- Course Code
- MR 2511
- Credit Points
- 15
- Course Coordinator
- Dr D R Green
Pre-requisites
None. Available only to students in Programme Year 2.
Overview
This course focuses primarily on an examination of the ecology of the coastal strip, namely the intertidal zone, rather than the marine environment. It is designed to provide a bridge between geography and ecology/zoology. In so doing, it also provides an opportunity to examine the relationships between the hydrological catchment, the marine environment, and the coastal zone. More specifically the course will:
Develop an understanding of the ecology and diversity of cliffs, rocky and sandy shores, and estuary environments.
Examine the physical processes that affect the abundance and distribution of coastal ecology.
Adopt an ecosystem approach to the management of coastal environments used to sustain and protect coastal areas from environmental impacts.
Consider fieldwork activities to develop skills in species identification and some of the modern methods of shore survey.
Make use of environmental databases
Examine the role of the geospatial technologies such as GIS, remote sensing, GPS, mobile data collection, and the internet in studying the coastal environment.
Structure
1 two-hour timetabled slot per week. The course will be taught through a combination of class-based lectures, seminars, tutorials, practicals, and field trips. Students will be expected to take part in discussion sessions both in the class and in the field. Students are encouraged to make use of the QML and the internet to enhance their knowledge and understanding of coastal ecology.
Assessment
1st Attempt: Coursework (100%)
Formative Assessment
Informal in-class discussions are an integral part of the course. The mid-term quiz provides formal formative assessment. Also, feedback on summative assessments should help students to improve their subsequent performances within the course and for subsequent courses. See box below.
Feedback
Students receive individual, written feedback on their coursework using standard comments sheets. Individual comments are supported by in-class feedback.