Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

NES1507 is a 10 credit module for stage 1 Earth Science and Environmental Science students, co-taught with the 20 credit module NES1503 The Marine Environment.

Aims

To provide a multidisciplinary introduction to oceanography. To introduce students to the fundamental features of seawater properties, circulation and mixing, and the fundamental interactions between physical and chemical processes and marine life, which determine the distribution of primary production on global scales. To appreciate the role of the oceans in the Earth system on global scales.

Outline Of Syllabus

Lectures covering the following themes:

1.       History of Earth and oceans, the global water cycle; seawater composition and properties
2.       Global heat budget, atmospheric circulation, ocean currents and deep circulation
3.       Tides, mixing in estuaries and the deep ocean.
4.       Geographical and seasonal patterns of marine primary production; major controls of primary production
5.       Revision Session. Dedicated revision session aimed at preparing students for the exam.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

At the end of the module a student will be able to:

1. Explain the fundamental properties of seawater, recognise its important constituents, and describe how
seawater interacts with the environment
2. Outline the fundamental factors controlling surface and deep ocean circulation
3. Outline water mass formation, circulation and the role of mixing
4. Understand how primary production and marine life is controlled by its interactions with the chemical and
physical processes in the oceans

Intended Skill Outcomes

At the end of the module it is expected students will be able to:

1. Assess transport and cycling of seawater and its constituents by assessing reservoir sizes, inputs and
outputs
2. Differentiate between key physical processes, in the context of the marine environment, to illustrate how
they shape oceanic conditions
3. Describe how physical processes and estuarine mixing determine transfer at the land-ocean interface
4. Understand the dynamic nature of the marine biogeochemical system on the basis of key processes and their
segregation by depth and hydrographic regimes

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lecture materials are designed to give students a broad factual knowledge of key oceanographic processes, including properties of the seafloor and seawater. The interaction between marine organisms and seawater will be covered to show students how the chemical and physical properties are important in controlling the distribution of marine organisms. The use of new technologies for ocean observation will be embedded in lecture material.

Weekly end-of-theme formative study exercises will allow students to deepen their understanding of key concepts introduced in the lectures by applying those key concepts to study problems.

Interactive workshops will provide students with opportunities to apply key concepts introduced in lectures, interpret oceanographic data, and illustrate and explore taught material with numerical problems.

Directed research, supported by supplementary online material and activities, and wider reading of the scientific literature will support lecture material. Independent study will be guided through the use of these materials and access to key texts, library resources and online materials. Students will be encouraged to become more independent in their learning to develop key skills such as Active Learning, Goal Setting and Action Planning, Decision Making, and Initiative, which they will require at Levels 5 and 6.

Preparation and completion of the formative assessment, and the dedicated revision lecture, will allow students to fully prepare for the end of term digital examination.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The 500-word (or equivalent) formative coursework submission will assess the students’ knowledge of fundamental physical and chemical properties and processes in the marine environment, and their importance for controlling the distribution of marine plankton. In addition, the students use of the relevant resources to support their ideas and their ability to present information in an appropriate scientific format will be examined.


The digital exam will assess the level of breadth and depth of knowledge and understanding of all aspects of the module, including incorporation of additional online resources and student wider reading.

General Notes

N/A