Module Catalogue 2025/26

Pre Requisite Comment

There are no pre-requisites, but it would be useful to have undertaken ocean-based modules (e.g. NES1503, NES2503)

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

This module provides a 'finishing course' for students with interests in postgraduate studies in Marine Biology, and will provide insights into various topics at the forefront of contemporary research in this science area. The overall goal of the module is to illustrate modern, multidisciplinary research across a range of marine sciences reflecting active Marine Biology research areas in the School.

Outline Of Syllabus

3 x 2 week intensive blocks of teaching focused on current themes in multidisciplinary marine science linked to academic staff research interests. Content will be drawn from active research themes such as:

Marine Biotechnology

Coral Reef Ecology and Restoration

Marine Remote Sensing

Public Engagement with Science

Climatically Active Trace Gases in the Oceans

Nutrient Limitation and Ocean Fertilisation

Oceanographic Modelling

Global Sea Levels and Circulation

Ocean Deoxygenation

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

At the end of the module a student will be able to:
Recognise contemporary approaches to Marine Biology and related disiplines, show how they are related to scientific research, and be able to determine appropriate application of them.
The module will build on critical reading skills developed during year 2 through directed reading of scientific literature.

Intended Skill Outcomes

At the end of the module it is expected students will be able to:

Critically read and interpret subject-specific information from the primary literature, to demonstrate advanced knowledge of Marine Biology.

Assemble subject-specific information, on key topics relating to Marine Biology, to produce well-argued and accurate accounts of the topic.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures will present relevant, research-focused course material, allowing students to gain a greater appreciation of the research activities undertaken by academic staff.
Workshops will allow students to apply concepts introduced lectures to real world case studies, and to critically evaluate outcomes in the light of current research. These workshops will develop data literacy and critical thinking.
Directed research and reading will support the information received through lectures and workshops by guided independent study using key papers from primary literature. Students build upon the independent learning skills developed at Levels 4 and 5.

Assessment preparation and completion will allow students to fully prepare for the online examination. They will have the opportunity to consolidate and build upon knowledge gained in the taught sessions.

The end-of-module assessment will assess the level of knowledge and understanding of all aspects of the module, including independent study.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The end of module assessment will be a 24 hour take home exam and will assess the level of knowledge and understanding of all aspects of the module, including student reading. The examination will present students with two questions from each of the three topics, and students will answer one question per topic using a maximum of 1000 words per essay.

General Notes

N/A