OC 396x: Coastal Oceanography Field Methods

Level

Upper Division (UUG)

Term

Summer

Topic

Marine Technology

Oceanography

Engagement Length

Three Weeks

Modality

In-person

Application Required Before Registration - See Below for More Information

Course Overview

Launching for the first time in Summer 2026, OC 396X: Coastal Oceanography Field Methods immerses students in the real-world practice of coastal marine science. This hands-on, 4-credit field course—taught by three of OSU’s leading oceanography researchers—provides applied training in the instruments, sensors, and sampling techniques used across coastal oceanography, marine conservation, resource management, marine ecology, and marine engineering.

Students gain practical experience aboard small- to mid-size research vessels, learning how to plan and execute a coastal field campaign from start to finish. They operate oceanographic equipment, collect and process samples and data, and analyze and interpret their findings. The course emphasizes competency building and provides students with job-ready technical and quantitative skills through authentic marine fieldwork.

Visit the Schedule of Classes for more information and to register.

Field Procedures & Instrumentation

Through intensive field days followed by on-shore data processing and sample analysis, students may gain experience with techniques such as:

Hydrographic surveys and water-column sampling using CTD–Rosette systems, including calibration, deployment, and processing of sensor and bottle data.
Fundamentals of seafloor mapping with multibeam sonar, including basic theory and practical survey techniques.
Sediment collection using coring and grab sampling, followed by sediment processing and laboratory analysis.
Biological surveys and sampling using underway optical sensors, acoustic techniques, and nets to assess biomass composition and distribution.
Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) deployment for measuring and interpreting current-velocity and flow dynamics.

Additional Information

Class Schedule

Summer Session 5 (3 Weeks) - August 17 - September 4, 2026
- Week 1 and 2: Mon-Fri | 8:30am - 4:30pm
- Week 3: Mon-Fri | 9:00am - 12:00pm

Course Fee

$195.00
Covers access to research vessels and state-of-the-art oceanographic instruments, along with materials, supplies, equipment maintenance, insurance, and ship time.

Prerequisites

OC 301 or (OC 201 and (ATS 301 or BDS 310 or CBEE 213 or GEO 301 or (ST 351 and ST 352))).
A minimum grade of C- is required in all these courses.

Intended Audience

Enrollment is limited to students with junior or senior standing.
STEM majors (Oceanography, Geology, Environmental Sciences, Biology, Engineering Sciences, Natural Resources, Geography and Geospatial Science, Sustainability, Fisheries, Wildlife, Conservation Science, and Zoology).
Motivated students from related quantitative or Earth-science fields are welcome (pending application review).

Students interested in living at Hatfield should submit a housing application by the priority deadline listed on the housing website.

Registration Process

Enrollment is limited and requires an application prior to registration.

Step 1: Submit Your Application

Complete the course application to confirm you meet the prerequisites and to share your preparation and interest in this intensive field experience.

Priority Application Deadline: April 1, 2026 at 11:59 PM
Applications will remain open until the course is filled, but those submitted by April 1 will receive priority consideration.

Before applying, please review the "Thinking About OC396x? Start Here." section below to understand course expectations, fieldwork commitments, and prerequisites.

Step 2: Application Review

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Selection is based on:

Completion of prerequisites
Academic standing
Relevant coursework or research experience

Step 3: Register with Override

Once your application is reviewed and approved, you will receive a CEOAS override code required for registration in the Schedule of Classes.

Application decisions are expected by April 13, 2026, ahead of summer registration.

Apply Here

Thinking About OC 396X? Start Here.

Curious if this course is the right fit for you? Explore what you’ll learn, how it supports your academic and career goals, and what to expect so you can feel confident and prepared.

Through intensive field-based learning, this course integrates technical training, data analysis, and professional skill development.

Develop applied, career-ready field skills used across a variety of applied marine and coastal science disciplines
Gain confidence working aboard research vessels and operating common oceanographic equipment and sensors
Strengthen analytical skills through hands-on data collection, processing, and interpretation.
Build essential soft skills including safe and inclusive field operations, teamwork, problem-solving, and communication.
Engage in intensive experiential learning that mirrors real research and prepares you for internships, jobs, and advanced studies

OC 396X emphasizes skills such as field-based data collection, boat experience, data analysis, and interpretation of ocean processes— all of which underpin many biological and ecological systems. The Course Syllabus provides detailed information about the course content and schedule.

OC 396X is an intensive, hands-on course that reflects real-world coastal oceanographic research. Students should be prepared for a rigorous, collaborative experience both in the classroom and at sea.

Project-Based Learning – Group-based projects that require collaboration, problem-solving, and applied field methods.
Long & Variable Days – Extended instructional days, including early mornings or late evenings to accommodate fieldwork.
Residential Experience Recommended – While accessibility remains a priority, staying on campus is strongly encouraged. The pace and structure of the course are demanding, and living on campus can significantly support student success, teamwork, collaboration, and overall well-being.
Field Work at Sea – Student participation aboard coastal research vessels may involve early morning departures, evening returns, physically demanding activities under variable ocean conditions, and flexibility in scheduling due to weather.
Field Assignments & Training – Field activities will be assigned during the first week of the course. Students will receive training in boat safety, field techniques, and equipment use prior to participating in vessel operations.

Due to the course’s intensive schedule and long instructional days, students are strongly encouraged to live near or at Hatfield for the full three-week duration.

To learn more about housing options, application details, and priority deadlines, please visit the Hatfield Housing website.
Living on-site can help students better manage the course pace, fully engage in cohort-based learning, and participate effectively in project planning and teamwork.
Scholarship opportunities are available to help offset HMSC housing costs through MACO’s Student Coastal Field Housing Award.

Hatfield’s Harborton Street Housing offers fully furnished units with private bathrooms, full kitchens, WiFi, free shared on-site laundry, free parking, and access to a community room and kitchen.
- Units include basic cookware and dishes, such as a stove/oven, refrigerator, microwave, pots and pans, colander, can opener, utensils, and dishware.
- Linens and towels are available to rent for $30 per set (while supplies last).
  - Rental sets include a blanket, two twin sheets, pillow with case, washcloth, hand towel, and bath towel.
  - Students must request linen rentals when making their reservation. For longer stays, bringing your own linens is encouraged.
Students should bring toiletries, personal items, medications, and any preferred supplies.
Since this course includes fieldwork at sea, students are responsible for their own foul weather gear (boots, bibs, waterproof coat), work clothes, and sea-sickness medication if needed.
Vessel safety gear (e.g., hard hats, safety vests, immersion suits) and required laboratory safety equipment (e.g., gloves, goggles, etc.,) will be provided as needed.