BS251-5-AU-CO:
Marine Biodiversity
2021/22
Life Sciences (School of)
Colchester Campus
Autumn
Undergraduate: Level 5
Current
Thursday 07 October 2021
Friday 17 December 2021
15
21 May 2021
Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
BS303, BS417
BSC C161 Marine Biology (Including Foundation Year),
BSC C164 Marine Biology,
BSC CC60 Marine Biology (Including Year Abroad),
BSC CC64 Marine Biology (Including Placement Year),
MSCIB097 Tropical Marine Biology,
MSCIBA97 Tropical Marine Biology (Including Placement Year),
MSCIBB97 Tropical Marine Biology (Including Year Abroad)
This module will introduce some key topics in marine biodiversity including methods of assessing marine biodiversity, distribution of species in space and time, maintenance of marine biodiversity, and regulation of populations.
The module also introduces key marine taxa. Selected examples will focus on adaptations in planktonic organisms, biodiversity hot-spots such as coral reefs and explore disturbance and succession. The self learning component investigates the utility of nucleotide databases for reference RNA and environmental metagenomes in biodiversity research. Two practicals will examine the biodiversity in muddy and sandy shores, and the morphological and genetic diversity in marine amphipods.
The aim of this module is to introduce key topics in marine biodiversity
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
1. describe the key methods in assessing marine biodiversity
2. explain the patterns of diversity in marine systems, considering gradients of diversity on global scales, with depth in the oceans and through evolutionary time;
3. explain the mechanisms that generate and maintain patterns of diversity
4. show competence in retrieving relevant information from diverse sources, interpreting scientific data and demonstrate ability to organize and execute a self-learning task;
5. plan, write and give clear, effective, well timed oral presentations;
6. demonstrate competence in written communication and information retrieval;
7. demonstrate competence in data presentation, analysis and interpretation, numeracy, information retrieval and written communication.
No additional information available.
20 x 1 hour lectures (including 1 on directed learning material and 1 or more covering DAI material), plus 1 revision class before summer exam.
There will be a total of 2 practicals: the first will run over two days (4 + 3 hours), the second is scheduled to run for 3 hours.
This module does not appear to have a published bibliography for this year.
Assessment items, weightings and deadlines
| Coursework / exam |
Description |
Deadline |
Coursework weighting |
| Coursework |
Prac 1 - SPF Results |
|
60% |
| Coursework |
Prac 2 - Worksheet |
|
40% |
| Exam |
Main exam: 150 minutes during Summer (Main Period)
|
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
Dr Boyd McKew, email: boyd.mckew@essex.ac.uk.
School Undergraduate Office, email: bsugoffice (Non essex users should add @essex.ac.uk to create the full email address)
Yes
No
No
Dr Nicholas Kamenos
University of Glasgow
Reader
Available via Moodle
Of 50 hours, 37 (74%) hours available to students:
13 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s), module, or event type.
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