Introductory description

The overall aims of the module are to introduce the students to the major marine habitats, the ecologically significant groups of organisms, and the biological processes in the oceans that play a crucial role in regulating the global fluxes of major elements

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

The ocean and coastal environment
Remote sensing
Major phytoplankton groups
Microbial Loop
Photosynthetic picoplankton
Molecular approaches
Biogeochemical cycles I (C,S,P)
Biogeochemical cycles II (N,Fe) -N2 fixation
Marine microbial interactions
Marine Biodiversity
From shallow to deep sea environments with hydrothermal vents
Coral reefs and MPAs
Marine Biotechnology
Anthropogenic effects on the oceans

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Understand the physicochemical nature of the oceans in relation to the physiology of the major groups of oceanic organisms contributing to biogeochemical cycling
• Understand the techniques used for identifying novel major groups of microorganisms
• Analyse and explain the major oceanic food chains and concepts such as “the microbial loop.”
• Critically evaluate the ocean as the main driver of global biogeochemical cycles
• Explore the types of interactions that occur and evolutionary theories that have developed from studying these habitats
• Compare the key features of classical and specialized marine habitats, and the nature of marine biodiversity.
• Critically evaluate the use of marine protected areas as a mechanism for managing biological resources.
• Utilise scientific computing to critically evaluate large, complex datasets, specifically remote sensing.
• Critically evaluate the effect of anthropogenic forces on marine biodiversity and ecosystem function
• Apply principles of biotechnology to sustainable exploitation of marine resources

Indicative reading list

Reading lists can be found in Talis

Subject specific skills

-Analysis of netcdf remote sensing using scientific computing
-Statistical analysis of time-series data
-Ecological metrics

Transferable skills

• Self directed learning adult learning critical appraisal of source material
• Handling and analysis of large datasets through scientific computing