The Department of Oceanography at National Sun Yat-sen University holds a prominent position in geoscience research and science education in East Asia and South Asia. By studying the interconnections among the ocean, atmosphere, and land, we seek solutions to environmental challenges. We lead research across various fields, including climate change impacts and adaptation, disaster resilience, pollution investigation, marine biodiversity and conservation, ocean and human well-being and health, national security, and innovations in observation technology.

The Department of Oceanography was formed by consolidating the Bachelor's Degree Program in Marine Sciences, along with the Institute of Marine Geology and Chemistry, the Institute of Marine Biology, and faculty members from the Institute of Undersea Technology and Applied Marine Physics and the Department of Marine Biotechnology and Resources. The specialized fields of the original institutes were reorganized into research groups within the master's and doctoral programs of the Department of Oceanography. This comprehensive integration of research and teaching resources aims to cultivate students with a solid foundation in marine sciences, providing talent for the development of marine-related research, industries, and education at our university and other academic research institutions domestically and internationally. Below is a brief introduction to the original units.

The Institute of Marine Biology is an independent research institute offering both doctoral and master's programs. The master's program was established in 1981 and was the first institute in Taiwan dedicated to teaching and research in fundamental marine biology. The founding director was Professor Kun-Hsiung Chang, who was seconded from the Institute of Zoology, Academia Sinica. The doctoral program was established in 1995.

The Institute of Marine Geology was founded in April 1985, when the National Science Council invited visiting professor Chen-Tung Arthur Chen to establish the preparatory office. On August 1 of the same year, the master's program was officially established and began admitting students, with Professor Chen serving as the founding director. Five years later, to extend higher education and further cultivate professional researchers, the doctoral program was established in 1990. The institute was subsequently renamed the Institute of Marine Geology and Chemistry in 1996.

The Bachelor's Degree Program in Marine Sciences was established in 2009. Under the dedicated care and thoughtful guidance of faculty members from the College of Marine Sciences, a new generation of marine professionals began to take shape. To strengthen interdisciplinary learning in the curriculum and enhance the human resources and capacity needed for Taiwan's competitiveness as a "maritime nation," the program was further institutionalized in 2013, becoming the Department of Oceanography with undergraduate, master's, and doctoral programs.

1. Undergraduate Program Educational Objective: To cultivate marine natural science professionals with an international perspective and local commitment.

   Student Professional Competencies

   • Possess humanistic qualities that respect life and the environment.
   • Possess foundational knowledge in mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, and earth sciences.
   • Possess basic knowledge and understanding of marine sciences.
   • Possess the ability to apply marine science knowledge for observation, analysis, and addressing issues related to marine environmental protection and resource conservation.
   • Possess a proactive work attitude and abilities in communication, coordination, and expression.
   • Possess an international perspective and English communication skills.
2. Master's and Doctoral Programs Educational Objective: To cultivate advanced marine natural science professionals with an international perspective and local commitment.

   Student Professional Competencies

   • Ability to apply marine knowledge.
   • Ability to employ complete scientific procedures.
   • Ability to conduct research and utilize tools.
   • Ability in written and oral communication.
   • Ability to identify and solve problems.
   • Ability to communicate effectively and work in teams.
   • Understanding of global environmental changes.
   • Understanding of professional ethics and social responsibility.

We aspire for our graduates to become leading forces advancing various marine-related fields, including scientific research and investigation, education, government administration, ecological conservation, fisheries, energy, national security, and international affairs.