BS251-5-AU: MARINE BIODIVERSITY
Year: 2013/14
Department: Biological Sciences (School of)
Essex credit: 15
ECTS credit: 7.5
Available to Study Abroad / Exchange Students: Yes
| Module is taught during the following terms |
| Autumn |  | Spring |  | Summer | |
Module Description
This module will introduce some key topics in marine biodiversity including methods of assessing marine biodiversity, distribution of species in space and time, maintenance of marine biodiversity, and regulation of populations. The course also introduces key marine taxa. Selected examples will focus on adaptations in planktonic organisms, biodiversity hot-spots such as coral reefs and explore disturbance and succession on rocky shores. The self learning component investigates the utility of nucleotide databases for reference RNA and environmental metagenomes in biodiversity research. Two practicals will examine the biodiversity in muddy and sandy shores, and the morphological and genetic diversity in marine amphipods.
Learning Outcomes (including lectures and practicals)
To pass this module students will need to be able to:
1. describe the key methods in assessing marine biodiversity
2. explain the patterns of diversity in marine systems, considering gradients of diversity on global scales, with depth in the oceans and through evolutionary time;
3. explain the mechanisms that generate and maintain patterns of diversity
4. show competence in retrieving relevant information from diverse sources, interpreting scientific data and demonstrate ability to organize and execute a self-learning task;
5. plan, write and give clear, effective, well timed oral presentations;
6. demonstrate competence in written communication and information retrieval;
7. demonstrate competence in data presentation, analysis and interpretation, numeracy, information retrieval and written communication.
Learning & Teaching Methods
20 x 1 hour lectures (including 1 on directed learning material and 1 or more covering DAI material), plus 1 revision class before summer exam. There will be a total of 2 practicals: the first will run over two days (4 + 3 hours), the second is scheduled to run for 3 hours.
Assessment
50 per cent Coursework Mark, 50 per cent Exam Mark
Coursework:
Abstract - 250 words (40%), worksheet (30%) and oral presentation (30%).
Other details:
Summer Exam: weeks 33-36
Exam Duration and Period
2:00 hour exam during Summer Examination period.
Bibliography
- Essential:
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Kaiser M.J., Attrill M.J., Jennings S. et al. (2005). Marine ecology: processes, systems, and impacts. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
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Desirable:
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Day R.A. (1998). How to write and publish a scientific paper. Phoenix: Oryx Press.
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Jones A., Reed R., Weyers J. (2007). Practical Skills in Biology. Harlow: Pearson Education Ltd.
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Miller C.B. (2004). Biological Oceanography. Malden: Blackwell Publishing.
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No longer in print, available in the library:
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Hayward P.J., Nelson-Smith T. & Shields C. (1996). Collins pocket guide to the Seashore of Britain and Northern Europe. London: Harper Collins.
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