Marine Biology And Oceanography MSci 2026-27 Bangor - Full Time - September

{"title": "Bangor - Full Time - September", "wt_programme_id": 3969611, "programme_code": "MSCI/MBO", "wt_delivery_id": 3969616, "structure": [{"name": "Academic Year 1", "title": "Year 1", "title_short": "Yr 1", "description": "", "heading": "Academic Year 2026-27", "year": 1, "progress": "Stage", "rule_summary": "The student must take 120 credits from the modules.", "modules": [{"title": "Marine Biology Practical 1", "module_title": "Marine Biology Practical 1", "short_title": "Marine Biology Practical 1", "module_code": "OSX-1002", "marketing_synopsis": "This module introduces you to three important components of Marine Biology: Field Science, Laboratory Science and Communicating Science. You will experience a breadth of active research topics within the School of Ocean Sciences and use a range of different methods regularly employed by Marine Biologists including: dissection; microscopy; experimental design; species identification; data collection; and data analysis. You will learn good laboratory and field skills throughout, and you will experience a diverse range of species and habitats. At the end of this module you will have obtained several core-skills needed in your studies and future career, as well as other transferable skills that can be applied across subjects.", "delivery_locations": ["Bangor"], "credits": 20, "level": "Level 4", "language_code": "en", "language_name": "English", "semester": "", "semester_months": "", "type": "Compulsory", "language_choice": false}, {"title": "Earth, Climate and Evolution", "module_title": "Earth, Climate and Evolution", "short_title": "Earth, Climate & Evolution", "module_code": "OSX-1003", "marketing_synopsis": "This module provides an overview of three enormous topics within natural science and our lives: Earth, Climate and Evolution. It is taught through a series of lectures, two practicals, and two fieldtrips. At the end of it you should have a solid framework in which you can place later knowledge in this field, which will help you see the relationships between all aspects discussed. Seeing actual rocks and fossils in the lab and on the fieldtrip, armed with recently acquired knowledge, will bring the subject matter alive. The module is assessed through a worksheet to be filled out during the first practical, an online tests to be completed after the second practical, and an exam at the end of term.", "delivery_locations": ["Bangor"], "credits": 20, "level": "Level 4", "language_code": "en", "language_name": "English", "semester": "", "semester_months": "", "type": "Compulsory", "language_choice": false}, {"title": "Diversity of Marine Life", "module_title": "Diversity of Marine Life", "short_title": "Diversity of Marine Life", "module_code": "OSX-1004", "marketing_synopsis": "As you start your degree it will be important to gain a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of marine biodiversity. This module covers a wide range of marine life, including all major taxa - from the basic lifeforms such as microbes and algae, to organisms such as annelid worms, crustaceans, echinoderms, and molluscs such as cephalopods. In the latter part of the module you'll move from invertebrates to the vertebrates, including elasmobranchs such as sharks and rays, fish, marine reptiles such as sea snakes, and finally cetaceans, pinnipeds, and marine birds. On completion you will have gained knowledge of general taxonomy, body forms, physiology, and life histories across a wide spectrum of important marine life forms.", "delivery_locations": ["Bangor"], "credits": 20, "level": "Level 4", "language_code": "en", "language_name": "English", "semester": "", "semester_months": "", "type": "Compulsory", "language_choice": false}, {"title": "Fundamentals of Oceanography", "module_title": "Fundamentals of Oceanography", "short_title": "Fundamentals of Oceanography", "module_code": "OSX-1005", "marketing_synopsis": "All degree programmes in the School need a basic understanding of the physical and chemical processes and their link to the biology. This module provides an introduction to the physics and chemistry of the oceans. You are introduced to the fundamental principles of how the ocean works as a physical system, and are shown how ocean physics is intimately connected with climate. It also considers the influence of biological activity and ocean circulation on the chemistry of the oceans . Theoretical aspects are reinforced with practical work designed to introduce basic analytical techniques and their application to problems of environmental relevance.", "delivery_locations": ["Bangor"], "credits": 20, "level": "Level 4", "language_code": "en", "language_name": "English", "semester": "", "semester_months": "", "type": "Compulsory", "language_choice": false}], "groups": [{"title": "ONC-1001 or ONS-1001 - Language Choice", "description": "", "progress": "Group", "rule_summary": "The student must take 20 credits from the modules.", "expanded_by_default": true, "modules": [{"title": "Environmental