Module Directory

This module concentrates on the relationship between biological diversity, and aspects of water chemistry and habitat structure in different coastal environments situated along an estuarine gradient. We will be using the Colne / Blackwater estuary complex as our field site.

The module is structured to assess the important environmental variables in estuarine ecology, to gain experience in different sampling protocols, and practice fieldwork skills. In interpreting the data and completing the assignments, you should draw upon your existing knowledge of estuarine and marine systems, sampling strategies, and ecological theory obtained during the second year theory modules and practicals.

The aims of this module are to:

1. Describe the different scales of variation present within an estuarine environment.


2. Implement safety guidance for sampling soft-sediment coastal environments.


3. Demonstrate the principles of spectrophotometric methods for dissolved nutrient analysis.


4. Quantify sediment water content, ash-free dry-weight (AFDW) and extract pore water.


5. Test inorganic nutrient limitation of primary productivity in water samples.


6. Demonstrate identification skills for estuarine flora and fauna, and be able to use scientific keys to identify them.


7. Record data in laboratory books to permit quality audits and accurate retrieval of information.


8. Present data in a suitable graphical form to allow interpretation.


9. Analyse a large data set using suitable statistical tests.


10. Interpret your findings in the context of other texts and literature.


11. Design a field survey programme for work in an estuarine environment.


12. Gather and interpret information from local stakeholders.


13. Summarize and present graphically predicted environmental impacts of a project.

By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to:

1. Describe the different scales of variation present within an estuarine environment.


2. Implement safety guidance for sampling soft-sediment coastal environments.


3. Demonstrate the principles of spectrophotometric methods for dissolved nutrient analysis.


4. Quantify sediment water content, ash-free dry-weight (AFDW) and extract pore water.


5. Test inorganic nutrient limitation of primary productivity in water samples.


6. Demonstrate identification skills for estuarine flora and fauna, and be able to use scientific keys to identify them.


7. Record data in laboratory books to permit quality audits and accurate retrieval of information.


8. Present data in a suitable graphical form to allow interpretation.


9. Analyse a large data set using suitable statistical tests.


10. Interpret your findings in the context of other texts and literature.


11. Design a field survey programme for work in an estuarine environment.


12. Gather and interpret information from local stakeholders.


13. Summarize and present graphically predicted environmental impacts of a project.

This module builds on second year theory modules in Marine Biodiversity, Microbial Diversity & Biotechnology, and Ecological Monitoring & Assessment, and links to second year practicals on Estuarine Benthic Communities and Diversity in Amphipods. It will also provide a background for the third year module on Coastal Ecology.

This module is structured to assess the important environmental variables in estuarine ecology, to gain experience in different sampling protocols, and practice fieldwork skills, and to place biological knowledge in the context of human use of ecosystems. In interpreting the data and completing the assignments, you should draw upon your existing knowledge of estuarine and marine systems, sampling strategies, and ecological theory obtained during the second year theory courses and practicals.

Students will gain experience in the identification of a wide variety of animals and plants along the estuarine salinity and nutrient gradient, from the head of the estuary at Colchester to the open sea coast, and in associated coastal habitats including freshwater grazing marshes, salt marshes and borrow dykes. You will also receive training and practice in standard laboratory techniques, for example, measuring chlorophyll a and phosphate concentrations, and measurement of sediment properties.

Further details of this module will be given out at a short meeting early in the summer term. You must attend this meeting.

This module will be delivered via:

• A 5-day intensive course.

The five-day course will be intensive, with long hours to accommodate periods of tidal emersion and immersion. All the work done on the course is assessed, with assessments having to be submitted at four stages. The marks count towards your overall third year mark.