BS706-7-AU-CO:
Tropical Marine Systems
2020/21
Life Sciences (School of)
Colchester Campus
Autumn
Postgraduate: Level 7
Current
Thursday 08 October 2020
Friday 18 December 2020
15
10 September 2020
Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
BS711
MSC C16112 Tropical Marine Biology,
MPHDC16148 Tropical Marine Biology,
MPHDC16184 Tropical Marine Biology,
PHD C16148 Tropical Marine Biology,
PHD C16184 Tropical Marine Biology
Lectures cover the four main tropical habitats Coral Reefs, Tropical Oceans, Seagrass Beds, and Mangrove Systems. Each section is illustrated with suitable case studies and considers long-term monitoring data that highlights the historical and more recent changes in the taxonomic composition and productivity of these systems.
This module aims to widen the understanding of some of the key functional roles of photosynthetic producers (corals, algae, cyanobacteria, plants) and heterotrophic consumers (planktonic, benthic and pelagic invertebrates and vertebrates). It will assist with developing the skills necessary to evaluate ecological and biogeochemical processes within tropical marine systems and their productivity, connectivity and resilience. The module will also provide some of the knowledge needed to assess the environmental implications of impacts and stresses at different spatial and temporal scales. Key skills of accessing and interpreting scientific publications will be developed throughout the module to aid the development of individual scientific opinion and thereby facilitate formal and informal scientific discussion within classes.
This module aims to provide a thorough grounding in tropical marine systems, including the diversity of organisms that exist and the roles they play as well as the fundamental biological processes that enable these organisms to thrive
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
1. Describe the taxonomic and functional diversity of tropical marine organisms;
2. Discuss the effects of physiochemical characteristics and processes on the distribution, abundance and productivity of tropical marine organisms;
3. Discuss the role of tropical marine systems in biogeochemical cycles;
4. Analyse the effect of historical and recent global change on biological processes;
5. Discuss the impact of invasive species on the composition and functioning of tropical marine ecosystems;
6. Explain the role of symbiotic relationships within tropical marine food webs;
7. Show competence in retrieving relevant information from diverse sources and interpreting scientific data;
Employability and Transferable Skills:
Demonstrate competence in written communication and information retrieval.
Identify, interpret and synthesise important information from scientific papers
Formulate a valid scientific opinion and openly discuss this opinion within a formal and informal setting
The School has a policy which ensures all lecturers opt-in to making lectures available via Listen Again. Therefore, in teaching rooms where the facility is available, lectures will be recorded via this service.
This module does not appear to have any essential texts. To see non-essential items, please refer to the module's reading list.
Assessment items, weightings and deadlines
| Coursework / exam |
Description |
Deadline |
Coursework weighting |
| Coursework |
Moodle Quiz 1 |
|
10% |
| Coursework |
Scientific Paper Review |
|
40% |
| Coursework |
Moodle Quiz 2 |
|
10% |
| Coursework |
Research Review |
|
40% |
Additional coursework information
The biology of coral reefs
Book by Charles Sheppard; Simon K. Davy; Graham M. Pilling; Nicholas A. J. Graham 2018
Seagrass ecology: an introduction
Book by Marten A. Hemminga; Carlos M. Duarte 2000
The biology of mangroves and seagrasses
Book by Peter J. Hogarth 2007
Exam format definitions
- Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
- In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary,
for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.
Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.
Overall assessment
Reassessment
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Prof David Smith, email: djsmitc@essex.ac.uk.
Prof David Smith, Dr Gerrit Nanninga and Dr Michael Steinke
School Graduate Office, email: bsgradtaught (Non essex users should add @essex.ac.uk to create a full email address)
No
No
No
Dr Nicholas Kamenos
University of Glasgow
Reader
Available via Moodle
Of 974 hours, 0 (0%) hours available to students:
974 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s).
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