data and analysis", "module_title": "Environmental data and analysis", "short_title": "Environmental data & analysis", "module_code": "ONS-1001", "marketing_synopsis": "As the name implies, the Environmental Data and Analysis module is all about the collecting and analysing of data. It's effectively the first significant step we offer, on your journey to becoming a marine scientist. The very first lecture introduces the fundamental ideas of the scientific method - the creation and testing of ideas, or \"hypotheses\". It transpires that much of the natural sciences depends on finding out the likelihood of something being true, rather than proving ideas in an 'absolute' way. And quantifying that probability is where statistics comes in. So for much of the first semester, you'll be getting to learn not only about those statistical tests, but will also be picking-up the skills required to actually perform those analyses. You'll be exposed to both Excel, as an intial tool, but soon after, you'll get the chance to learn to use some more specialist statistical software (\"R\"). In the second semester, you apply what you've learnt in the context of a field-based mini-research project - that'll likely involve fieldwork, practical work, the data analysis, and finally, the reporting. All this really does set-you up well for the modules to-come. Assessment comprises two tests in the first semester - concerning statistical testing; and then the mini-project component is assessed in that report.", "delivery_locations": ["Bangor"], "credits": 20, "level": "Level 4", "language_code": "en", "language_name": "English", "semester": "", "semester_months": "", "type": "Compulsory", "language_choice": false}, {"title": "Environmental Data Analysis", "module_title": "Environmental Data Analysis", "short_title": "Dadansoddi Data Amgylcheddol", "module_code": "ONC-1001", "marketing_synopsis": "Gan feddwl eich bod yn fyfyrwyr o raddau wyddonol, mae'n gwneud synnwyr eich bod yn meddu a'r sgiliau priodol yn eitha fuan yn eich cwrs. Nod y modiwl yma yw i helpu i chi ddatblygu'r fath sgiliau.\n\nMae'n werth i chi ysytyried dilyn rhai o'ch modiwlau yn y Gymraeg, hyd yn oed os nad ydych wedi cael y cyfle yn y Chweched neu Coleg. Mae'n sicr yn gallu rhoi mantais o ran eich cyflogadwyaeth yn y dyfodol (ac mae'n hwyl bod mewn dosbarthiadau bach!)\n\nErbyn diwedd y modiwl, byddwch yn gallu darganfod ffynonellau awdurdodol o wybodaeth er mwyn cynnal gwaith ymchwil mewn modiwlau eraill. Yn nghanol y semester cyntaf, rydych yn cael ymarfer a datblygu eich sgiliau iaith efo sesiynnau arbennig gan Canolfan Bedwyr. Yna, ryda ni hefyd yn rhoi rhagymadrodd eitha trylwyr o ran ystadegaeth ac yn dangos i chi sut i ddefnyddio meddalwedd 'R' i rhoi'r theori i waith. Yn yr ail semester, mae cyfle i wneud gwaith ymarferol (yn y maes), gan ddefnyddio'r holl sgiliau a wybodaeth o'r semester cyntaf i ddadansoddi ac adrodd at eich canlyniadau.", "delivery_locations": ["Bangor"], "credits": 20, "level": "Level 4", "language_code": "cy", "language_name": "Welsh", "semester": "", "semester_months": "", "type": "Compulsory", "language_choice": false}]}, {"title": "OSC-1000 or OSX-1000 - Language Choice", "description": "", "progress": "Group", "rule_summary": "The student must take 20 credits from the modules.", "expanded_by_default": true, "modules": [{"title": "Science Skills Tutorial", "module_title": "Science Skills Tutorial", "short_title": "Science Skills Tutorial", "module_code": "OSX-1000", "marketing_synopsis": "This module is designed to allow you to get to know and work with your personal tutor, in a small group setting, during your first year. It introduces a range of skills required for a marine science degree and to encourage wider reading in marine science. It involves directed reading and practice in oral and written presentations. Regular tutorials (7 to 15 students per group) will be held throughout the year during which science literature skills, essay writing skills, oral presentation skills and abstracting information from the scientific literature will be discussed. The module will be assessed by a science writing test, and an oral presentation and written essay on a chosen science topic. The skills developed in this module are key for all other modules and for your future careers in marine science.", "delivery_locations": ["Bangor"], "credits": 20, "level": "Level 4", "language_code": "en", "language_name": "English", "semester": "", "semester_months": "", "type": "Compulsory", "language_choice": false}, {"title": "Science Skills Tutorial", "module_title": "Science Skills Tutorial", "short_title": "Tiwtorial Sgiliau Gwyddoniaeth", "module_code": "OSC-1000", "marketing_synopsis": "Mae\u2019r modiwl hwn wedi\u2019i gynllunio i\u2019ch galluogi i ddod i adnabod a gweithio gyda\u2019ch tiwtor personol, mewn gr\u0175p bach, yn ystod eich blwyddyn gyntaf . Mae'n cyflwyno ystod o sgiliau sydd eu hangen ar gyfer gradd mewn gwyddor morol ac i annog darllen ehangach mewn gwyddor forol. Mae'n cynnwys darllen