Module OSX-3015:
North American Atlantic coast ecology

Module Facts

Run by School of Ocean Sciences

10.000 Credits or 5.000 ECTS Credits

Semester 1

Organiser: Dr Sarah Zylinski

Overall aims and purpose

This module will use the backdrop of Virginia’s barrier island coast to consider quantitative sampling of organisms from different habitats, and analysis of ecological data. It will introduce students to how various biological and physical factors and their interactions can control community organization in a selection of systems, including saltmarshes and mudflats, allowing for comparison with similar systems in other regions. Students will use existing data and the literature to explore aspects of organismal ecology in this sub-tropical environment.

Course content

Diversity and basic ecology of the main barrier island habitats Soft sediment community structure Sampling methods in pelagic waters and subtidal benthic habitats Sampling methods on mudflats and saltmarshes Formation of barrier islands Bay-side and ocean-side water characteristics Oyster fisheries

Assessment Criteria

threshold

Basic knowledge derived from the lectures and some prescribed reading, but with limited ability to critically synthesize this basic knowledge. Good

good

Knowledge based around lectures and, for marks at the higher end of the scale, with clear evidence of reading the prescribed literature outside the lectures. The student understands the fundamentals and demonstrates some ability to critically synthesize the various strands of information.

excellent

Clear and concise presentation of the fundamentals and the details of all areas of the module supported by reading prescribed (and other) literature outside the lectures. Highly developed ability to critically synthesize the module information and to link with other modules in the programme.

Learning outcomes

  1. Understand the concepts of marine community structure and biodiversity

  2. Comprehend the physical and biological factors controlling local distribution patterns of sub-tropical marine organisms.

  3. Become familiar with a range of organisms from a sub-tropical environment and reinforce knowledge obtained during the lecture course OSX2009 (Marine Ecology)

  4. Gain experience of operating dredges, seine nets and other trawls in the shallow, warm waters of Wachapreague Bay

Assessment Methods

Type Name Description Weight
CLASS TEST Test 40.00
COURSEWORK Report 60.00

Teaching and Learning Strategy

Hours
Lecture 12
Private study 72
Practical classes and workshops

Virtual field trips will be used for final learning outcome in 21-22 academic year.

 16

Transferable skills

  • Literacy - Proficiency in reading and writing through a variety of media
  • Numeracy - Proficiency in using numbers at appropriate levels of accuracy
  • Computer Literacy - Proficiency in using a varied range of computer software
  • Self-Management - Able to work unsupervised in an efficient, punctual and structured manner. To examine the outcomes of tasks and events, and judge levels of quality and importance
  • Exploring - Able to investigate, research and consider alternatives
  • Information retrieval - Able to access different and multiple sources of information
  • Inter-personal - Able to question, actively listen, examine given answers and interact sentistevely with others
  • Critical analysis & Problem Solving - Able to deconstruct and analyse problems or complex situations. To find solutions to problems through analyses and exploration of all possibilities using appropriate methods, rescources and creativity.
  • Safety-Consciousness - Having an awareness of your immediate environment, and confidence in adhering to health and safety regulations
  • Presentation - Able to clearly present information and explanations to an audience. Through the written or oral mode of communication accurately and concisely.
  • Teamwork - Able to constructively cooperate with others on a common task, and/or be part of a day-to-day working team
  • Mentoring - Able to support, help, guide, inspire and/or coach others
  • Caring - Showing concern for others; caring for children, people with disabilities and/or the elderly
  • Argument - Able to put forward, debate and justify an opinion or a course of action, with an individual or in a wider group setting
  • Self-awareness & Reflectivity - Having an awareness of your own strengths, weaknesses, aims and objectives. Able to regularly review, evaluate and reflect upon the performance of yourself and others
  • Leadership - Able to lead and manage, develop action plans and objectives, offer guidance and direction to others, and cope with the related pressures such authority can result in

Subject specific skills

  • Develop and identify research question(s) and/or hypotheses as the basis for investigation.
  • Conduct fieldwork and/or laboratory work competently with awareness of appropriate risk assessment and ethical considerations
  • Consider issues from a range of interdisciplinary perspectives.
  • Apply subject knowledge to the understanding and addressing of problems.
  • Collect, analyse and interpret primary and/or secondary data using appropriate qualitative and/or quantitative techniques.
  • Demonstrate awareness of the importance of risk assessment and relevant legislation
  • Demonstrate awareness of the importance of risk assessment and relevant legislation

Resources

Resource implications for students

Students usually pay ~£650

Reading list

Students are provided with relevant information and selected relevant publications during the field course

Courses including this module

Optional in courses: