Marine Platforms, Observatories and Materials Technology (250589) – Course 2025/26 PDF

Learning Objectives

This subject will show the most relevant aspects in the design of "in situ", real-time measuring devices for marine purposes, with the aim of obtaining environmental information for longer observation periods and with better temporal resolution, to allow its application for the detection of changes in the marine environment related to climate variations. Emphasis will be placed on the principles of operation of OBSEA, and its application to real problems. 1. Introduction to the observation platforms (surface, water column or seabed) used in oceanography. 2. Know the observatories and programs deployed both at a European and global level: characteristics and objectives. 3. Have the ability to design and integrate each of the parts that make up an observatory. 4. Introduction to technology and materials used in the manufacture of structures, platforms or marine devices: carbon fiber, glass, steel, titanium, etc ... 5. Know the most common problems that affect the materials used in the sea: corrosion, electrolysis, biofouling 6. Be able to design and select the most suitable materials in the design of submerged equipment This subject is oriented to the application of technologies of observation, remote perception and automatic exploration of the marine environment, which is essential for the motorization of the coastal water bodies and the obtaining of the necessary data for the control of practically all the activities human resources in the marine environment related to the exploitation of natural and aquacultural resources of the marine and coastal environment.

Competencies

Especific

To know and apply the lexicon and concepts of the Marine Sciences and Technologies and other related fields.

Establish a good practice in the integration of common numerical, laboratory and field techniques in the analysis of any problem related to the marine environment.

Address the most relevant processes and their interactions related to their physical / chemical / biological / geological components, applying technical and scientific knowledge and criteria.

To set, evaluate and propose solutions to the different conflicts of use and exploitation in the marine and coastal environment resources based on scientific and technical criteria.

Carry out environmental impact, management and protection studies of the marine environment and adjacent coastal areas, including the corresponding infrastructures and their related impacts.

Apply the state-of-the-art numerical and statisticat techniques in the coastal and marine fields for a correctly interpretation of data. (Specific competence of the Marine Technologies Mention)

Use and apply indicators to assess impacts, both natural and anthropogenic, and propose corrective measures with monitoring and surveillance programs. (Specific competence of the Marine Technologies Mention)

Develop a conceptual framework to address the sustainability of the marine environment and the related socio-economic activities at different scales, explaining the effects of climate change.

Set, plan and execute basic and applied research in the field of Marine Sciences and Technologies.

Carry out calculations, assessments, surveys and inspections in coastal and marine environments, as well as the corresponding technical documents.

Write technical reports and disseminate knowledge about the different components of the marine system, considering the applicable legal framework.

Apply the necessary tools to analyze the economic and legal aspects of human actions and the related impacts on the marine environment, including technical advice and representation of companies and administrations.

Generic

Apply knowledge and academic experience to the control and monitoring of the marine environment and its coastal boundary, using the state-of-the-art tools in the Marine Sciences and Technologies.

Encompass and teach studies in the different research lines that converge in Marine Sciences and Technologies.

Combining preservation with economic activity within the framework of current legislation promoting the development of a social and environmental awareness.

Total hours of student work

		Hours	Percentage
Supervised Learning	Large group	40h	66.70 %
Supervised Learning	Laboratory classes	20h	33.30 %
Self Study		90h

Teaching Methodology

The course consists of 4 hours a week of face-to-face classes in the classroom, laboratory or in the field. Theoretical classes are dedicated where the teachers explain the basic concepts and materials of the subject, present examples and carry out exercises. Laboratory practices can be in the laboratory or also field activities. Support material is used in the format of a detailed teaching plan through the ATENEA virtual campus: contents, programming of assessment and guided learning activities and bibliography. Although most of the sessions will be given in the language indicated, sessions supported by other occasional guest experts may be held in other languages.

Grading Rules

The evaluation calendar and grading rules will be approved before the start of the course.

The qualification of the subject is obtained from the qualifications of the tests of partial and final evaluation, of the qualifications of follow-up and of continuous evaluation and of the qualifications corresponding to the activities in the laboratory and field. The continuous assessment consists of doing different activities, both individual and group, of an additive and formative, carried out during the course (inside the classroom and outside). The qualification of teaching in the laboratory is the average of such activities. The assessment tests consist of a part with questions about concepts associated with the learning objectives of the subject in terms of knowledge or comprehension, and a set of application exercises. NF = 50% Theory Note + 10% Monitoring Notes + 40% Laboratory Note Theory note: evaluation tests Follow-up notes: exercises and works presented during the course Laboratory note: previous studies and reports on the lab and field practices. Criteria of qualification and of admission to the re-evaluation: The students failed on the ordinary evaluation that have presented regularly in the proofs of evaluation and have attended and approved the 50% of the course corresponding to field, laboratory and monitoring activities will have the option of taking a re-assessment test in the period set in the academic calendar. Students who have already passed it or students who have been classified as not presented, or those who have not passed the laboratory / field activities, will not be able to take the re-assessment test for a subject. The maximum grade in the case of taking the re-assessment exam will be five (5.0). The non-attendance of a student summoned to the re-evaluation test, held in the set period may not lead to the performance of another test with a later date. Extraordinary assessments will be carried out for those students who, due to accredited force majeure, have not been able to take any of the continuous assessment tests. These tests must be authorized by the corresponding head of studies, at the request of the teacher responsible for the subject, and will be carried out within the corresponding teaching period.

Bibliography

Basic

Mandal, Nisith R. Ship Construction and Welding. 2017. Singapore: Springer, 2017. ISBN 981-10-2955-5.
Eyres, D.J. ; Bruce, G.J. Ship Construction. 7. Amsterdam: Elsevier, 2012. ISBN 1-283-73490-7.
Askeland, D.R.; Wright, W.J. Ciencia e ingenieria de materiales. 7a ed. México: Cencage Learning, 2021. ISBN 9786075260624.
Berteaux, H. O. Buoy engineering. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1976. ISBN 9780471071563.
Myers, J. J., Holm, C. H., & McAllister, R. F. Handbook of ocean and underwater engineering. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1969. ISBN 9780070442450.