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ZO5012: MARINE AND FISHERIES ECOLOGY, CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT (2021-2022)

Last modified: 31 May 2022 13:05


Course Overview

Using the North Sea as a case study, one of the most well studied marine ecosystems, students will critically evaluate key issues related to the conservation and management of marine resources.

Lectures from marine ecologists, industry consultants and government scientists working in applied marine management provide insights into current issues.

Practical work provides training in data recording and analysis and the feedback received on your scientific report will strengthen your written communication skills.

Class debate will provide an opportunity to strengthen your critical thinking skills and support the development of strong oral communication skills.

Course Details

Study Type Postgraduate Level 5
Session First Sub Session Credit Points 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits)
Campus Aberdeen Sustained Study No
Co-ordinators
  • Dr Tara Marshall
  • Dr Beth Scott

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

Are there a limited number of places available?

No

Course Description

Using the North Sea as a case study this course provides essential knowledge about the marine environment and food webs. Linkages between the population biology of commercial fish species in the North Sea and the policies used to define sustainable harvesting will be highlighted to illustrate the ecological principles that underpin the management of marine resources. Policies relevant to conservation of the North Sea ecosystem are illustrated with reference to policy instruments such as marine protected areas. The role that different stakeholders play in management of marine ecosystems will be reviewed. The course concludes with an evaluation of both effective and ineffective strategies for marine and fisheries management.

Course content will be delivered by marine ecologists, industry consultants and government scientists working in applied marine management. The course does not require a detailed knowledge of marine ecology and ecosystems. Students already having a background in biology will benefit from the material on policy, management and stakeholder engagement.

Learning outcomes:

By the end of the course students should:

  • Conceptualise the interactions among key aspects of the biology, ecology, and policy relevant to North Sea
  • Critically evaluate the key issues related to conservation and management of marine resources
  • Undertake data analysis related to fish biology and write up the results in a scientific-style report
  • Integrate and evaluate information from diverse sources to determine the effectiveness of current marine resource management.

 

Syllabus:

The North Sea is one of the world’s most well studied marine ecosystems. To capture the breadth of relevant information the course is organised into four blocks:

Environment & lower trophic levels – includes lectures on physical oceanography, chemistry and sediments. The basic building blocks of marine productivity are reviewed from primary production through secondary producers.

Fish & higher trophic levels – the population biology of commercial fish species important to Scotland is reviewed in detail. The key features of marine mammals, seabirds and shorebirds are covered.

Ecosystem Conservation & Management – Ecosystem properties, including size structuring and diversity, are reviewed. Relevant marine policies to implement conservation and management strategies are considered along with policy instruments.

Stakeholders & issues – key stakeholders in the North Sea are identified and several systems used for effective stakeholder engagement are reviewed.


Contact Teaching Time

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers


Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 31 August 2023 for 1st half-session courses and 22 December 2023 for 2nd half-session courses.

Summative Assessments

Debate

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 30
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

Look up Week Numbers

Feedback

informal feedback during and after debate, individual written feedback

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Lab Report: Individual

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 70
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

Look up Week Numbers

Feedback

formative feedback in the practical and during report preparation; individualised written feedback on submission

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Formative Assessment

There are no assessments for this course.

Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ConceptualEvaluateIntegrate and evaluate information from diverse sources to determine the effectiveness of current marine resource management.
ConceptualUnderstand• Conceptualise the interactions among key aspects of the biology, ecology, and policy relevant to North Sea
ConceptualEvaluateCritically evaluate the key issues related to conservation and management of marine resources
ConceptualAnalyseUndertake data analysis related to fish biology and write up the results in a scientific-style report

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