Study plan for 5MAMN-GEOF Integrated Master's programme in Geophysics - Meteorology and Oceanography, vår 2026

Name of qualification

Master of Science in Meteorology and Oceanography

Semester

Autumn

Objectives and content

The integrated Master’s programme in meteorology and oceanography educates those who want to use mathematics, physics and chemistry to compute and describe the weather, ocean circulation, and climate change. Through state-of-the-art natural sciences, you will acquire highly demanded skills in today's job market, ranging from consulting work, green innovation, and public administration to research and education. With this degree, you can contribute to solving challenges related to climate change, extreme weather, greenhouse gases, ocean acidification, and global warming.

The program combines meteorology and oceanography, the sciences of the atmosphere and the ocean. You will learn to use coding to explore physical, chemical, and statistical relationships, and you get opportunities to participate in fieldwork, collecting observational data, for example, with research vessels or drones. Coding and working with observations are connected to disciplines such as radiation, thermodynamics, microphysics, fluid dynamics, cycles in the ocean and atmosphere, and the interactions between them. The program also includes the use of advanced statistical and numerical methods, theoretical analysis, and outreach to a scientific audience. This forms the foundation for, e.g., improved weather forecasting, ocean monitoring, and predicting future climate, including the effects of climate mitigation measures. In addition, you will experience work practice (8 weeks).

The program offers specialization in one of the following areas: meteorology, physical oceanography, climate dynamics, or marine biogeochemistry. The master's thesis is an independent research project and a central part of the master's program, where the student contributes new knowledge under supervision.

Required Learning Outcomes

On completion of the programme the candidate should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The candidate

Can correctly apply the terminology related to the dynamics, physics, biogeochemistry, and thermodynamics of the atmosphere and ocean, and can demonstrate advanced knowledge in these fields.
Is familiar with and can critically assess current research and debates on the physical and biogeochemical climate system (earth, atmosphere, ocean)
understands the interactions between the different components of the climate system at an advanced level.
Is familiar with the societal relevance and challenges within operational forecasting of weather and ocean, as well as global warming and climate prediction.
Has advanced knowledge of mathematical, statistical, and numerical methods for the analysis of geophysical data.
Is familiar with interdisciplinary issues related to other disciplines, such as informatics and earth science.

Skills

The candidate

Can use advanced instrumentation to obtain reliable measurements and understands the underlying measurement principles as well as sources of uncertainty.
Can critically evaluate data quality and geophysical information sources, and systematically address errors and uncertainties from measurements and models.
Can apply advanced mathematical and statistical methods for the analysis and visualization of geophysical (weather, ocean, and climate related) problems using coding.
Can carry out an independent research project under supervision.
Can apply their knowledge to new scientific problems within the disciplines meteorology, physical oceanography, climate dynamics, or marine biogeochemistry, and related disciplines.

General competence

The candidate

Can formulate and discuss analytical strategies and conduct analyses of complex problems.
Can work with discipline-specific questions both individually and in groups.
Can analyze, interpret, and discuss their own results in a scientifically sound and critical manner.
Can present orally and in writing and explain and discuss complex problems with peers.
Has knowledge of and respects scientific values such as openness, precision, and responsibility, and understands the difference between scientific knowledge and opinion.

Admission Requirements

General university admissions certification, including Mathematics R1 (or Mathematics S1 and S2), Mathematics R2, and Physics 1. Admission code: SIVING.

Recommended previous knowledge

None

Compulsory units

For students specializing in meteorology, the following courses are mandatory:

10. Semester (spring): GEOF399I (masteroppgave)

9. semester (autumn): GEOF399I (masteroppgave)

8. semester (spring): GEOF321 – GEOF352 - elective

7. semester (autumn): GEOF313 – GEOF311 - elective

6. semester (spring): elective

5. semester (autumn): GEOF210 – INNOV201 – SDG213

4. semester (spring): GEOF110 – MAT131 – EXPHIL-MNSEM

3. semester (autumn): GEOF105 – MAT212 – STAT110/PHYS113/KJEM110 (elective)

2. semester (spring): MAT112 – PHYS111 - MAT121

1. semester (autumn): MAT111 – INF100 - GEOF100

Elective courses in the 7th and 8th semesters are selected in consultation with the supervisor from the following courses: GEOF211, GEOF212, GEOF232, GEOF236, GEOF301, GEOF310, GEOF322, GEOF328, GEOF336, GEOF337, GEOF338, GEOF339, GEOF343, GEOF346, GEOF347, GEOF348, and GEOF351.

