Module Catalogue 2026/27

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

To build on the fundamentals of the functioning of tropical marine ecosystems introduced at Stage 1 (Level 4). Tropical marine ecosystems will be used as a framework to understand key ecological concepts. The module will provide an understanding of core ecological concepts and terms that will equip students with the framework to approach ecological study of marine systems in general. To extend understanding of the complexity and variety of tropical marine habitats, and the key drivers of ecosystem functioning in each. To develop a detailed understanding of the major categories of human and natural disturbances on tropical marine systems, their mechanisms of effect, their sources, and fates. To gain an appreciation of the impact of human activities on tropical coastal ecosystems and understanding of how contemporary and future policy is anticipated to adapt in the face of global change.

Outline Of Syllabus

Lecture material based on the following themes. These topics will be covered broadly using tropical marine systems (e.g., coral reefs, seagrasses, mangroves etc.) as frameworks to explain ecological theory.

1. Ecological patterns and drivers of tropical marine systems

2. Mutualism

3. Competition

4. Predation

5. Grazing

6. Disturbance and resilience

7. Pollution/coastal development

8. Overfishing

9. Climate change

10. Recruitment and supply

11. Tropical biodiversity

12. Demography

13. Adaptation and evolution

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

PC1 Knowledge Application: Interpret detailed biological evidence and concepts and apply this knowledge to critically evaluate key issues in the discipline including its applied contexts. PC1 will be developed and assessed.

After successful completion of the module a student will have a greater understanding of:

1. The major processes structuring ecosystems, the characteristic features of each and how they influence ecosystem functioning.

2. Major human and natural disturbances on tropical marine ecosystems and the range of ecological outcomes for these systems in the context of changing disturbance regimes.

3. How ecological concepts could be used to inform policy for better management of tropical marine ecosystems in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Intended Skill Outcomes

After successful completion of the module a student will be able to:

PC2 Information Literacy: Critically analyse and evaluate scientific literature to provide an answer to a question with an uncertain answer. PC2 will be introduced, developed and assessed. Achieved through the synthesis of knowledge and information on ecosystem structure and function using scientific literature and publicly available datasets.

PC3 Practical Skills: Assume some level of responsibility for experimental design in a moderately structured setting using appropriate scientific methods to collect data. PC3 will be introduced, developed and assessed. This will be achieved through applying theoretical knowledge gained during lectures on how to design experiments, collect, critically analyse and interpret data in the context of tropical marine ecology.

PC4 Data Literacy – Find, evaluate, visualise, analyse and interpret data appropriately in a moderately structured environment. Students will find, evaluate, visualise and analyse data. This skill will be developed an assessed through summative coursework involving sourcing data from publicly-available databases, making critical decisions on its value for inclusion.

PC5 Communication: Comprehend and adopt appropriate academic language and conventions in order to communicate more complex scientific concepts clearly, concisely and correctly. PC5 will be introduced, developed and assessed. This will be achieved through written interpretation and analysis of marine benthic data using different types of publicly available datasets.

PC7 Ethics Literacy: Assume some level of responsibility for compliance with relevant ethical concepts that apply to more detailed scientific knowledge and your own work with guidance as relevant to the discipline of study, in a moderately structured environment. PC7 will be developed. This will be achieved through formal lectures on concepts such as parachute and colonial science.

PC8 Collaboration: Apply professional and digital collaboration skills in various settings to advance shared endeavours. Implement principles of effective teamwork, acknowledging both personal contributions and the significance of others within the team. PC8 will be developed. Students will work in groups and have the opportunity to develop initiative, autonomy, and leadership while maintaining responsibility, reliability, accountability, and integrity.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures and supporting materials are designed to give students a broad factual knowledge of key concepts in marine ecology, and their role as drivers of marine ecosystem functioning (using tropical marine systems as a framework). The lectures will focus on species, population and community interaction in a variety of tropical marine habitats and the range of human and natural disturbances that structure these systems.

The two workshops will be used to introduce practical skills such as experimental design and tropical marine field survey techniques and will also be when the formative and summative assessments are set.

Directed research, through the use of 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 online access to key texts/eBooks. Students will be encouraged to become more independent in their learning at this stage in their programmes to develop key skills such as Active Learning, Goal Setting and Action Planning, Decision Making, and Initiative.

Assessment preparation and completion will allow students to fully prepare for both their formative and summative coursework assessments. They will have the opportunity to consolidate and build upon knowledge gained.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The two 1000-word (or equivalent) pieces of formative and summative coursework will assess students' knowledge of the major processes in tropical marine environments, the key ecological concepts that underpin these processes, the range of disturbances acting on these systems and the ways in which impact is mitigated against and managed. In addition, students' use of the relevant literature to support their ideas and their ability to present information in an appropriate scientific format will be examined.

The Inspera digital exam will assess the level of breadth and depth of knowledge and understanding of all aspects of the module, including incorporation of additional online resources and student wider reading. The exam is set in the assessment period.

General Notes

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