Marine Invertebrates

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Understand the diversity of marine organisms.
• Recognise the body forms and key species among the major marine phyla and the evolutionary trends that they represent.
• Safety awareness and skills: principally, handling of preserved material and dissection tools in a safe manner and associated risk assessments.
• Understand the structure and function of invertebrate animals found in the marine environment.
• Understand the use of classificatory schemes and taxonomic guides.
• Laboratory-based practical skills: principally recording information in the form of annotated biological drawings and use of microscopes.

You will be introduced to the structure and function of invertebrate animals found in the marine environment. These will include the marine invertebrate phyla. The relationships between the various groups will be discussed. The theoretical lectures will be aligned with practical work on the boat and/or in the laboratory. You will receive instructions to promote your ability for independent revision and self-studies.

Teaching and learning methods

Formal Lectures: will provide an introduction to the form and function of species representing the main invertebrate phyla, as well as some of the 'minor' phyla that are significant in some marine habitats.

Practicals: will exemplify theory and allow you to develop your practical skills in recognising the body forms of the major marine phyla. Instructions will be given in developing biological drawing and illustration skills.

Blackboard: Lecture contents and supporting course material will be made available.

A range of support can be provided for those students who have further or specific learning and teaching needs.

Self studies: Students are expected to dedicate a substantial amount of time in revising the course materials and to train their species identification skills in independent self-studies.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.