Basics of Physical Oceanography

Education facts

Code: OCM101

The course provides a basic introduction to the principles that govern the flow in the sea at different scales from the smallest turbulent vortices to the large-scale circulation in the oceans. A major emphasis is on describing various physical phenomena using a quantitative mathematical expression. The course deals with the following elements: Basic properties of a fluid including the driving equations for mass conservation, momentum and energy, coordinate systems and effects of Earth rotation and the derivation of simplified sets of equation describing large-scale oceanic flows.

Entry requirements

For admission to the course, 120 credits of completed courses within natural sciences are required, of which at least 15 credits in mathematics (analysis and linear algebra).

Education offerings

Each offering has its own dates and conditions. Closed offerings are retained as history and do not mean that a new application is open.

• Basics of Physical Oceanography

  University of Gothenburg

  Start date: 1 September 2025

  End date: 1 October 2025

  Pace of study: 100 %