Applied Oceanography Bootcamp in Gozo: learning beyond the classroom

The Oceanography Malta Research Group within the University of Malta recently led an intensive five-day bootcamp and student residency in Gozo, held between 15 and 19 December, providing students from the Master of Science in Applied Oceanography with a unique hands-on learning experience that extended well beyond the traditional classroom setting.

The bootcamp was led by Prof. Adam Gauci and Prof. Alan Deidun, together with Ms Audrey Zammit and Mr David Ramirez Montano, and brought together students, researchers, and lecturers in an immersive residential environment. Living and working together throughout the week fostered close collaboration, knowledge exchange, and a strong sense of academic community.

Throughout the residency, students actively engaged in a wide range of practical field activities. One of the core exercises involved the calibration, testing, deployment, and retrieval of oceanographic drifters. These instruments were deployed around the coast of Gozo and left in situ for two days to collect time-series data, allowing students to gain first-hand experience in ocean current monitoring and data acquisition.

In parallel, students carried out meteorological measurements, including wind speed observations at various locations, highlighting the interaction between atmospheric and oceanographic processes. Microplastic sampling and parametrisation exercises were also conducted, exposing students to contemporary marine pollution monitoring techniques and reinforcing the importance of data accuracy and methodological rigour.

Fieldwork was further extended to the island of Comino, where students undertook coastal sampling and ecological observations, allowing them to observe marine and coastal flora and fauna in their natural environment. This practical exposure helped bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world marine systems.

The bootcamp also incorporated a cultural and historical dimension, with a guided visit to Sopu Tower in Gozo, led by Mr Luke Said. This visit offered valuable insight into the island’s maritime heritage and the long-standing relationship between coastal communities and the surrounding marine environment.

Throughout the week, students had continuous opportunities to engage with academics on data processing, coding, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), learning how to visualise and interpret the data collected during fieldwork. These sessions reinforced the applied nature of the programme and encouraged critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Overall, the bootcamp proved to be a highly fruitful experience for all involved. It not only strengthened students’ practical and technical competencies in applied oceanography, but also fostered collaboration, professional development, and meaningful connections among participants. By combining scientific training with shared living and experiential learning, the residency exemplified the University of Malta’s commitment to innovative, student-centred education in Oceanography.