For students specializing in physical oceanography, the following courses are mandatory:

10. Semester (spring): GEOF399I (masteroppgave)

9. semester (autumn): GEOF399I (masteroppgave)

8. semester (spring): GEOF337 – GEOF339 - elective

7. semester (autumn): GEOF313 – GEOF310 - GEOF346

6. semester (spring): elective

5. semester (autumn): GEOF210 – INNOV201 – SDG213

4. semester (spring): GEOF110 – MAT131 – EXPHIL-MNSEM

3. semester (autumn): GEOF105 – MAT212 – STAT110/PHYS113/KJEM110 (elective)

2. semester (spring): MAT112 – PHYS111 - MAT121

1. semester (autumn): MAT111 – INF100 - GEOF100

Elective courses in the 7th and 8th semesters are selected in consultation with the supervisor from the following courses: GEOF211, GEOF212, GEOF232, GEOF236, GEOF301, GEOF321, GEOF322, GEOF328, GEOF336, GEOF338, GEOF343, GEOF347, GEOF348, GEOF351, and GEOF352.

For students specializing in climate dynamics, the following courses are mandatory:

10. Semester (spring): GEOF399I (masteroppgave)

9. semester (autumn): GEOF399I (masteroppgave)

8. semester (spring): GEOF339 – GEOF348 – GEOF352 - elective

7. semester (autumn): GEOF313 – elective

6. semester (spring): elective

5. semester (autumn): GEOF210 – INNOV201 – SDG213

4. semester (spring): GEOF110 – MAT131 – EXPHIL-MNSEM

3. semester (autumn): GEOF105 – MAT212 – STAT110/PHYS113/KJEM110 (elective)

2. semester (spring): MAT112 – PHYS111 - MAT121

1. semester (autumn): MAT111 – INF100 - GEOF100

Elective courses in the 7th and 8th semesters are selected in consultation with the supervisor from the following courses: GEOF211, GEOF212, GEOF232, GEOF236, GEOF301, GEOF310, GEOF311, GEOF321, GEOF322, GEOF328, GEOF336, GEOF337, GEOF338, GEOF343, GEOF346, GEOF347, and GEOF351

For students specializing in marine biogeochemistry, the following courses are mandatory:

10. Semester (spring): GEOF399I (masteroppgave)

9. semester (autumn): GEOF399I (masteroppgave)

8. semester (spring): elective

7. semester (autumn): GEOF336- GEOF347 - elective

6. semester (spring): GEOF236 - elective

5. semester (autumn): GEOF210 – INNOV201 – SDG213

4. semester (spring): GEOF110 – MAT131 – EXPHIL-MNSEM

3. semester (autumn): GEOF105 – elective – STAT110/PHYS113/KJEM110 (val)

2. semester (spring): MAT112 – PHYS111 - MAT121

1. semester (autumn): MAT111 – INF100 - GEOF100

Elective courses in the 7th and 8th semesters are selected in consultation with the supervisor from the following courses: MAT212, GEOF211, GEOF212, GEOF232, GEOF301, GEOF310, GEOF311, GEOF313*, GEOF321, GEOF322, GEOF328, GEOF337, GEOF338, GEOF339, GEOF343, GEOF346, GEOF348, GEOF351, and GEOF352.

* To take GEOF313, MAT212 is required.

