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20260412890The program was established in response to the growing recognition of the importance of marine studies, particularly given the country's extensive coastline and rich marine biodiversity. It aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of marine physics and its applications, addressing vital issues such as marine resource management, environmental conservation, and the impact of climate change on marine ecosystems. Since its inception, the marine physics program has evolved into an integrated curriculum that combines theoretical knowledge with practical applications. The program offers students opportunities to gain hands-on experience through laboratory work and field studies, preparing them for careers in academia, research, and various marine industries.
To be a regional and global leader in education, scientific research, and innovation in marine physics, contributing to the understanding and protection of the marine environment and supporting sustainable development.
The Marine Physics program prepares students to conduct and communicate research in Marine Physics. It seeks to advance students’ knowledge and understanding of the physical and dynamical processes in the atmosphere and ocean. Our graduates contribute to advancing knowledge and better informing the public and policy makers on how to prepare for hazards and changes in the Earth’s atmosphere and oceans..
| Course Code | Course | Credits | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| MP 711 | Physical Oceanography | 3 | – |
| Description | This course is prepared to provide an introduction to physical oceanography for students with a strong background in physics and mathematics. The unit will explore various concepts, such as the ocean's circulation and physical structure. Topics covered include seawater properties, instruments and observing platforms, equations of motion, geostrophic circulation, Ekman layer theory and wind-driven circulation, meridional overturning circulation, circulation of the Southern Ocean, ocean waves, and the fundamentals of ocean modeling. By studying these concepts, students will gain a solid understanding of how currents and waves influence the climate system and will be equipped with the necessary knowledge for describing and modeling these phenomena in physical oceanography. | ||
| MP 712 | Data Processing | 3 | – |
| Description | This course introduces graduate students to the processing and analysis of oceanographic data. It covers the application of computer programming in processing oceanographic data, statistical methods, random sample selection, time series analysis, harmonic analysis, and spectral analysis. Students will develop the practical skills needed to collect, process, and interpret physical marine data using appropriate statistical and computational techniques. | ||
| MP 721 | Atmospheric and Ocean Processes | 2 | – |
| Description | This course will cover the processes underlying climate variability and climate change, with emphasis on the ocean's key role, and the role of the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and Arabian Gulf in the climate variability of the Arabian Peninsula and adjacent areas, in addition to long-term climate change and sea-level variability in the Red Sea. The student will study a range of simple and more complex climate models, with particular emphasis on oceanic and coupled ocean–atmosphere processes. While the course covers observations of the climate system and a hierarchy of models ranging from simple box models to general circulation models, the focus will be on conceptual understanding throughout. Discussing what is not yet understood, and hence identifying areas of current and future research, will be a crucial element. | ||
| MP 722 | Ocean Dynamics | 2 | – |
| Description | An advanced class for graduate students in Oceanography Science that studies the basic equations governing rotating geophysical flows with application to the ocean circulation. This course includes a theoretical component on geophysical fluid dynamics and one involving a combination of observations, theory and numerical modeling relevant to understand the large scale ocean circulation. | ||
| MP 723 | Coastal and shelf dynamics | 2 | – |
| Description | This course will cover the dynamical processes that determine coastal and continental shelf circulation, with the primary focus on geophysical-scale flow where the Earth's rotation and buoyancy effects are important. Analytical and numerical methods are used to isolate and study these processes. | ||
| MP 724 | Numerical modeling | 2 | – |
| Description | Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is an essential tool in the marine industry that helps to understand the physical properties and hydrodynamics of the oceans. This course provides knowledge of the theoretical basis of modeling systems for water flows and physical properties, their limitations, and the quality of their results. Topics include an introduction to numerical modeling, numerical solutions, numerical differential equations, applications to three-dimensional ocean circulation models, coastal water circulation, mathematical modeling of tides and waves, and marine environment models. | ||
| MP 725 | Ocean Waves | 2 | – |
| Description | This advanced course offers an in-depth exploration of the dynamics of ocean waves, combining theoretical foundations, advanced numerical modeling, and practical applications. Students will engage in cutting-edge research, examining the complex interactions between waves, currents, and the broader marine environment. The course aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for advanced research and professional endeavors in the field of oceanography. | ||
| MP 726 | Large-scale ocean processes | 2 | – |
| Description | The course will explore the processes which give rise to ocean circulation It will include global processes (geostrophic, wind, buoyancy forcing) and how these processes have markedly different influences on the deep ocean and on the shelf sea. For example, the deep ocean is mainly governed by geostrophic flow, whilst the shelf seas are influenced strongly by frictional processes. The global ocean circulation: its causes, its measurement and its role in the climate system will be explored. Computer based practical and example sheets will underline key concepts in the module. | ||
| MP 727 | Remote sensing of the Ocean | 2 | – |
| Description | This course is designed for graduate students to learn about different aspects of satellite oceanography and its applications in marine environments, especially the remote sensing systems in depth and their applications in SST, SSH, and ocean color. | ||
| MP 730 | Ocean optics | 2 | – |
| Description | An overview of ocean optics: concepts in radiometry; inherent and apparent optical properties; the radiative transfer equation; light absorption and scattering by seawater constituents; optics of the air–water interface; light fields within and leaving the ocean; optics of marine particles; and measurement methods and instrumentation. | ||
| MP 731 | Acoustical oceanography | 2 | – |
| Description | This course covers the physical phenomena governing underwater acoustic waves: propagation, reflection, target backscattering and noise; the general features of sonar systems, including transducers, arrays and signal processing; boundary interaction at the surface and the sea bed; and applications of underwater acoustics such as underwater communication, seismic exploration, underwater navigation and tracking, oceanography and marine biology. This course is offered to students from outside the department. | ||
| MP 799 | Dissertation | 30 | – |
| Description | The Ph.D. thesis focuses on a new research problem in marine physics. The research topic is defined by the supervisor and student. The thesis includes the stages of defining a topic, reviewing the relevant literature, designing the research plan including data collection and analysis, drawing theoretical conclusions, and finally writing the dissertation in English. | ||
Last Modified Date: 14/07/2026 - 6:36 PM Saudi Arabia Time
