Objectives
To develop students' knowledge on key aspects (zoology, primary productivity, mariculture and fisheries, practical and research skills) of marine biology and ecology. To enhance students' knowledge of applied marine biology (management, mariculture fisheries and biotechnology). To enhance students' ability to devise, initiate, undertake and communicate the results of, a research task. To enable students to conduct primary research in the field of marine biology. Develop a range of transferable skills including information retrieval, evaluation and synthesis, numeracy, ITC skills, presentation skills, effective working with others, complex problem solving, self-evaluation and reflection, and independent learning ability.
Course description
Course Description
The MSc in Marine Biology utilises the international expertise in teaching and in research within the Department. Students are taught by experts from the Marine Sciences Research Group, which focuses on the ecological and environmental aspects of the world’s oceans, coastal seas and estuaries, with particular strengths in marine and freshwater biology, coral reef biology and environmental microbiology.
Modules and Options
The lists of modules below represent the range of options available for each year of study. This may not be a complete list of the options you will study, and may be subject to change, so please contact the department for further details.
Stage 1
Compulsory: ENVIRONMENTAL SEMINARS
CORAL REEF CONSERVATION MANGAGMENT FIELD MODULE
Core: MARICULTURE AND FISHERIES
Core: MARINE MICROBIAL ECOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
Core: MARINE PRACTICAL SKILLS
Core: MARINE PRIMARY PRODUCTIVITY
Core: MARINE ZOOLOGY
Core: RESEARCH PROJECT: MSC MARINE BIOLOGY
Core: RESEARCH SKILLS AND DATA ANALYSIS
ECONOMICS AND LAW
POLITICS AND SOCIETY
Teaching and Assessment Methods
A: Knowledge and Understanding
Learning Outcomes
A1 : Detailed, up to date knowledge of marine fauna and flora and their role in marine systems
A2 : An understanding of how historical and recent environmental change has affected marine systems, informed by recent research
A3 : Current understanding of the structure of marine communities and transfer of energy and matter through marine foodwebs
A4 : Knowledge of applied marine biology
A5 : Knowledge of factors adversely impacting marine systems and possible management strategies
A6 : Understanding of the inter-disciplinary nature of marine management
A7 : A comprehensive knowledge and understanding of a selected topical research area and appropriate research methods
Teaching Methods
A1-A6 are developed through the Thematic Module lectures, environmental seminars and related assessed coursework (with feedback from it). They are also developed throughout the dissertation in close consultation with a supervisor.
Students are expected to extend and enhance their knowledge and understanding acquired from seminars and lectures by consulting library and other materials related to the course. Such independent research is a fundamental part of most assessments.
A7 is developed through the Research Skills module, and in the research project.
Assessment Methods
A1-A6 are assessed through a variety of coursework, comprising the 'core' scientific essays, and a range of other written work for different audiences (e.g. scientific posters, popular science articles, scientific papers) and through reflective journals and worksheets.
A7 is assessed by a dissertation
B: Intellectual/Cognitive Skills
Learning Outcomes
B1 : Systematically retrieve, select and integrate a variety of marine biology based information
B2 : Synthesise and critically appraise evidence, arguments and ideas from different sources in a self-directed manner, leading to coherent and logical analyses
B3 : Reason critically and offer judgements based on argument that can be communicated effectively to specialist and non-specialist audiences
B4 : Think independently to make connections between familiar and new ideas
B5 : Integrate and link relevant information across course components
B6 : Plan and conduct a substantial research project with guidance from a supervisor, and present it in a coherent manner
Teaching Methods
B1-B5 are taught and developed through seminars, lectures, coursework and its associated feedback and group sessions. The seminars and group sessions encourage critical discussion, together with an emphasis on ability to reason and argue coherently, and to learn from others.
B6 is developed through the dissertation plan and execution and during the the research project component of the optional coral reef conservation module.
Assessment Methods
B1-B5 are assessed through coursework essays of differing length and an oral presentation.
B6 is assessed in the substantial dissertation based on the project and during the optional Coral Reef Conservation module and its research project component.
C: Practical Skills
Learning Outcomes
C1 : General research skills: capacity to locate, access and summarise appropriate material and datasets
C2 : Skills in conducting scientific surveys, interview and research tasks
C3 : General and specific laboratory and field based skills, including using up-to-date equipment and techniques
C4 : Capacity to formulate an appropriate, feasible research question and design a programme to carry it out
Teaching Methods
C1-C3 are primarily taught through the research skills and data analysis module and through the dedicated module in Marine Practical Skills. The coursework components of each module will also provide experience and feedback related to literature based research skills and formulation of research questions.
Considerable autonomy is encouraged in researching all assessed essays (for Core and Thematic seminars and optional modules).
Assessment Methods
C1-C3 are assessed through the different components of the research skills and data analysis module and through the specific tasks of the Marine Practical Skills module. C4 will be assessed through the dissertation where students will demonstrate their research and practical based skills. The optional coral reef management module will also provide an opportunity for students to undertake a specific research task. All modules have associated coursework which will enable appropriate assessment of students.
D: Key Skills
Learning Outcomes
D1 : (i) Able to produce a range of written reports and material (e.g. scientific papers, popular science articles, industrial and commercial reports and scientific posters) using proper academic and science based conventions and accepted formats where appropriate (ii) Give a well-structured, coherent, concise and effective oral presentation
D2 : Able to: (i) Use current networked PC operating systems for normal file management, (ii) Use current common word-processing, spreadsheet, web browsing and email software, (iii) locate and use on-line catalogues and databases (iv) use statistical packages.
D3 : Apply appropriate methods to gather and analyse quantitative and qualitative data
D4 : Explore, analyse and find effective solutions for sicentific problems involving a variety of information from different scientific disciplines
D5 : Identify individual and team strengths and to coordinate activity to work effectively and productively as a team.
D6 : (i) Work to deadlines, including planning and time-management to meet assessment targets, (ii) Develop work independently of guidance for extended periods (iii) evaluate and reflect on own performance
Teaching Methods
D1 and D4 are developed through coursework, the research project, the dedicated module in research skills and data anlysis and throughout the marine practical skills module.
D5 Does not form a large component of the degree but is addressed in the research skills module and during the optional coral reef conservation module.
D6 is developed through the initial course briefing, course assessments, rigid deadlines and feedback on assignments.
Assessment Methods
D1-D4 are assessed through coursework, the research skills module, the marine practical skills module, the research project and through oral presentations. All dissertations are only acceptable in word-processed form, and must be presented according to the programme's rules.
D6 is assessed indirectly by assessing coursework, by imposing strict deadlines for assignments and by awarding marks for evidence of extra reading/going beyond lecture material.
