The Cape Technikon is known for offering the National Diploma: Oceanography. The course offers students the opportunity to gain skills and knowledge in specialized subjects such as Physical/Chemical Oceanography, Oceanographic Instrumentation and Fishing Gear Technology in addition to major subjects such as Marine Biology and Ecology. Aside from these theoretical subjects, a third of the course (a total of one of the three years) includes spending time in the field doing Experiential Learning. The national diploma therefore provides a good grounding in technical expertise in oceanography, an aspect very important in research. The course is offered every second year, with the next intake in 2003.

The BTech: Oceanography is also offered at the Cape Technikon and subjects offered are Marine Biology, Fisheries Environment, Economics and Research Methodology. At present, the course is only offered part-time over two years. Students attend lectures for two weeks per semester (every 6 months), which is ideal especially for those already employed by the industry and those from other countries wanting to do the course.

 

As from this year, the Technikon offers the intended for those who would like to further research in Oceanography. Most research is currently centred on biological and ecological aspects of oceanography and there is a need for research in the technical aspects of oceanography. This is but one aspect of the MTech and DTech Oceanography as it is open to any form of research in this field.

 

The management of marine resources is vital for sustainable utilisation. To assist with this, the Cape Technikon has introduced the National Diploma: Fisheries Resource Management. The first intake will be in 2002 and this course too, is only offered every second year. Qualifying candidates of this course will be able to contribute towards the sustainable utilisation of marine living resources. Employment opportunities include marine conservationists and fisheries compliance officers. Further information about this course is available on the Cape Technikon website:http://www.ctech.ac.za/crses/fish.html

Conrad Sparks

Faculty of Applied Science

Cape Technikon

Tel: 021 460 3766

Email: csparks@ctech.ac.za