Overview

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 5 000 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.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold, pass -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. -good, merit -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 -excellent, distinction -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.

Learning Outcomes

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

• Display the ability to conduct research independently.

• On completion of the module students will be able to demonstrate: Broad knowledge of the diversity of marine vertebrates

• Specialist knowledge within a specific marine vertebrate topic