(MSc) Master of Science
Tropical Marine Biology
Current
University of Essex
University of Essex
Life Sciences (School of)
Colchester Campus
Masters
Full-time
None
MSC C16112
10/05/2023
Details
Professional accreditation
None
Admission criteria
A degree with a 2.2 in a relevant subject such as : Marine Biology, Marine Chemistry, Oceanography, Environmental Sciences and tropical Biology.
Applications from students with a degree below a 2:2 will be considered dependent on any relevant professional or voluntary experience, previous modules studied and/or personal statement.
Your Degree should contain some Ecology components including aquatic/marine Ecology, Biodiversity or Conservation.
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) code
If English isn’t your first language, we require IELTS 6.5 overall with a minimum component score of 5.5
If you do not meet our IELTS requirements then you may be able to complete a pre-sessional English pathway that enables you to start your course without retaking IELTS.
Additional Notes
The University uses academic selection criteria to determine an applicant’s ability to successfully complete a course at the University of Essex. Where appropriate, we may ask for specific information relating to previous modules studied or work experience.
Course qualifiers
A course qualifier is a bracketed addition to your course title to denote a specialisation or pathway that you have achieved via the completion of specific modules during your course. The
specific module requirements for each qualifier title are noted below. Eligibility for any selected qualifier will be determined by the department and confirmed by the final year Board of
Examiners. If the required modules are not successfully completed, your course title will remain as described above without any bracketed addition. Selection of a course qualifier is
optional and student can register preferences or opt-out via Online Module Enrolment (eNROL).
None
Rules of assessment
Rules of assessment are the rules, principles and frameworks which the University uses to calculate your course progression and final results.
Additional notes
None
External examiners
External Examiners provide an independent overview of our courses, offering their expertise and help towards our continual improvement of course content, teaching, learning, and assessment.
External Examiners are normally academics from other higher education institutions, but may be from the industry, business or the profession as appropriate for the course.
They comment on how well courses align with national standards, and on how well the teaching, learning and assessment methods allow students to develop and demonstrate the relevant knowledge and skills needed to achieve their awards.
External Examiners who are responsible for awards are key members of Boards of Examiners. These boards make decisions about student progression within their course and about whether students can receive their final award.
Programme aims
This course is designed for graduate students that wish to develop their skills for a career in any field of tropical marine biology.
Students who successfully complete the course will be well prepared to investigate biological processes in tropical marine systems by applying suitable methodology, effectively manage tropical marine resources and communicate professionally with various stakeholders (e.g. scientists, politicians, general public).
The course aims to:
- Develop students' knowledge on key aspects (zoology, primary productivity, mariculture and fisheries, practical and research skills) of tropical marine systems.
- Enhance students' knowledge of tropical marine resources, reef conservation and management, fisheries, economics, ecosystem services, biodiversity, biotechnology).
- Enhance students' ability to devise, initiate, undertake and communicate the results of a research task using various methods in tropical marine biology.
- Enable students to conduct primary research in the field of tropical marine biology.
- Develop a range of transferable professional 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.
Learning outcomes and learning, teaching and assessment methods
On successful completion of the programme a graduate should demonstrate knowledge and skills as follows:
A: Knowledge and understanding
A1: Detailed, up to date knowledge of tropical marine fauna and flora and their role in tropical marine systems
A2: An understanding of how historical and recent environmental change has affected tropical marine systems, informed by recent research
A3: Current understanding of the structure of tropical marine communities and transfer of energy and matter through marine foodwebs
A4: Knowledge of applied tropical marine biology and the interdisciplinary nature of tropical marine management.
A5: Knowledge of factors adversely impacting tropical marine systems and possible management strategies
A6: A comprehensive knowledge and understanding of a selected topical research area and appropriate research methods
Learning methods
A1-A5 are developed through three Thematic Modules that are delivered by lectures and seminars, and related assessed coursework (with feedback from it).
They are also developed throughout the dissertation in close consultation with a supervisor.
Students are also expected to extend and enhance their knowledge and understanding acquired from seminars and lectures by consulting library sources and other materials related to the course.
Such independent research is a fundamental part of most assessments.
A6 is developed through the Tropical Marine Resources module and in the research project.
Assessment methods
A1-A5 are assessed through a variety of coursework, comprising a range of written work for different audiences (e.g.
scientific essay, scientific poster, popular science article, scientific paper), through oral presentations, preparations of a podcast and vodcast, and through worksheets.
A6 is assessed by a project report and a dissertation.
B: Intellectual and cognitive skills
B1: Systematically retrieve, select and integrate a variety of information on tropical marine biology
B2: Synthesise and critically appraise evidence, arguments and ideas from different sources in a self-directed manner, leading to coherent and logical analyses
B3: Communicate information effectively to specialist and non-specialist audiences
B4: Think independently and integrate relevant information across various course components
B5: Plan and conduct a substantial research project with guidance from a supervisor, and present it in a coherent manner
Learning methods
B1-B4 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.
B5 is developed through the dissertation plan and execution, and during the research component of the Troical Marine Resources module.
Assessment methods
B1-B4 are assessed through written coursework, the preparation of pod- and vodcasts and two oral presentations.
B5 is assessed in the substantial dissertation based on the project and during the research component of the Tropical Marine Resources module.
C: Practical skills
C1: General research skills: capacity to locate, access and summarise appropriate material and datasets
C2: Skills in conducting scientific surveys 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
Learning methods
C1-C4 are primarily taught through the methods and professional skills modules.
The coursework components of each module will also provide experience and feedback related to literature-based research skills and formulation of research questions.
Assessment methods
C1-C4 are assessed through the different components of the Methods in Tropical Marine Biology module and through the specific tasks of the Professional Skills module.
C4 will be assessed through the dissertation where students will demonstrate their research and practical-based skills.
The Tropical Marine Resources 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
D1: Able to communicate effectively in a range of written work, oral presentations and using multimedia approaches appropriate for different audiences
D2: Retrieve information using search engines, browsers and catalogues; use appropriate IT facilities to prepare and present technical reports in various formats (documents, oral presentations)
D3: Apply appropriate methods to gather and analyse quantitative and qualitative data
D4: Explore, analyse and find effective solutions for scientific problems involving a variety of information from different scientific disciplines
D5: Able to plan and manage team activity and to work effectively and productively as a team member
D6: (i) Work to deadlines, including planning and time-management to meet assessment targets,
(ii) Work independently for extended periods
(iii) Evaluate and reflect on own performance
Learning methods
D1-D4 are developed through coursework, the research project and the dedicated module on Professional Skills in Tropical Marine Biology.
D5 Does not form a large component of the degree but is addressed in the practical work for the Methods in Tropical Marine Biology module and with some of the coursework for the Marine Tropical Resources 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 Professional Skills in Tropical Marine Biology module, the Methods in Tropical Marine Biology 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.
D5 Does not form a large component of the degree but is addressed in the practical work for the Methods in Tropical Marine Biology module and with some of the coursework for the Marine Tropical Resources module.
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.