dan gyfarwyddyd ac ymarfer mewn cyflwyniadau llafar ac ysgrifenedig. Cynhelir tiwtorialau rheolaidd (4-8 myfyriwr ym mhob gr\u0175p) trwy gydol y flwyddyn lle bydd sgiliau ysgrifennu traethodau, sgiliau cyflwyno llafar a thynnu gwybodaeth o lenyddiaeth wyddonol yn cael eu trafod. Asesir y modiwl trwy ddau aseiniad traethawd a dau gyflwyniad llafar. Mae'r sgiliau a ddatblygir yn y modiwl hwn yn allweddol ar gyfer pob modiwl arall ac ar gyfer eich gyrfaoedd yn y dyfodol mewn gwyddor morol.", "delivery_locations": ["Bangor"], "credits": 20, "level": "Level 4", "language_code": "cy", "language_name": "Welsh", "semester": "", "semester_months": "", "type": "Compulsory", "language_choice": false}]}]}, {"name": "Academic Year 2", "title": "Year 2", "title_short": "Yr 2", "description": "", "heading": "Academic Year 2027-28", "year": 2, "progress": "Stage", "rule_summary": "The student must take 120 credits from the modules.", "modules": [{"title": "Marine Physiology and Behaviour", "module_title": "Marine Physiology and Behaviour", "short_title": "Marine Physiology & Behaviour", "module_code": "OSX-2002", "marketing_synopsis": "This course will introduce you to the physiological and behavioural ecology of marine organisms to help you understand the abiotic challenges that they face (e.g, temperature, salinity, pressure and exposure to air on tidal cycles in the intertidal) and how they adapt to their ecological niches and interact with each other. You will learn about the physiology of marine algae and marine animals and how chemical and physical variables (such as temperature, salinity, light and pressure) affect physiology. You will learn about a range of behaviours that enable animals to adapt to their environment. The topics you will cover are animal communication, social interactions, predator-prey interactions, reproductive behaviour, feeding behaviour and migration. You will be assessed through two online multiple choice tests that cover the physiology (22.5%) and behaviour (22.5%) parts of the course plus an end of module exam (55%) where you will select two titles from a choice of six and write short essays that will critically review aspects of the physiology and behavioural ecology of marine organisms.", "delivery_locations": ["Bangor"], "credits": 20, "level": "Level 5", "language_code": "en", "language_name": "English", "semester": "", "semester_months": "", "type": "Compulsory", "language_choice": false}, {"title": "Marine Biology Practical 2", "module_title": "Marine Biology Practical 2", "short_title": "Marine Biology Practical II", "module_code": "OSX-2003", "marketing_synopsis": "In this module you will continue to develop skills in two key areas of Marine Biology: Field Science, and Laboratory Science. In addition, you will be introduced two additional components: Experimentation and Data Management. You will advance and hone your skills in methods regularly used by Marine Biologists including dissection, microscopy, species identification, data collection, and data analysis. \n\nYou will be 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. By the end of this module, you should have furthered several core-skills needed in your studies, and acquired transferable skills that can be applied across subject disciplines and beyond.\n\nInvestigative inquiry is an essential part of any scientific career. Therefore, during the module you will be assessed on your ability to collate and plot data, summarise findings, and interpret key results. In Semester 1, you will develop these skills by completing two short practical skills assessments, where you will produce two short reports. Emphasis will be placed on data presentation and analysis. In Semester 2, you will apply the knowledge and skills acquired in Semester 1 to two case studies. These case studies will be assessed via a Blackboard Ultra Test and a short scientific paper summarising research hypotheses, results, and the interpretation of key findings.", "delivery_locations": ["Bangor"], "credits": 20, "level": "Level 5", "language_code": "en", "language_name": "English", "semester": "", "semester_months": "", "type": "Compulsory", "language_choice": false}, {"title": "Ship-based Field Course", "module_title": "Ship-based Field Course", "short_title": "Ship-based field course", "module_code": "OSX-2007", "marketing_synopsis": "An important part of any ocean science training involves fieldwork, and in particular, the chance to go offshore. In this module, you will get the opportunity to conduct a series of practical exercises on the RV (Research Vessel) Prince Madog - the School's very own, purpose-built ship.\n\nYou will be exposed to a wide variety of activities e.g. plankton trawling, physical property measurement, sediment sampling and you'll use the data and material you collect in a series of laboratory sessions across the year. All this culminates in a report and short test on what you learnt.