Question: What sort of things did you have to study to become a bio-geo-chemi-oceanographer and how long for?

Carol White answered on 22 Jun 2012:

Oceanography has three main types – chemistry, physics and biology based. You can do just one, two, or combine all three. It really depends on what you enjoy!

I got a place at university with A levels in geography, maths, physics and politics. I’m glad that I did geography and politics too, it was a nice balance to the maths and physics. I didn’t like chemistry or biology at GCSE level, but I love the bits that help me with my research – like identifying creatures and some basic chemistry to work out what they’re eating. (Oh and some maths to add up all the bits of the puzzle too..)

Degrees or careers like mine (there are lots of similar ones!) usually want a student to have at least one science or maths qualification, but don’t worry, it doesn’t mean you have to keep doing the boring bits of those subjects – just the bits that help you study the oceans!

Remember there are other ways in to this work though, like getting work experience at a sea life centre, at a marine centre, in a natural history museum, on a boat… keep your eyes open for fun opportunities!