Module OSX-2003:
Marine Biology Practical II

Module Facts

Run by School of Ocean Sciences

20.000 Credits or 10.000 ECTS Credits

Semester 1 & 2

Organiser: Dr Laura Grange

Overall aims and purpose

This module is a continuation of OSX-1002. It further introduces students to two important components of Marine Biology: Field Science, and Laboratory Science. In addition, the module introduces two additional components: Experimentation and Data Management. Students will advance and hone their skills in methods regularly used by Marine Biologists including dissection, microscopy, species identification, data collection, and data analysis. Students are again exposed to a diverse range of species and habitats, and there is a continued emphasis on the acquisition of laboratory and field-based practical skills. At the end of this module, students should have furthered several core-skills needed in their studies, and acquired transferable skills that can be applied across subject disciplines.

Course content

This module comprises sessions that develop practical skills.

Semester 1

Three laboratory sessions that will include the following activities:

  1. Dissection and microscopy to investigate molluscan feeding strategies.
  2. Immunity and hematology in marine invertebrate taxa.
  3. Dissection, drawing and morphometric analysis of sharks.

Three workshops dedicated to scientific writing and peer-review activities.

Semester 2

Two case-study activities, which will include workshops, field visits, and laboratory work.

(The content of these case study sessions will be updated as the module progresses; much depends on the constantly developing coronavirus pandemic).

Assessment Criteria

excellent

Knowledge extending well beyond the taught material. A thorough understanding of subject-specific concepts and principles, often extending into more specialised areas.

good

Knowledge based on the taught material. An understanding of subject-specific concepts and principles, sometimes extending into more specialised areas.

threshold

Knowledge based on taught material. A basic understanding of subject-specific concepts and principles.

Learning outcomes

  1. By the end of this module, you should be able to:

    1. Demonstrate the ability to dissect scientific specimens and use dissecting and compound microscopes to undertake anatomical observations, drawings and measurements.
    2. Identify a range of marine organisms to taxa and/or species-level, label key anatomical features, and relate these characteristics to physiological processes and/or behaviour.
    3. Apply knowledge gained during practical work to answer questions about methods used, results obtained, and/or interpretation.
    4. Formulate a hypothesis, and plan and implement simple laboratory experimentation, or field sampling, to collect data to test this hypothesis.
    5. Explore, summarise and graphically display key scientific results.
    6. Demonstrate the ability to select and apply appropriate data analysis and interpretation to a scientific dataset.
    7. Explain the methods used, and report and interpret the key results of practical work in the style of a scientific report, whilst adhering to scientific conventions in terms of structure, style, data presentation and referencing.
    8. Critically appraise and evaluate experimental design, data limitations, and/or unexpected results.

Assessment Methods

Type Name Description Weight
COURSEWORK Practical Skills Assessment 1 15.00
COURSEWORK Practical Skills Assessment 2 15.00
CLASS TEST Blackboard Ultra Test 30.00
COURSEWORK Case Study Report 40.00

Teaching and Learning Strategy

Hours
Private study

Students should write additional notes during the field and laboratory sessions within their standard notebooks. Students should also research taught material further, and record a synthesis of their findings in their standard notebooks. In addition, students should use private study to plan and prepare their module assessments.

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Practical classes and workshops

The module will be delivered using advanced blended learning approach, which will include asynchronous, online learning materials, synchronous online sessions and in-person field and laboratory practical sessions. Sessions will comprise a combination of practical laboratory and field sessions supplemented by workshops, lectures and drop in sessions; three standalone laboratory sessions in Semester 1, and two "case study" practical activities in Semester 2, delivered by a combination of the module organiser and active School of Ocean Science researchers.

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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
  • 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

Resources

Resource implications for students

1. Students are advised to purchase copies of the books listed. Copies of Hayward & Ryland held in the practical laboratory can be consulted during laboratory sessions. 2. Boots and outdoor clothing are required for Field Science sessions. 3. Laboratory coats are required for Practical Laboratory sessions. Students are provided with a free laboratory coat at the start of their undergraduate degree. For those students who forget their laboratory coat, one can be rented from the technical staff for £1. If a laboratory coat is lost it must be replaced at the expense of the student. Students may purchase a laboratory coat from the technical staff for £10. 4. Laboratory notebooks are required for Practical Laboratory sessions. Students are provided with a free notebook at the start of their undergraduate degree. 5. Dissection kits are not required. For sessions, where dissection kits are required, kits will be provided by the technical staff. Students are welcome to bring their personal kit if they have one. Alternatively, kits can be purchased from the technical staff, but this is not a requirement.

Talis Reading list

http://readinglists.bangor.ac.uk/modules/osx-2003.html

Reading list

  1. Hayward PJ & Ryland JS. Handbook of the Marine Fauna of North-West Europe, 2nd Edition. Oxford University Press. [Strongly recommended]
  2. Ruppert EE, Fox FS & Barnes RD. Invertebrate Zoology, 7th Edition. Brooks/Cole Publishing.
  3. Pechinik JA. Biology Of The Invertebrates, 7th Edition. McGraw-Hill Education.
  4. Levinton JS. Marine Biology: Function, Biodiversity, Ecology, 2nd Edition. Oxford University Press

Courses including this module

Compulsory in courses: