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ZO4815: ABYSSAL AND HADAL ENVIRONMENTS (2014-2015)

Last modified: 28 Jun 2018 10:27


Course Overview

A lecture based course delivered by researchers at the leading edge of deep sea exploration.

One day practical at the Oceanlab deep sea facility to receive hands on experience in the operation and interpretation of deep sea sampling.

A multi-disciplinary approach to the study material for a broader understanding of life in the deepest oceans.

Freedom to demonstrate independent and critical thinking is given as part of the written coursework.

Course Details

Study Type Undergraduate Level 4
Session Second Sub Session Credit Points 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits)
Campus None. Sustained Study No
Co-ordinators
  • Dr Alan Jamieson

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

None.

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

None.

Are there a limited number of places available?

No

Course Description

This course will cover the history, discovery and exploration of the very deepest parts of the oceans; the Abyssal zone (3000-6000m) and the Hadal zone (6000-11,000m). Content will cover many aspects including sampling technology, geological formation, physical environment, complex habitats, adaptations to extreme environments and detailed coverage of the communities found at abyssal and full ocean depth. The course will provide insight into the most state-of-the-art technology and research and will place these still vastly unexplored habitats in a global context under the umbrella of an ever changing climate and the influence they have on human activities. Relevant ecological theory, applications and sampling/data analysis approaches will be obtained from lectures, discussions and a practical assignment.

Course Aims

The central aim of this course is to provide an overview of deep (abyssal) and ultra-deep (hadal) marine benthic environments and illustrate their importance at local and global scales. The course is designed for marine ecologists who wish to specialise in deep sea environments.


Main Learning Outcomes

By the end of this interdisciplinary course you will have acquired knowledge on:

  • a historical overview of deep-sea research;
  • the physical and biological environment of the deep sea;
  • methods for studying abyssal and hadal regions, including recent advances in observational technology;
  • the distribution and adaptations of abyssal and hadal fauna;
  • the complexity of deep sea habitats and their effect on food supply and community structure; and
  • the present and future impact of human activities on the deep sea.

Course Content

Historical aspects of deep sea research

  • Sampling methodologies
  • Plains and trench formation and geographical setting
  • Environmental conditions and biological adaptation
  • Reproduction, dispersal and connectivity
  • Topographically and geologically complex habitats
  • Abyssal and hadal crustacea
  • Deep-sea fish
  • Benthic invertebrates
  • Biological productivity and food supply
  • Distribution and zonation: depth related trends
  • Ecological theory
  • Anthropogenic impacts and a changing climate
  • Case study of the Kermadec Trench
  • Current research and future vision
  • Three structured revision sessions

 

Practical content:

Lander design and analytical techniques for studying deep-sea communities.

Transferrable Skills

Scientific writing, Image analysis, Data management, Data handling, Referencing, Group work, Literature searching.

 

Further Information & Notes

This course is an ideal companion to ZO4542.

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

1st Attempt: 1 three-hour exam (70%), one practical (20%) and one oral presentation (10%).

Resit: 1 three-hour exam (100 %).

Formative Assessment

A strong emphasis will be made throughout the course on informal verbal feedback during discussions and the practical session.

Feedback

Each student will receive individual feedback and a mark for each task. Feedback will be provided as written comments.

Course Learning Outcomes

None.

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