Training Program

Postgraduate Certificate in Ocean Bathymetry


Length of Program
12 months.

Selection and Number of Students
Six GEBCO/Nippon Foundation students are trained per year. Students are chosen on the basis of their background, involvement in ocean mapping, recommendations and support from their home institution and results of live interviews.

Entry Qualifications
Formal internationally-recognized qualification in the English language (written and spoken), a minimum of a four-year bachelor's degree in a relevant subject and experience in ocean mapping.
 


Program Content

The academic program consists of core courses, elective courses and projects. Students must take all core courses. 

Please see Degree Programs and Graduate Certificate for course requirements. The Nippon Foundation/GEBCO students are also expected to take the Physical Oceanography for Hydrographic Surveyors and Geological Oceanography for Hydrographic Surveyors courses over the J-term and Spring semester respectively.

Students may take one elective, with permission.

Note that each week there is a one-hour seminar given by a visitor—these are compulsory for graduate students.

In addition, short training courses in the use of common hydrographic processing packages (e.g., CARIS, QINSy, Fledermaus, etc.) and other software will be conducted.

Students will take the Hydrographic Field Course over the summer.

Please note final courses must be approved by the Nippon Foundation/GEBCO program director.

Students will also undertake a working visit to another research lab over the summer and, where possible, take part in a research cruise. These will be selected to complement the individual student’s program and the requirements of their employers.
 


Final Assessment

The Course Director will determine whether a student qualifies for the Postgraduate Certificate in Ocean Bathymetry based on grades achieved in course work, examinations and participation in work and at-sea experience programs.