\n\nWe consider this an important part of our programmes and we know that employers are aware that SOS graduates will be strong in the practical aspects of ocean sciences. We hope you enjoy the module!", "delivery_locations": ["Bangor"], "credits": 20, "level": "Level 5", "language_code": "en", "language_name": "English", "semester": "", "semester_months": "", "type": "Compulsory", "language_choice": false}], "groups": [{"title": "OSC-2000 or OSX-2000 - Language Choice", "description": "", "progress": "Group", "rule_summary": "The student must take 20 credits from the modules.", "expanded_by_default": true, "modules": [{"title": "Communicating Science", "module_title": "Communicating Science", "short_title": "Communicating Science", "module_code": "OSX-2000", "marketing_synopsis": "This module starts by covering the history and evolution of science which introduces you to the higher elements of the scientific method that were established in ONS1001 in Year 1. The aim here is to help you develop independent research and critical thinking skills. \n\nIn the module, you will learn to assess the weight of evidence on a given topic in marine science in a step-by-step way. In the first instance, you consider evidence for life elsewhere in the Solar System, as presented in a science documentary. For the second exercise, you're to read published scientific research and to critique those findings. That ability, to critique, is considered a high-level skills - something that is an integral part of an undergraduate degree programme. Finally, you proceed to choose a specific topic on which you will carry out independent research - resulting in the presentation of your results and the preparation of a literature review and an oral presentation.\n\nIn these ways, you build on the skills you practiced in Year 1 (the Science Tutorial and the Environmental Data Analysis modules) and really focus on the critical analysis of the evidence, the quantification of evidence, the synthesising of information, and the communication of all that.", "delivery_locations": ["Bangor"], "credits": 20, "level": "Level 5", "language_code": "en", "language_name": "English", "semester": "", "semester_months": "", "type": "Compulsory", "language_choice": false}, {"title": "Communicating Science", "module_title": "Communicating Science", "short_title": "Cyfathrebu Gwyddoniaeth", "module_code": "OSC-2000", "marketing_synopsis": "Mae'r modiwl hwn yn dechrau drwy ymdrin \u00e2 hanes ac esblygiad gwyddoniaeth sy'n eich cyflwyno i elfennau uwch y dull gwyddonol a sefydlwyd yn ONC1001/ONS1001 ym Mlwyddyn 1. Y nod yma yw eich helpu i ddatblygu sgiliau ymchwil annibynnol a meddwl yn feirniadol.\n\nYn y modiwl, byddwch yn dysgu sut i asesu pwysau\u2019r dystiolaeth ar bwnc penodol mewn gwyddor forol, gyda\u2019r enghraifft gyntaf wrth ystyried tystiolaeth am fywyd mewn mannau eraill yng Nghysawd yr Haul. Yna byddwch yn symud ymlaen i ddewis pwnc penodol y byddwch yn gwneud ymchwil annibynnol arno gan arwain at gyflwyno eich canlyniadau a pharatoi adolygiad llenyddiaeth a chyflwyniad llafar.\n\nYn y ffyrdd hyn, rydych chi'n adeiladu ar y sgiliau y gwnaethoch chi eu hymarfer ym Mlwyddyn 1 (chwilio am wybodaeth) ac yn canolbwyntio'n wirioneddol ar ddadansoddiad beirniadol o'r dystiolaeth, meintioli tystiolaeth, cyfosod gwybodaeth, a chyfathrebu hynny i gyd.", "delivery_locations": ["Bangor"], "credits": 20, "level": "Level 5", "language_code": "cy", "language_name": "Welsh", "semester": "", "semester_months": "", "type": "Compulsory", "language_choice": false}]}, {"title": "Optional Modules", "description": "", "progress": "Group", "rule_summary": "The student must take 40 credits from the modules.", "expanded_by_default": true, "modules": [{"title": "Estuary and Shelf Sea Processes", "module_title": "Estuary and Shelf Sea Processes", "short_title": "Estuary & Shelf Sea Processes", "module_code": "OSX-2004", "marketing_synopsis": "David Attenborough has described the seasonal seas as some of the most productive on the planet. Yet these seas and the estuaries which feed them are under high levels of human pressure implying the need for predictive management tools in order that human activities do not compromise these systems. In this module you will learn about the key physical, chemical and biological processes operating in these important ecosystems, and how they are represented in computer models which can be used to simulate them as an aid to management. You will also learn how these systems have evolved over time and examine case studies of the impacts of human activities on these systems.", "delivery_locations": ["Bangor"], "credits": 20, "level": "Level 5", "language_code": "en", "language_name": "English", "semester": "", "semester_months": "", "type": "Optional", "language_choice": false}, {"title": "Tides, Waves, Marine Energy", "module_title": "Tides, Waves, Marine Energy", "short_title": "Tides, Waves and Marine Energy", "module_code": "OSX-2006", "marketing_synopsis": "The ocean environment is subject to many drivers including periodic forcing from tides and waves. Understanding what drives these ubiquitous phenomenon and how they affect currents within