Aims

To enable students to gain knowledge of the fundamental processes and functions of key marine ecosystems. To provide an understanding of the importance of marine ecosystems in relation to their distribution and productivity, and introduce students to different organismal processes such as feeding strategies, reproductive strategies and adaptations to biotic and abiotic factors. To relate knowledge of organisms in different ecosystems to each other and compare organisms in different environments. To appreciate the specific uniqueness of the plankton to marine systems and their role in life-history processes, marine food-webs and their responses to environmental change.

To introduce students to fundamental principles of field sampling methods, field observations and recording, whilst using shore-based exercises and research vessel work to measure environmental and biological characteristics of estuarine and coastal environments.

Outline Of Syllabus

30 x 1 hour lectures (plus 1 x 1hr revision lecture) based on the following themes:

1.       Diversity of Marine Habitats
2.       Patterns of distribution of marine fauna and flora
3.       Controls of distribution – environmental and biological interactions
4.       The importance of plankton in marine systems
5.       Zooplankton distribution and behaviour
6.       Marine Food-webs
7. Marine Pollution



Students will:
- attend a boat work session on our research vessel which will introduce them to the full range of sampling equipment in a small group setting and provide opportunities for practical exercises on board

- attend two field sessions which will give practical introductions into survey design and techniques, qualitative and quantitative analysis of survey data, and taxonomy and ecology of coastal marine organisms in a range of local environments

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures are designed to build competency in a broad factual knowledge of the diversity of marine habitats and the patterns of distribution of marine organisms. The lectures will focus on the controls of distribution including environmental and biological interactions. They will also cover the importance of both phyto- and zooplankton in marine systems and the conservation and management of the marine environment. They will introduce the main pollutants in the marine environment.

Information literacy and communication competencies will be developed through directed research, through the use of supplementary online material and activities, and wider reading of the scientific literature will support the information received through lectures. Independent study will be guided through the use of these materials and online access to key texts/eBooks. Opportunities to write formative and summative coursework reports, and the feedback provided, scaffold the progression of these competencies.

Boat practicals, and fieldwork sessions are designed to introduce students to intertidal and nearshore coastal survey techniques in marine contexts, allowing them the opportunity to develop competency in a range of fundamental scientific skills, including using scientific equipment, and collecting, interpreting and presenting scientific information. Ethical literacy competency is supported through consideration of Risk Assessments, and research ethical considerations of environmental impact.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The two 1000-word (or equivalent) pieces of formative and summative coursework will assess practical skills competencies in the use of appropriate field survey techniques, and the implementation of the scientific method to address field ecological questions. In addition, student’s use of the relevant literature to support their field report will assess information literacy, and their ability to incorporate and reference sources appropriately within assignments. Ethics literacy will be assessed through evidencing their understanding of risk assessments, and their understanding of research ethics regarding environmental impact in field contexts.

The 2 hour Inspera digital exam will assess knowledge application, and the breadth and depth of biological and ecological knowledge in a range of marine habitats, their awareness of a systems approach and the connectivity between habitats and ecosystems. Communication competency will be assessed in the short essay within this digital exam, evidenced in their ability to comprehend and adopt appropriate academic language and conventions in order to communicate basic scientific concepts clearly, concisely & correctly

Study Abroad students should contact the school to discuss alternative assessment arrangements for the Inspera exam.