Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

This module provides a 'finishing course' for students with interests in postgraduate studies in Marine Sciences, and will provide insights into various topics at the forefront of contemporary research in this science area. Study units will include blocks of eight lectures and workshop-type teaching. The overall goal of the module is to illustrate modern, multidisciplinary research across a range of marine disciplines in which research is being done in the School.

Outline Of Syllabus

Three x 8 hour lecture blocks based on current themes in Marine Science linked to academic staff research interests. Content will be drawn from themes such as:

Marine Chemical Ecology
Marine Biotechnology
Coral Reef Ecology and Restoration
Marine Remote Sensing
Public Engagement with Science
The Sea Surface Microlayer (SML) and Global Change
Oceanographic Modelling
Global Sea Levels and Circulation
Estuarine Biogeochemistry

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

At the end of the module students will be able to understand selected contemporary approaches to diverse marine science fields, from sea level change, through marine biotoxins, to public engagement with science.

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.

Assemble subject-specific information, on key topics 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. Students will be further encouraged to develop their critical thinking skills to participate in advanced study of the primary literature relevant to the topics covered.

Directed reading will support the information received through formal lectures 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.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The written exercise will be in the form of take-home coursework. It 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.

This examination will be completed over 24 consecutive hours within the assessment period.

General Notes

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