the marine environment provides essential background for any marine scientist. This module will explore the fundamental physics behind these phenomenon, how they may be identified from real ocean data that has a combination of signals present, and how both tides and waves might be exploited a sources of renewable energy. Along the way, students will gain numerical, analytical and programming skills, as they develop intuition about physical oceanography.", "delivery_locations": ["Bangor"], "credits": 20, "level": "Level 5", "language_code": "en", "language_name": "English", "semester": "", "semester_months": "", "type": "Optional", "language_choice": false}, {"title": "Ice and Oceans", "module_title": "Ice and Oceans", "short_title": "Ice and Oceans", "module_code": "OSX-2011", "marketing_synopsis": "This module is about ice. We will deal with what different types of ice there are, why it is relevant in system Earth, and what we can learn from it. The module has a series of lectures, and one day in the field. During the field day we will observe evidence of glaciation in Snowdonia, and use this for hypothesis testing. Ice is one of the big players in the climate system, and after this module you will appreciate more how big its influence is, and why. And you will know what to look out for. The first assessment is an evaluation of data provided about the Atlantification of the Arctic Ocean; the second is a report about the fieldtrip, and it is all rounded off with the exam at the end of term.", "delivery_locations": ["Bangor"], "credits": 20, "level": "Level 5", "language_code": "en", "language_name": "English", "semester": "", "semester_months": "", "type": "Optional", "language_choice": false}]}]}, {"name": "Academic Year 3", "title": "Year 3", "title_short": "Yr 3", "description": "", "heading": "Academic Year 2028-29", "year": 3, "progress": "Stage", "rule_summary": "The student must take 120 credits from the modules.", "groups": [{"title": "OSC-3000 or OSX-3000 - Language Choice", "description": "", "progress": "Group", "rule_summary": "The student must take 20 credits from the modules.", "expanded_by_default": true, "modules": [{"title": "Dissertation", "module_title": "Dissertation", "short_title": "Dissertation", "module_code": "OSX-3000", "marketing_synopsis": "This is a module in which you can use a lot of what you have learned in the first 2 \u00bd years of your degree. You will do one big self-directed project, either assigned to you after you submitted several choices from a list, or designed by you, and write a dissertation about it. You will also present the results to your supervisor and your peers in an oral presentation. You will be using data already available. We facilitate your project through one-to-one tutorials, two practicals, several lectures, and a lot of recorded material available online. You will have to do a lot of independent work, but you can make the project very much your own. This is an opportunity to use all your skills in a field you are interested in, and in the end hold a rounded-off document in your hands, that you could show potential employers. Assessment is in the form of the dissertation and the associated presentation.", "delivery_locations": ["Bangor"], "credits": 20, "level": "Level 6", "language_code": "en", "language_name": "English", "semester": "", "semester_months": "", "type": "Compulsory", "language_choice": false}, {"title": "Dissertation", "module_title": "Dissertation", "short_title": "Traethawd Hir", "module_code": "OSC-3000", "marketing_synopsis": "Mae hwn yn fodiwl lle gallwch chi ddefnyddio llawer o'r hyn rydych chi wedi'i ddysgu yn ystod 2 \u00bd flynedd gyntaf eich gradd. Byddwch yn gwneud un prosiect mawr hunan-gyfeiriedig, naill ai wedi'i neilltuo i chi ar \u00f4l i chi gyflwyno sawl dewis o restr, neu wedi'i ddylunio gennych chi - ac yn ysgrifennu traethawd hir amdano. Byddwch hefyd yn cyflwyno'r canlyniadau i'ch goruchwyliwr a'ch cyfoedion mewn cyflwyniad llafar. Byddwch yn defnyddio data sydd eisoes ar gael. Rydym yn cynorthwyo yn y dasg gan ddefnyddio tiwtorialau un-i-un, dwy sesiwn ymarferol, a sawl darlith. Bydd yn rhaid i chi wneud llawer o waith annibynnol, ond gallwch chi wneud y prosiect yn un eich un chi. Mae hwn yn gyfle i ddefnyddio\u2019ch holl sgiliau mewn maes y mae gennych ddiddordeb ynddo, ac yn y diwedd bydd gennych ddogfen gyflawn yn eich dwylo, y gallech ei dangos i ddarpar gyflogwyr. Asesir ar sail y traethawd hir a'r cyflwyniad cysylltiedig.", "delivery_locations": ["Bangor"], "credits": 20, "level": "Level 6", "language_code": "cy", "language_name": "Welsh", "semester": "", "semester_months": "", "type": "Compulsory", "language_choice": false}]}, {"title": "Marine Biology Optional Modules", "description": "Two rules:\r\n1. Choose between 1 and 4 modules from this block\r\n2. Ensure that, between the Marine Biology and the Oceanography block of modules, you register for no more than 3 modules in any Semester - that you keep a 60/60 balance of credits between S1 and S2.", "progress": "Group", "rule_summary": "The student must take a maximum of 80 credits from the modules.", "expanded_by_default": true, "modules": [{"title": "Marine Conservation and Exploitation", "module_title": "Marine Conservation and Exploitation", "short_title": "Marine Conservation & Exploit.", "module_code": "OSX-3001", "marketing_synopsis": "It could be said that marine conservation integrated with managed exploitation are among the most important subject areas in marine science. This module brings science to bear on these two global challenges.