Module overview
The aims of the module are to:
1. Understand basic ecological principles relating to shore ecology;
2. Use keys to identify fauna and macro algae;
3. Design, plan and implement a research project based on intertidal community ecology;
4. Appreciate sampling strategies in marine biology.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Faunal data-analysis skills, numeracy, statistics and computer skills
- Project planning, including experimental design, problem solving, time management
- Written communication / presentation skills
- Information retrieval skills (library/web)
- Report writing
- Team working
- Oral and visual presentation skills (poster and seminar)
Syllabus
In Millport, Scotland, you will receive:
1. Field course Introduction - including shore safety
2. Overview of invertebrate and macroalgal intertidal ecology in sheltered and exposed shores
3. Practice in identification of common marine macroalgal and invertebrate species using keys
4. Basic biological sampling and statistics
5. Project planning and preparation, from hypothesis generation through to the collection and interpretation of data
Themed excursions will focus on:
1. Identification of intertidal invertebrates
2. Identification of subtidal sediment-dwelling invertebrates
3. Differences in communities across different environments
4. Sampling methodology and statistical analysis
5. Project data acquisition (multiple days)
As weather permits, we will also explore offshore environments .near to Millport field station.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
A week-long residential field course (for students on Marine Biology programmes only) to Millport, Scotland in July before Year 3 (i.e. summer at end of Year 2). This will provide a practical introduction to benthic ecology, develop skills in species identification, project planning (including skills experimental design, time management) and working with small groups.
A wide range of support is available for those students who have further or specific learning and teaching needs.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Lecture | 8 |
| Independent Study | 85 |
| Tutorial | 3 |
| Practical classes and workshops | 15 |
| Total study time | 111 |
Resources & Reading list
General Resources
Copies of these texts will be provided at the field course and are available in the library.
Textbooks
R. C. Newell. Biology of Intertidal Animals.
Eds P.J. Hayward and J.S. Ryland (1995). Handbook of the Marine Fauna of North-West Europe. OUP.
Assessment
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Project report | 80% |
| Presentation | 20% |