The department of Oceanography (OCG) of Shahjalal University of Science and Technology(SUST) was established with the aim of imparting higher education in research, theoretical and practical knowledge of the oceans. SUST Oceanography started its academic journey from the 2016-2017 academic years with 18 students and 4 faculties (including the head).
There are basically four main parts to the study of oceanography. Theoretical, Chemical, Physical and Geological Oceanography. All these four parts are mainly taught in marine science. The main objective of oceanography department is the study of the specific importance of seas and oceans, sea inlets, coasts, ocean waves, plate tectonics, sea level geology and geologic relationships of the ocean and its surroundings. Another major factor is the awareness of the ocean economy (blue-economy) and its practical application. Through this, it is possible to achieve great success in the country's economy. So there is a need for study and research into the oceans.
Features of SUST OCG Dept
SUST oceanography established the country's first time series monitoring station at the Meghna River Estuary. Since 2018, OCG department is doing monthly monitoring of the estuarine ecosystem. They've developed first integrated low-cost coastal ecosystem monitoring system for Bangladesh where they combined science, citizen and model-based approaches to coastal ecosystem monitoring. This approach is now in the piloting stage. They have their own database for oceanographic data archiving. This database is unique for Bangladesh and has major oceanographic variable data. With the help of SUST
Head of the department Dr. SubrataSarker said, "Our main objectives of the department of OCG at SUST are toDevelop skilled manpower on the ocean science. Understand the importance of ocean. Understanding the complex interactions of different components in the ocean. Generate knowledge on the oceanic environment of Bangladesh. Utilize the marine resources for national development. Extend research collaboration both at home and abroad."
Future of study oceanography:
At present, the sea-based economy in our country is very promising. Ensuring the fair use of marine resources by protecting the balance of marine fisheries or the living world and the marine environment, by collecting all types of sea-related information to prevent and remedy sea pollution, climate effects and other adverse conditions, can contribute to the development of the country.
Future of Job place:
Oceanography can be taken up as a career in research or teaching. Learning about the marine economy gives you the opportunity to join a marine economy career. At present there are several research institutes related to oceanography in the country. Md. Mizanur Rahman, assistant professor of the department, said that there are lots of job opportunities in oceanography in government, private and international level environment-related research institutes, including Bangladesh Oceanographic Research Institute.
Opportunity to join foreign conference:
Recently, six members of this department including faculty and students joined an international conference at Plymouth Marine Laboratory in the UK for training on remote sensing and a 3-day symposium. The training for early carrier researchers and symposium was for everyone who works on ocean science and it was fully funded by the organizers. Last November, two students joined a training at INCOIS, India and next month 2 students and 1 faculty will also join in a training at INCOIS, India.
How to get admission to SUST oceanography?
At present, 22 public universities in the country complete the admission process in a cluster (GST) system. Therefore, to study oceanography at SUST after passing the higher secondary examination, you must pass the A-Unit (Science) part of the GST admission test. After that, apply by following the circular published on the university website and newspaper also. If the candidate is considered eligible based on the marks obtained in the admission test in the application process, he/she can get admission into the Oceanography department.