\n\nIn this comprehensive module, you'll be introduced to issues relating to marine biodiversity, critical habitats and environmental threats, fisheries exploitation and its effects on target species and ecosystems, coastal zone management and marine protected areas, as well as aquaculture and stock enhancement.\n\nBy the end of the module, you'll have a good understanding of the need for marine conservation and sustainable development; you'll be able to evaluate threats to species, habitats and ecosystem processes; and you'll be able to critically evaluate the effectiveness of techniques and tools of protection. Regarding exploitation, you'll get to know about fishing and current trends in fisheries globally; you'll evaluate the effects of fishing on target species and at the ecosystem level; and you will get to know about the different approaches to fish stock management and conflicts between exploitation and conservation. Finally, aquaculture as an approach to marine food production is discussed, covering general principles, farming of major species groups, as well as consiering environmental and sustainability issues.\n\nThe assessment involves two case study style reports covering the topics of conservation and exploitation (50% of credits for each).", "delivery_locations": ["Bangor"], "credits": 20, "level": "Level 6", "language_code": "en", "language_name": "English", "semester": "", "semester_months": "", "type": "Optional", "language_choice": false}, {"title": "Marine Ecosystems and Processes", "module_title": "Marine Ecosystems and Processes", "short_title": "Marine Ecosystems & Processes", "module_code": "OSX-3002", "marketing_synopsis": "This module gives you exciting and novel insights into the importance of coastal and open-water systems to our planet. Our focus here is on what makes ecosystems tick and what makes them fail. You learn how crucial biodiversity is to the operations and resilience of natural ecosystems and to the benefits we get from the sea, such as natural climate regulation and food. You have opportunity to consider how animals and plants modify or interact with their local environment. For instance, we examine how sea bird foraging is governed by seabed landscapes and currents and we discover how plankton in the southern ocean are linked to global climate and the carbon cycle. In a four-part practical series, you use a large dataset to explore whether coral reef bleaching moderates fish populations. You produce graphical and analytical outputs from this work to create your own scientific poster, which you eventually present in a \u2018mini poster conference\u2019. That poster presentation and the quality of the poster itself together represent half of your module marks. The rest of the marks you get from the end of module exam.", "delivery_locations": ["Bangor"], "credits": 20, "level": "Level 6", "language_code": "en", "language_name": "English", "semester": "", "semester_months": "", "type": "Optional", "language_choice": false}, {"title": "Fish Biology and Ecology", "module_title": "Fish Biology and Ecology", "short_title": "Fish Biology and Ecology", "module_code": "OSX-3019", "marketing_synopsis": "Teleost fishes are the most numerous vertebrate taxa on Earth and show an amazing diversity in body form, ecology, behaviour and the habitats in which they are found. In this module you will learn about this amazing diversity. You will learn about their evolutionary history, some of the more extreme environments in which they are found (including those that dry up!), their feeding ecology and their population biology. Man's impacts on teleost fishes through habitat destruction, climate change, fisheries-induced evolution, ecosystem shifts, pollutants and invasive fish species will also be reviewed. You will have a laboratory practical where you will dissect a range of fish species to measure mouth size and gut length. You will use the class collects, together with additional archived data, to write a lab report (40% of module mark) that examines the relationship between mouth size and gut length and what the fish feeds on and its trophic level. In addition, there will be an end of module exam (60% of mark) where you will choose two essay titles from a choice of four.", "delivery_locations": ["Bangor"], "credits": 20, "level": "Level 6", "language_code": "en", "language_name": "English", "semester": "", "semester_months": "", "type": "Optional", "language_choice": false}, {"title": "Sharks and their Relatives", "module_title": "Sharks and their Relatives", "short_title": "Sharks and their Relatives", "module_code": "OSX-3020", "marketing_synopsis": "In this module, you will get to know more about sharks \u2013 starting with investigating their evolutionary history. You will learn about the differences between these apex predators and their relatives such as rays. Having learnt about their sophisticated sensory abilities, you will go on to find out how we use modern technology to tag and track them. Via practical sessions, you will learn about their physiology and in lectures, you will learn about population ecology.