Module Catalogue 2026/27

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

NES1503 Introduction to Ocean Sciences aims to:

- provide a multidisciplinary introduction to oceanography,

- introduce students to the fundamental physical (ocean basins, density, circulation), chemistry (seawater properties, carbon cycle), and biological (biomass, food webs, microorganisms) of the oceans

- introduce the key interactions between environmental factors and marine life, which determine the distribution of primary production on global scales, and

- outline the role of the oceans in the Earth system and the possible impacts of global change on marine ecosystems.

Outline Of Syllabus

The Introduction to Ocean Sciences will cover the following content, using a diverse range of teaching methods, including lectures, laboratory practicals, workshops and online activities:

1. Global hydrological cycle
2. Ocean circulation and vertical water column
3. Seawater composition and nutrient chemistry
4. Dissolved gases
5. The ocean as an ecological habitat
6. Phytoplankton trophic ecology
7. Algal blooms

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

PC1 Knowledge Application: Develop fundamental biological knowledge and an awareness of how this fits into the wider context. Recognise the broad biological concepts that underpin the discipline (Seawater Properties, Ocean Circulation and Mixing, Effects on Nutrient Distribution, Marine Primary Production) and how these impact the world around them (Marine Systems Responses to Global Change, such as Sea Level Rise, Ocean Deoxygenation, Eutrophication).
(Delivered and assessed)

Intended Skill Outcomes

PC3 Practical Skills - Implement the scientific method and fundamental disciplinary practical techniques through appropriate experiential designs. Specifically, to have gained skills in laboratory work, including quantitative analysis of seawater properties appropriate chemical, electrochemical and optical methods (e.g. conductivity, pH measurements, spectroscopy).
(Delivered)

PC4 Data Literacy - Identify, validate and visualise different types of data. Describe ways of managing data. Specifically, to have enhanced their ability to observe and record experimental results, to analyse and interpret the data obtained, to create and interpret scientific graphs commonly used in marine science; to obtain and visualise data obtained from online sources and utilise appropriate numerical methods to analyse them
(Delivered and assessed)

PC8 Collaboration - Begin to develop effective collaboration skills and reflect on your professional and digital interactions. Recognise the importance of success in shared endeavours and the role of group work and collaboration in enhancing scientific outcomes. Specifically, students will practice group work, sharing of data from laboratory group work, and integration of data sets to enable wider interpretation.
(Delivered)

PC10 Integrated problem solving - Appreciate the complexity of biological systems and the diversity of solutions and approaches that are required to further knowledge in the biological sciences. Specifically, data analyses in computer workshops will illustrate the complexity of marine systems, and their interactions with the Earth System, and will support students discussion of the key drivers of Global Change.
(Delivered)

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lecture materials are designed to give students a broad factual knowledge of key oceanographic processes. The interaction between marine organisms and seawater will be covered to show students how the chemical and physical properties are important in controlling the patterns in marine primary production. The use of new technologies for ocean observation will be embedded in lecture material.

End-of-theme formative study exercises will allow students to deepen their understanding of key concepts introduced in the lectures by applying those key concepts to study problems.

Interactive computer workshops will provide students with opportunities to apply key concepts introduced in lectures, develop coding, visualisation and data analysis skills, interpret oceanographic data, and illustrate and explore taught material.

Laboratory practicals will allow students to develop expertise in a range of fundamental skills, including the use of scientific equipment, and collecting, interpreting and presenting scientific information.

Practicals and computer workshops will be supported by guided independent study via online material for preparation and data analysis.

Directed research, supported by supplementary online material and activities, and wider reading of the scientific literature will support the information received through lectures. Independent study will be guided through the use of these materials and access to key texts, library resources and online materials. Students will be encouraged to become more independent in their learning to develop key skills such as Active Learning, Goal Setting and Action Planning, Decision Making, and Initiative, which they will require at Levels 5 and 6.

Preparation and completion of formative and summative coursework assessments, and further support via a dedicated revision lecture, will allow students to fully prepare for the end of term digital examination.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The formative and summative coursework submissions will assess the students’ knowledge of fundamental physical and chemical properties and processes in the marine environment, and their importance for controlling the distribution of marine primary production (PC1). In addition, the students’ ability to obtain, visualise and analyse data, and present information in an appropriate scientific format will be examined (PC4).

The digital exam will assess the level of knowledge and understanding of all aspects of the module, including that from additional online resources and student wider reading (PC1).

General Notes

N/A