Overview

The module will examine the physiological and behavioural ecology of marine organisms. The physiology of marine algae and marine animals and the effects of chemical and physical variables (such as temperature, salinity, light and pressure) on physiology will be reviewed. A range of behaviours (e.g. social interactions, communication, feeding behaviour, migration, predator-prey interactions) that enable animals to adapt to their environment will be introduced and discussed.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -(D) Knowledge based on the directly taught programme, basic ability to analyse, synthesise and summarise information from a range of sources to support hypotheses, basic understanding of subject-specific theories concepts and principles, basic ability to consider issues from both interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary perspectives

-good -(B) Knowledge based on the directly taught programme and evidence of enquiry beyond that, good ability to analyse, synthesise and summarise information from a range of sources to support hypotheses, good understanding of subject-specific theories concepts and principles, good ability to consider issues from both interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary perspectives

-excellent -(A) A knowledge base extending well beyond the directly taught programme. A highly developed ability to analyse, synthesize, summarise and critically evaluate information from a range of sources to support hypotheses, excellent understanding of subject-specific theories concepts and principles, and a very good ability to consider issues from both interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary perspectives

Learning Outcomes

• Describe, with named examples, how marine organisms respond to changes in physical and chemical environmental parameters

• Describe, with named examples, the physiological adaptations necessary to live in different marine environments

• Have a broad understanding of the behavioural ecology of marine animals

• Have a broad understanding of the physiology of marine algae and marine animals