\n\nSharks are subject to much environmental pressure, most of it human-related. So we also cover issues surrounding these anthropogenic impacts such as by-catch, shark finding, pollution, and habitat destruction.\n\nThe module comprises lectures, laboratory practicals and computer data analysis workshops and assessed via a range of question formats using Blackboard VLE.", "delivery_locations": ["Bangor"], "credits": 20, "level": "Level 6", "language_code": "en", "language_name": "English", "semester": "", "semester_months": "", "type": "Optional", "language_choice": false}, {"title": "Marine Mammal Science", "module_title": "Marine Mammal Science", "short_title": "Marine Mammal Science", "module_code": "OSX-3023", "marketing_synopsis": "You will develop an appreciation for marine mammals and the management and conservation challenges these animals have faced. This will be achieved by teaching you about their evolution and adaptations to the marine environment, the important ecological roles that they fill as well as the significant challenges we face in studying these animals. You will learn about how their life history characteristics result in slow population growth rates and in some cases extinction, as well as topical subjects through technological advancements helping us to learn more about their ecology including tracking studies and bioacoustics. One of the key goals of the module is to develop students quantitative skills as these are important for careers in this field. This will be achieved through two quantitative assessments involving matrix population modelling and analysing and mapping tracking data.", "delivery_locations": ["Bangor"], "credits": 20, "level": "Level 6", "language_code": "en", "language_name": "English", "semester": "", "semester_months": "", "type": "Optional", "language_choice": false}]}, {"title": "Oceanography Optional Modules", "description": "Two rules:\r\n1. Choose between 1 and 4 modules from this block\r\n2. Ensure that, between the Marine Biology and the Oceanography block of modules, you register for no more than 3 modules in any Semester - that you keep a 60/60 balance of credits between S1 and S2.", "progress": "Group", "rule_summary": "The student must take a maximum of 80 credits from the modules.", "expanded_by_default": true, "modules": [{"title": "Rivers, Coasts and Oceans", "module_title": "Rivers, Coasts and Oceans", "short_title": "Rivers, Coast and Oceans", "module_code": "ENS-3102", "marketing_synopsis": "This module deals with the cascade from source to sink, divided up in to three segments: catchment-fluvial, coastal (continental shelf), and deep marine. Each segment is a morphodynamic zone, but these zones are also genetically related and dynamically connected. Geomorphology, sedimentology, and stratigraphy are core to understanding the flow of sediments within and through these segments. Sediments from single or multiple sources are routed through the source to sink cascade, with each morphodynamical zone connecting regions of erosion, sediment transfer, temporary storage, and long-term deposition. Through fieldwork, lectures and practical classes this module will explore the inter-connected segments of the cascade. Assessments include an online test, a written literature comprehension exercise, a real-world problem-solving exercise and a written course work of course work completing a graduate task to improve employability skills.", "delivery_locations": ["Bangor"], "credits": 20, "level": "Level 6", "language_code": "en", "language_name": "English", "semester": "", "semester_months": "", "type": "Optional", "language_choice": false}, {"title": "Marine Pollution", "module_title": "Marine Pollution", "short_title": "Marine Pollution", "module_code": "OSX-3005", "marketing_synopsis": "This module will introduce you to the key features and problems of marine pollution around the world. It examines in detail the nature of pollution and how pollution damage is assessed by considering the main types of contaminants/pollutants, their sources, environmental behaviour and possible effects. e.g. nutrients, metals, oil, POPs, radioactivity. A detailed 'Catchment to Coast\u2019 case study using the Conwy Estuary highlights the problems caused by nutrients, bacteria, viruses and toxins and considers the implications for management of water quality. A laboratory practical allows you to undertake some 'environmental forensics' to trace a pollutant source. The physical processes