Module Provider: |
AMS |
Number of credits: |
10 [5 ECTS credits] |
Level: |
I (Intermediate) |
Terms in which taught: |
Spring |
Module Convenor: |
Prof
B
Okamura |
Pre-requisites: |
BI1Z10 BI1M10 BI1Z11 AM2Z34
|
Co-requisites: |
|
Modules excluded: |
|
Module version for: |
2006/7 |
Aims:
To introduce students to basic and applied aspects of marine and freshwater biology. |
Assessable learning outcomes:
Students will be able to:
Describe the general biology of a number of aquatic ecosystems
Describe the functional ecology and biodiversity of aquatic taxa
Recognise a diversity of organisms that are important components of aquatic ecosystems
Describe impacts exerted by humans on aquatic ecosystems
Observe and draw organisms at a variety of scales of magnification
Manipulate and handle tiny organisms for microscopic examination
Use both dissection and light microscopes for observation |
Additional outcomes:
Students will gain experience working in small groups to observe, interpret and dissect selected aquatic organisms. They will obtain a firsthand view of the application of aquatic biology in the real world through field trip to Syngenta at Jealott's Hill with information and demonstration of industrial career opportunities in aquatic ecotoxicology. They will develop IT skills through the use of Web-based databases for retrieval of information. |
Outline content:
Lectures:
Basic topics in aquatic biology will include focus on aquatic ecosystems (e.g. temperate rocky shores, coral reefs, the deep sea, rivers, lakes) and the biodiversity and functional ecology of the component organisms. Applied issues will include consideration of human impacts and exploitation of aquatic environments through eutrophication, fisheries and aquaculture.
Practicals:
A series of practicals will accompany lectures allowing students to gain firsthand experience of a variety of aquatic organisms by focusing on functional groups and life histories through observations of living and fixed material. Other exercises will include the setting up and weekly monitoring of the development of microbial assemblages, and the assessment of freshwater habitat quality. |
Brief description of teaching
and learning methods:
Lectures, directed reading, practical demonstrations. |
Contact hours:
| |
Autumn |
Spring |
Summer |
| Lectures |
|
14 |
|
| Tutorials/seminars |
|
|
|
| Practicals |
|
21 |
|
| Other contact (eg study visits) |
|
4 (field trip) |
|
| |
|
|
|
| Total hours |
|
39 |
|
| |
|
|
|
| Number of essays or assignments |
|
Practical notebooks |
|
| Other (eg major seminar paper) |
|
|
|
|
Assessment:
Coursework
A practical notebook fulfilling specifications set out in each practical.
Relative percentage of coursework :
A total of 30%, of which 10% is for attendance and submission of specified practical material and 20% on quality of practical material submitted as practical notebook.
Examinations
A one-and-a-half hour examination requiring the answer of 50 multiple-choice questions based on material in lectures, practicals, and field trip. This contributes 70% of the overall assessment for this module.
Requirements for a pass
A mark of 40% overall
Reassessment arrangements
Re-examination in September only |
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