Future Students

Ocean Systems Engineering

Engineers trained in Ocean Systems will use their knowledge of coastal and continental shelf areas to design sustainable management strategies to maintain the ecological health of these systems in the face of nutrient enrichment, climate change, selective extraction of elements of the food chain and dispersion of pollutants.

This degree will provide you with fundamental theoretical knowledge in the physical, chemical and biological sciences and training in the practical linkage of these disciplines in the ocean. The degree also trains you in engineering, scientific, technical, computer software, communication, economic, legal, social and political skills. You will complete an applied ocean science design project and work in groups to prepare an environmental management plan in conjunction with the community.

Level 1
All engineering students follow a common course in Level 1, allowing you the flexibility of selecting any engineering stream at the end of the level. The subjects include mathematics, engineering fundamentals and physics, plus electives from a variety of engineering streams.

Level 2
In Level 2, you study fluid mechanics, mathematics, chemistry, biology and geomechanics units supplemented by an introduction to Marine Science which is taught by the staff of Botany, Zoology, Geography, Geology and Environmental Engineering.

Level 3
At Level 3 you will take units in fluid mechanics, analytical and computational methods, organic chemistry and geomorphology units in common with the environmental engineering stream. Additional marine based courses include physical and biological oceanography and geomorphology.

Level 4
During the final level, the core units include a project (honours or pass), engineering and society and coastal and estuarine ecosystem dynamics. You will choose seven units from 10 possible units exploring different aspects of the ocean.

During the Bachelor of Engineering, you will also complete at least 12 weeks full time (or equivalent part time) of professional work experience.

Career opportunities

Career opportunities include:

• companies mainly involved in the offshore enterprises
• federal and state government departments dealing with the marine environment
• Federal research organisations

This course has been designed to meet the national demand for experts in ocean science.

Professional Accreditation
The Ocean Systems program within the Bachelor of Engineering is provisionally accredited by the Institute of Engineers Australia, ensuring recognition in Australia and in many overseas countries.