The following subject areas are dealt with during the module:
Introduction to sediment processes and the distribution of marine sediment habitats
Methods of sampling marine benthic habitats and experimental approaches used in marine benthic ecolog
Classification and descriptions of benthic invertebrate communities
Species adaptations to living in cohesive and non-cohesive sediments
Faunal mediation of ecosystem processes, including benthic-pelagic coupling, microbiological processes and invertebrate-microbial interactions and nutrient cycles in marine sediment
Effects of species activity on the sediment profile (Bioturbation and Bioirrigation)
Functional trait ecology
Organism-sediment interactions and concepts of benthic succession
Modifying effects of species and environment interactions on species behaviour and ecosystems functioning
Anthropogenic stressors in the marine benthos
Assessment of habitat quality
Benthic biodiversity
Consequences of altered biodiversity for ecosystems functioning
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Online resource: we have developed an extensive online interactive resource that provides the full module content, wider reading and additional interactive exploratory tools.
Live sessions: the course content online is supported by live sessions that build on the concepts introduced online. The module deals almost exclusively with the ecology of marine sediments. Many case study examples are provided. We also include interactive activities, practical demonstrations and discussion in most formal sessions. In addition the formal lecture series includes a computer practical where you will receive instruction on how to use multivariate statistical analyses in R for analysing ecological data.
At the end of the semester we will run a feedback and revision session. The latter will include opportunities to revisit aspects of the course in more detail and/or to expand on difficult concepts.
A wide range of support is available for those students who have further or specific learning and teaching needs.
