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BI25Z4: OCEAN BIOLOGY (2017-2018)

Last modified: 26 Feb 2018 18:31


Course Overview

A combination of three lectures per week and five fortnightly practical classes covering a broad range of topics in marine biology.

The course is taught by a range of lecturers who specialise in a wide variety of research areas.

Coursework is designed to develop skills in reading scientific articles, research methods, critical thinking, and scientific writing.  Assessed coursework comprises a combination of practical reports, quizzes and one written essay from a range of topics.  There is a two-hour exam (essay and multiple choice questions).

Specialised lectures on essay writing skills, pre and post-essay coursework, are provided to enhance writing skills.

Course Details

Study Type Undergraduate Level 2
Session Second Sub Session Credit Points 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits)
Campus None. Sustained Study No
Co-ordinators
  • Dr Philip Smith

Qualification Prerequisites

None.

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

  • One of BI1004 Organismal Biology (Passed) or BI1005 Organismal Biology (Passed) or BI1006 Biology for Undergraduates (Bugs) (Passed) or BI1007 Organismal Biology (Passed) or BI1008 Introduction to Biological Sciences (Passed) or BI1009 Frontiers in Biological Sciences (Passed) or BI1508 Ecology and Environmental Science (Passed) or BI1509 Ecology and Environmental Science (Passed) or BI1511 Ecology and Environmental Science (Passed)
  • BI2018 Biological Enhanced Skills Training (Best) (Studied)
  • Any Undergraduate Programme (Studied)
  • Either Programme Level 2 or Programme Level 3

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

The course begins with overviews of oceanographic processes, marine food-webs and key marine species. A variety of marine ecosystems from different parts of the world are then discussed, including sandy shores, rocky shores, deep sea, hydrothermal vents, kelp beds and coral reefs. Lectures are given on current research on marine biology, with a specific focus on the impacts of man on marine environments.

Associated Costs

Course practicals require the use of a lab coat which can be purchased locally for £15

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: One 2-hour examination (30% written; 20% multiple choice questions); in-course assessment of laboratory work and one essay (50%).

Resit: Similar to the first attempt, with continuous assessment marks and/or exam mark carried forward and an opportunity to complete either a resit exam or resubmit continuous assessment assignments, depending on which was failed in the 1st attempt.

Formative Assessment

Essay feedback and revision sessions.

Feedback

Extensive written feedback is given for every practical report handed in, as well as for the essay. Further to this, there is an essay feedback session where generic comments are given to the class.

Course Learning Outcomes

None.

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