Specialisation

For students specializing in meteorology, the specialization consists of the following courses:

PHYS111, MAT112, MAT121, MAT212, GEOF105, GEOF110, MAT131, GEOF210, GEOF212, SDG213, one of the courses STAT110, KJEM110 or PHYS113, and GEOF311, GEOF313, GEOF321 and GEOF352

For students specializing in physical oceanography, the specialization consists of the following courses:

PHYS111, MAT112, MAT121, MAT212, GEOF105, GEOF110, MAT131, GEOF210, GEOF212, SDG213one of the courses STAT110, KJEM110 or PHYS113, and GEOF310, GEOF313, GEOF346, GEOF337 og GEOF339

For students specializing in climate dynamics, the specialization consists of the following courses:

PHYS111, MAT112, MAT121, MAT212, GEOF105, GEOF110, MAT131, GEOF210, GEOF212, SDG213, one of the courses STAT110, KJEM110 or PHYS113, and GEOF313, GEOF339, GEOF348 and GEOF352

Elective courses in the 7th and 8th semesters are selected in consultation with the supervisor from the following courses: GEOF211, GEOF212, GEOF232, GEOF236, GEOF301, GEOF310, GEOF311, GEOF321, GEOF322, GEOF328, GEOF336, GEOF337, GEOF338, GEOF343, GEOF346, GEOF347, and GEOF351.

For students specializing in marine biogeochemistry, the specialization consists of the following courses:

PHYS111, MAT112, MAT121, GEOF105, GEOF110, MAT131, GEOF210, GEOF212, SDG213, one of the courses STAT110, KJEM110 or PHYS113, and GEOF336 og GEOF347

* To take GEOF313, MAT212 is required.

Recommended electives

The following courses are recommended electives in the study program:

GEOF211, GEOF212, GEOF232, GEOF236, GEOF301, GEOF310, GEOF311, GEOF313, GEOF321, GEOF322, GEOF328, GEOF336, GEOF337, GEOF338, GEOF339, GEOF343, GEOF346, GEOF347, GEOF348, GEOF351, GEOF352, GEOF236, MAT160, MAT212, MAT213, MAT236, MAT252, MAT253, MAT261, MAT260, INF102, INF264, KJEM110, PHYS113, PHYS264, STAT110, STAT200, SDG213, GEOV298, VIT210.

Teaching and learning methods

A combination of teaching and learning methods is used in the various courses, including lectures, hands-on laboratory, field campaigns, practice and cruises. You may find more information in the course description.

Assessment methods

The program concludes with an oral master’s exam after the master’s thesis has been submitted, evaluated, and approved. The assessment method for each course is described in the course description.

Diploma and Diploma supplement

The Diploma, in Norwegian, and the Diploma Supplement, in English, will be issued when the degree is completed.

Grading scale

At UiB, there are two grading scales: letter grades from A-F and pass/fail. The letter grading scale is used for the master's thesis. The grading scale for each course is described in the course description.

Access to further studies

The master's program provides a basis for admission to doctoral studies (PhD program).

To be qualified for admission to the PhD program, the average grades for the courses in the specialization of the bachelor's degree, the courses in the master's degree, and the master's thesis must be C or better.

Typically, one must be employed as a PhD candidate to gain admission.

Employability

With a master's degree in meteorology and oceanography, you will be highly sought after. In addition to recognized and in-demand expertise, you will gain essential skills for a knowledge- and innovation-based career, such as coding, teamwork, project management, and critical thinking. You can pursue a career in a range of fields, including consulting firms, green innovation, public administration, research, and education. Job responsibilities may include advising businesses and public safety, developing, innovating, and researching climate adaptation and sustainable development, forecasting and managing renewable energy resources, and planning and risk assessment in insurance, air quality, hydrology, and agriculture. There is always a need for experts in critical areas like weather forecasting. Many of our graduates are recruited by weather forecasting centers such as the Norwegian Meteorological Institute and innovation-driven international companies like StormGeo. A master’s degree also provides a formal basis for admission to PhD programs and further research in meteorology, physical oceanography, climate dynamics, and

marine biogeochemistry. Additionally, you will be well-suited for disseminating weather and climate information through various media. Last but not least, with pedagogical training, a master's degree can lead to a career as a teacher and the education of future generations of scientists.

Evaluation

The programme will be evaluated according to the quality assurance system of the University of Bergen.

Programme committee

The programme committee is responsible for the academic content, the structure and the quality of the programme.

Administrative responsibility

Geophysical Institute

Contact information

Please contact the academic adviser for the programme if you have any questions:

Studieveileder.gfi@uib.no