Scottish Association for Marine Science facts for kids
|
SAMS
|
|
 |
|
| Type | Research institute University |
|---|---|
| Established | 1884 |
|
Administrative staff
|
ca 150 |
| Students | 160 |
| Undergraduates | 100 |
| Postgraduates | 30 |
| 30 | |
| Location | , |
| Campus | Dunbeg |
| Director | Prof N Owens |
| Affiliations | UHI UNU NERC MASTS |
The Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) is one of Europe's top places for studying the ocean. It is also one of the oldest groups in the world focused on ocean science. SAMS is Scotland's largest and oldest independent ocean science organization.
SAMS is located on the Dunstaffnage peninsula, close to Dunstaffnage Castle and near Oban, Argyll. This is on the west coast of Scotland. SAMS studies and teaches about many different ocean topics. Their work is important worldwide. They work with universities, businesses, governments, and other groups.
They do deep research on the ocean environment. This includes studying the Arctic and Antarctic regions. They also research climate change and marine life.
SAMS is a partner of the University of the Highlands and Islands. They offer university courses (BSc) and advanced degrees (Masters and PhD) in ocean science. SAMS is also part of the Marine Alliance for Science and Technology for Scotland (MASTS). One of their staff members leads the Scottish Alliance for Geoscience, Environment and Society (SAGES).
Contents
History of SAMS
The Scottish Association for Marine Science was started in 1884. It was founded by Sir John Murray. This happened after the very important Challenger expedition. The group was first called the Scottish Marine Station. It was set up in Granton, near Edinburgh. This was the first ocean research station in Scotland.
The station grew quickly. Over the next 10 years, it slowly moved its work to Millport. This is on the isle of Cumbrae on the west coast. In 1894, a local group raised money to build a new building on land. This station, near Keppel Pier, was finished in 1897.
In 1901, the group became the Marine Biological Association of the West of Scotland. They wrote down their official rules. In 1914, the association became a non-profit company. It was renamed the Scottish Marine Biological Association.
For 80 years, the association studied the Clyde sea area from its island location. In 1967, it moved to the mainland near Oban. Here, it had easy access to different parts of the ocean for study. In 1992, the association was renamed the Scottish Association for Marine Science.
The research labs at Dunstaffnage were updated and got new tools in 2004. New teaching rooms were added in 2010. The Ocean Explorer Centre, in Dunbeg, lets visitors learn about the ocean. It also shows them the research happening at SAMS.
In 2014, the Ocean Explorer Centre was officially opened. Michael Russell MSP opened it. He was then the Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Education. The centre is a place for visitors and for sharing SAMS's work.
Ocean Research at SAMS
SAMS science focuses on three big challenges for people and our planet. These challenges are very important to solve:
- Understanding the Ocean: They want to find out how the ocean works. This includes its physics, chemistry, geology, and living things. This knowledge helps us understand the ocean better.
- Protecting Coastal Areas: More than half of all people live near the coast. SAMS studies how our coasts are affected by human actions. These include climate change, destroying natural homes (habitat destruction), pollution, and using too many resources (overfishing). They work with society to find ways to fix these problems.
- Building a Sustainable Blue Economy: This means using the ocean for people's benefit. But it must be done without harming the ocean's health or its ability to produce things.
To solve these big challenges, SAMS uses many different types of science. They have experts in physics, math, biology, geology, chemistry, and more. They also have computer scientists, engineers, and communicators.
Besides general ocean research, SAMS also studies renewable energy. They look at the Arctic, ocean prosperity, and how mining affects the environment. The institute also has a business part and an education part.
SAMS Business Services
SAMS Research Services Ltd (SRSL) is a company fully owned by SAMS. It is also based at the Scottish Marine Institute in Dunstaffnage. SRSL has been part of the SAMS Group since 2002. This company offers special ocean advice and survey services. Their work is based on the scientific research done at SAMS.
SRSL helps industries reduce risks when they work with the ocean. They also promote using the ocean in a way that is good for the environment and productive. SRSL provides environmental services to many industries. These include fish farming (aquaculture), renewable energy, ocean mining, and seafood safety. The company also makes devices to measure snow and ice in polar areas.
SAMS Facilities
Robotics for Ocean Study
SAMS has a Scottish Marine Robotics Facility. Here, skilled staff and students use many flying and diving robots. They create, change, use, and control the newest smart technologies. This helps them answer important questions about the environment. These new technologies help ocean science move forward. The new knowledge helps people plan how we can use the ocean more sustainably.
The facility has many great tools. They support projects for science, rules, and businesses. From mapping from the air to studying surface flows and deep-water properties, their robots can study the air, ocean, and ice.
Algae and Protist Collection
The Culture Collection of Algae and Protozoa (CCAP) is Europe's most varied collection of algae and protists. It helps SAMS with its research. Right now, they are focusing on diseases that affect algae.
Education at SAMS
SAMS offers students a full path for learning. You can study from your first university degree all the way to a PhD.
University Degrees (Undergraduate)
If you are starting university, SAMS offers three Bachelor's degree options:
- Marine Science BSc (Hons)
- Marine Science with Arctic Studies BSc
- Marine Science with Oceanography & Marine Robotics BSc
Advanced Degrees (Postgraduate)
For students who have finished their first degree, SAMS offers two Master's degree options:
- Aquaculture, Environment and Society (ACES) Joint Masters (Erasmus Mundus)
- Algal Biotechnology, Biology and Ecology MRes
PhD Studies
SAMS offers different PhD study opportunities throughout the year. These become available when projects or funding are ready. Students can also choose to pay for their own PhD project.
