laboratory work and computer simulation.
• Use oceanographic data and computer models to interpret and report results.

Fee Information

Field of Education	Commencing Student Contribution 1,3	Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3	Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3	Domestic Full Fee 4
010907	$1,164.00	$1,164.00	not applicable	$2,726.00

• Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
• HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility³
• FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility⁴

¹ Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
² Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
³ Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
⁴ Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	1 week intensive unit (5 days) consisting of lectures and lab sessions. There will be 15-20 hours of lectures and 15-20 hours of tutorial classes.
Assessment	Labs (50%)|Take-home assignment (50%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes.

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