The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programme involves a 3 –year thesis/ research work into a problem in the area of specialisation. There is no course work for PhD students but where necessary, a student may be required to take some prescribed courses at the masters’ level.  Students at this level start the thesis research from the first year and are expected to complete after 3 years before the award of a PhD Degree.

Rationale

The PhD in Oceanography and Limnology is geared towards training highly qualified professional limnologists and oceanographers who will are able to apply the principles of limnology and oceanography to solving current socio-ecological problems for sustainable development. The programme is also expected to produce highly motivated aquatic resource managers and planners with critical scientific knowledge necessary for understanding the risks and benefits of freshwater and marine ecosystems management decisions. 

PhD Programme Structure

Candidates admitted with Bachelor’s degree and/or a taught Master’s degree (e.g., MSc) will pursue a 4-year PhD programme; candidates admitted with research-based Master’s degree (e.g. MPhil) will pursue a 3-year PhD programme.

PhD programmes are offered only in full-time mode. The periods of study are as follows:

*This applies only to candidates admitted with Bachelor’s degree for 4-year PhD programme; they will be required to take courses on discipline-specific knowledge and research skills. Candidates admitted with a taught Master’s degree will undertake 4-year research.

Supervisors may recommend appropriate courses to equip students for their research work and thesis writing. Candidates for 3-year PhD programme may be recommended to audit requisite courses.

The total credit load for each PhD programme is as follows:

*Total credit for candidates admitted with MPhil (3-year PhD) will be 90.

At the end of the programme, graduates will be able to:

1. apply acquired scientific knowledge and research methods to analyse and address socio-ecological problems, culminating in the creation of new knowledge and advancement in the fields of Oceanography and Limnology
2. work independently to evaluate and analyse problems related to aquatic ecosystems.

You can find jobs in the following areas:

1. Government agencies like Fisheries Ministry
2. NGOs engaged in aquatic environmental campaign
3. Industries in fish processing and canning
4. Firms engaged in commercial fishing.

The minimum admission requirement for the PhD programmes is a research-based master’s degree in a relevant Science or Engineering discipline or equivalent qualification from a recognised university. In addition, the applicant must demonstrate strong interest in research, development and innovation in science and technology. 

Target Group

Candidates with background in oceanography and limnology-related fields such as marine meteorology, coastal engineering and processes, geomorphology and aquatic ecology. 

Expected Output

• Trained high level manpower to carry out teaching, research and extension in tertiary and other research institutions.
• High-level personnel with engineering capacities in the oceanographic and related fields produced.
• Trained graduates capable of mentoring lower level personnel to model oceanographical and limnological processes

Progression Requirements

• Students pursuing 4-year PhD must pass all required course work (grade C minimum)
• All students should present their research proposals successfully in a seminar  
• All students must make good progress on the research activities and submit biannual progress report to the Department and UCC School of Graduate Studies (SGS)
• All students must participate in at least 75% of the regular seminars organized by Department and SGS.

Graduation Requirements

A candidate will be considered successful if his/her PhD thesis:

• Passes both internal and external assessment (60% minimum score)
• Is successfully defended in a viva voce (60% minimum score).

In addition, candidates must satisfy all SGS and UCC requirements for graduation.

 A good M.Phil or MSc. degree in Chemistry from a recognized university

The department offers Ph.D programmes in Theoretical Physics, Meteorology and Atmospheric Physics, and Laser and Fiber Optics.

A good M.Phil or MSc. degree in Physics or Engineering  from a recognized university

A background in meteorology and atmospheric physics will prepare an individual to work in organisations such as Meteorological Services and institutions with a focus on environmental issues. It also prepares you for advanced studies in the programme or its related fields. 

Current trends in technological development has brought meteorology and atmospheric physics to the forefront of science as it has become obvious that we have problems disposing of our inventions; the result is environmental degradation. Consequently, we are faced with the issues of global warming and ecological modifications of our environment. There is therefore a need to understand and predict the weather for various applications in industry, agriculture, and aviation among others. In addition, there is the need to enhance environmental sanity on our sea waters during petroleum exploration. However, there is a shortfall in the number of individuals with the requisite knowledge and skills in meteorology and atmospheric physics to help address these problems. In view of the above challenges, the Ghana Meteorological Services (GMet) has to address its manpower needs by liaising with the Department of Physics of UCC in addressing the knowledge gap. The two institutions (UCC & GMet) signed an agreement to have the programme started and students have been going for internships at GMet

The Minimum Admission Requirement into the programme in the University of Cape Coast for WASSCE applicants is aggregate 36. For SSSCE applicants, the minimum requirement is aggregate 24. i. Candidates must have credit passes in six (6) subjects with overall aggregate of 36/24 at the WASSCE / SSSCE level, respectively. ii. Three of the six subjects must be core subjects: English Language, Mathematics, Integrated Science or Social Studies and the other three must be relevant electives which include Mathematics, Chemistry and Physics. iii. For purposes of admission, a credit pass in: (a) WASSCE means A1 – C6 (b) SSSCE means A - D. iv. HND holders in Meteorology or Electrical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering with at least Second Class, Lower Division shall start from level 300.