BL3318 Biology of Marine Organisms

Academic year

2024 to 2025 Semester 2

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

20

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 9

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Planned timetable

12 noon Mon, Tue & Wed (Lectures); To be arranged (Practicals)

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Dr J N Oswald

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Team taught

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

This module will include lectures on the range of microbial and metazoan organisms and ecological systems in the marine environment. The coverage will range from bacteria, to algae, invertebrates and vertebrates (fish, birds, reptiles and mammals). The biology of marine organisms is considered in the context of both adaptations at the level of the individual and its expression in terms of large-scale latitudinal and depth-related variations in productivity and food web structure. Examples from the poles to the tropics and from shallow water to the deep ocean will be included.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST PASS 1 MODULE FROM {BL2304, BL2308, BL2312}

Assessment pattern

Written Examination = 50%, Coursework = 50%

Re-assessment

3-hour Written Examination = 50%, Coursework = 50%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

Across the semester: 26 x 1h lectures, 6 x 1h discussion sessions, 2 x 3h practicals

Scheduled learning hours

40

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

160

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.