BL2311 The Oceans

Academic year

2024 to 2025 Semester 1

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

15

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 8

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.

Availability restrictions

This module will be available to all enrolled students who have completed the pre-requisites.

Planned timetable

12.00 pm - 1.00 pm, Mon, Wed, Fri - odd weeks; Tue, Thu - even weeks (lectures) 2.00 pm - 5.00 pm Mon, Tue (practical classes)

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

Dr Julie Oswald, Dr Lars Boehme, Prof Patrick Miller, Prof Andrew Brierley, Dr Maria Azeredo de Dornelas, Prof David Paterson

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

Module description

The oceans hold approximately 97% of the earths water and are a vital component of life on this planet. This module introduces basic concepts in biological and physical oceanography. It provides an understanding of physical processes such as circulation patterns, waves and tides, and how these physical processes affect plants and animals living in the different ocean biomes. We will discuss ocean habitats ranging from the coasts to the deep sea and from polar to tropical environments.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST PASS BL1102

Assessment pattern

Coursework = 30%, Practical examination = 20%, Written Examination = 50%

Re-assessment

Coursework = 50%, Written Examination = 50%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

across the semester: 20 x 1h lectures, 6 x 1h discussion sessions, 5 x 3h practicals

Scheduled learning hours

46

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

Guided independent study hours

99

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

BL2311 The Oceans

Academic year

2025 to 2026 Semester 1

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

15

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 8

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.

Availability restrictions

This module will be available to all enrolled students who have completed the pre-requisites.

Planned timetable

Lectures: 12.00-1.00 pm Monday, Wednesday, Friday (odd weeks); 12.00-1.00pm Tuesday and Thursday (even weeks) Practicals: 2.00-5.00pm Monday and Tuesday

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

Module coordinator

Dr J N Oswald

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

Dr Julie Oswald, Dr Lars Boehme, Prof Patrick Miller, Dr Maria Azeredo de Dornelas, Prof David Paterson

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

Module description

The oceans hold approximately 97% of the earths water and are a vital component of life on this planet. This module introduces basic concepts in biological and physical oceanography. It provides an understanding of physical processes such as circulation patterns, waves and tides, and how these physical processes affect plants and animals living in the different ocean biomes. We will discuss ocean habitats ranging from the coasts to the deep sea and from polar to tropical environments.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST PASS BL1102

Assessment pattern

Coursework = 30%, Practical examination = 20%, Written Examination = 50%

Re-assessment

Coursework = 50%, Written Examination = 50%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

across the semester: 20 x 1h lectures, 6 x 1h discussion sessions, 5 x 3h practicals

Scheduled learning hours

46

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

Guided independent study hours

99

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

Intended learning outcomes

  • Explain water movement patterns at different scales
  • Describe properties of sea water and explain the impact these properties have on marine organisms
  • Model the effect of ocean currents and conditions on global climate and weather patterns and interpret the output of models
  • Explain some physical-biological interactions in the sea
  • Describe the ways in which humans are impacting the ocean
  • Explain some effects of ocean acidification on the marine environment and life in the ocean