Rhedir gan School of Ocean Sciences

20.000 Credyd neu 10.000 Credyd ECTS

Semester 1 a 2

Trefnydd: Prof Jan Geert Hiddink

The aim of this module is to provide a broad overview of the diversity of marine vertebrates conduct an independent desk study on a specific aspect of the biology/ecology of a marine vertebrate (chosen by the student in consultation with staff) and develop independent study skills and research skills. The specific aims are:

1) To develop knowledge and understanding of the diversity of marine vertebrates and their biology and ecology. 2) To develop and test specific hypotheses through the logical use of published literature and datasets 3) Teach students how to communicate through scientific writing

The student, under the supervision of an appropriate member of staff, will be in control of the project from its inception through to the final report. The report will, therefore require students to apply their imagination, initiative and self-discipline.

In this course, students will be given a broad overview of the diversity of marine vertebrates, their biology and ecology. In consultation with staff, the students will select a topic of their choice and conduct a detailed desk top study and write a report on this topic. Students will formulate a specific hypotheses and search for supporting and contrary evidence in the scientific literature and published datasets (such as fishery landings). The course will start with a series of lectures in which students will receive an overview of the diversity of the different groups of marine vertebrates (fish, mammals, reptiles and seabirds) and aspects of their biology and ecology. During these lectures they will also receive guidance on the type of topics that are acceptable for the desktop study. Students can suggest their own topic or choose from a list of suggested topics provided by staff. Emphasis will be on, but not limited to, testing hypotheses on the interaction between ecology of marine vertebrates and anthropogenic effects. After the lectures, all students will submit a topic; the suitability of these topics will be assessed, by a member of staff. At the end of the module, students will produce a report based on their analyses with a 10 000 word limit. During the course, students will also go to sea on the SOS research vessel Macoma to have the opportunity observe the behaviour of marine mammals and seabirds in the field.

da

A good range of literature covered with several hypotheses is presented. Communication skills are good and the essence of the work is communicated in written form with general accuracy and little ambiguity

ardderchog

A very wide and detailed coverage of the literature is achieved with several eminently testable hypotheses proposed. Logical attempts at testing more than one hypothesis are presented showing an excellent understanding of the topic area. Communication skills are excellent. The essence of the work is communicated entirely accurately with no ambiguity and excellent interpretation.

trothwy

A basic coverage of the literature and a limited attempt to formulate hypotheses. A limited knowledge of the detail within the topic area and little ability to attempt hypothesis testing. A basic communication of the topic area, which is largely very general, lacking specific detail and occasionally ambiguous.

1. Specialist knowledge within a specific marine vertebrate topic

2. Display the ability to conduct research independently.

3. Ability to gather information from the scientific literature and condense it in a clear and coherent argument in an interpretive report.

4. On completion of the module students will be able to demonstrate:

   Broad knowledge of the diversity of marine vertebrates

Math	Enw	Disgrifiad	Pwysau
	Vertebrates Report		75.00
	Field Trip Report		25.00

		Oriau
Fieldwork	Point Lynas trip	8
Tutorial	One to one help sessions with vertebrates vertebrate report	8
Lecture	29 hours of lectures	29
Individual Project		155

• Llythrennedd - Medrusrwydd mewn darllen ac ysgrifennu drwy amrywiaeth o gyfryngau
• Rhifedd - Medrusrwydd wrth ddefnyddio rhifau ar lefelau priodol o gywirdeb
• Defnyddio cyfrifiaduron - Medrusrwydd wrth ddefnyddio ystod o feddalwedd cyfrifiadurol
• Hunanreolaeth - Gallu gweithio mewn ffordd effeithlon, prydlon a threfnus. Gallu edrych ar ganlyniadau tasgau a digwyddiadau, a barnu lefelau o ansawdd a phwysigrwydd
• Archwilio - Gallu ymchwilio ac ystyried dewisiadau eraill
• Adalw gwybodaeth - Gallu mynd at wahanol ac amrywiol ffynonellau gwybodaeth
• Sgiliau Rhyngbersonol - Gallu gofyn cwestiynau, gwrando'n astud ar atebion a'u harchwilio
• Dadansoddi Beirniadol & Datrys Problem - Gallu dadelfennu a dadansoddi problemau neu sefyllfaoedd cymhleth. Gallu canfod atebion i broblemau drwy ddadansoddiadau ac archwilio posibiliadau
• Ymwybyddiaeth o ddiogelwch - Bod yn ymwybodol o'ch amgylchedd a hyder o ran cadw at reoliadau iechyd a diogelwch
• Cyflwyniad - Gallu cyflwyno gwybodaeth ac esboniadau yn glir i gynulleidfa. Trwy gyfryngau ysgrifenedig neu ar lafar yn glir a hyderus.
• Gwaith Tîm - Gallu cydweithio'n adeiladol ag eraill ar dasg gyffredin, ac/neu fod yn rhan o dîm gweithio o ddydd i ddydd

• 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
• 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.
• Engagement with current developments in the biosciences and their application.
• Appreciation of the complexity and diversity of life processes through the study of organisms.
• Engage in debate and/or discussion with specialists and non-specialists using appropriate language.
• Undertake field and/or laboratory studies of living systems.
• Undertake practical work to ensure competence in basic experimental skills.

Rhestr ddarllen

Helfman et al 2009. The diversity of fishes. Available as ebook through library

Gaston 2004, Sea birds: a natural history. Available in library

Hoelzel 2006. Marine mammal biology: an evolutionary approach. Available as ebook through library

Plus lecture-specific material provided in lectures and on Blackboard

Gorfodol mewn cyrsiau:

• C1AF: MSc Marine Biology year 1 (MSC/MB)