which aid in dispersion of waste are considered with the use of models for practical application. All these aspects will enhance your employability in this important area for the future.", "delivery_locations": ["Bangor"], "credits": 20, "level": "Level 6", "language_code": "en", "language_name": "English", "semester": "", "semester_months": "", "type": "Optional", "language_choice": false}, {"title": "Sediment Dynamics", "module_title": "Sediment Dynamics", "short_title": "Sediment Dynamics", "module_code": "OSX-3006", "marketing_synopsis": "This module provides students with an integrated understanding of how sediments are transported in the marine environment and develops practical and computer-based skills that will be invaluable in the graduate workplace.\n\nThe module is primarily delivered through extended weekly workshop sessions that integrate practical, data analysis and theoretical aspects in a collective working environment. This provides students with the opportunity to immediately put theory into practise, for example investigating the impact of small changes in tidal velocity on the transport of sand, how adding a small fraction of cohesive clay to a sandy seabed can dramatically alter the potential for seabed mobility, or how waves can drive the alongshore transport of sand along coasts.\n\nThe module is assessed through a combination of formative and summative assessments. A formative assessment early in the semester will develop, via individual feedback, a fundamental technique and skill that will be required for the final end-of-semester real-world consultancy report assessment. Two further mid-semester assessments will be based on practical exercises.", "delivery_locations": ["Bangor"], "credits": 20, "level": "Level 6", "language_code": "en", "language_name": "English", "semester": "", "semester_months": "", "type": "Optional", "language_choice": false}, {"title": "Coastal Processes Field Study", "module_title": "Coastal Processes Field Study", "short_title": "Coastal Processes Field Study", "module_code": "OSX-3007", "marketing_synopsis": "This is a fieldwork module where students spend an intensive week investigating the physical processes that combine over timescales of seconds to 1000's of years to force the development of the coastal environment. These processes include the sea-level, tides, waves and wind that cause and facilitate the transport of sediments and result in the formation of coastal landforms such as barriers, estuaries, sandbanks and sand dunes, and their evolution as different processes dominate as time and space change.\r\n\r\nIn the field you will work in small groups directly with the academic staff to collect data that will allow you to quantify the processes and synthesise their effects. You will use cutting-edge electronic instruments such as acoustic current meters to measure waves and tides, aerial drones to map beaches and sand dunes, and ground penetrating radar to identify sub-surface sedimentary deposits.\r\n\r\nYou will be working in the beautiful natural field environment of North Wales, in the Newborough-Cenfi estuary-barrier complex which includes environmental facies including estuaries, beaches, sand dune fields and salt marshes, alongside experts in these fields of research. You'll learn hands-on techniques of data collection, environmental interpretation and analysis that are the core skills required for graduate employment.\r\n\r\nThe module will also include multiple practical sessions in the semester following the fieldwork and will be assessed via a detailed field notebook, a short coursework where you will produce and interpret a scientific figure, and a data analysis report that synthesises all aspects of the work.", "delivery_locations": ["Bangor"], "credits": 20, "level": "Level 6", "language_code": "en", "language_name": "English", "semester": "", "semester_months": "", "type": "Optional", "language_choice": false}, {"title": "Marine Geology and Applications", "module_title": "Marine Geology and Applications", "short_title": "Marine Geology & Applications", "module_code": "OSX-3025", "marketing_synopsis": "This module is intended to give you a view on applied marine geoscience from various perspectives. We will first deliver some lectures about some important aspects of climate reconstruction, which you will then put into practice. Then we will deliver a series of guest lectures by external people working in all sorts of configurations; the industry, civil service, and other universities. They have a wealth of experience in their respective fields, and they will allow you to get an insight in what you can do with geoscience and where you can end up. You can then pick one of the topics covered and run with it; you get to write a Conversation-style article about it, and present your results to your peers. The article, presentation and climate reconstruction exercise are the assessments associated with this module.", "delivery_locations": ["Bangor"], "credits": 20, "level": "Level 6", "language_code": "en", "language_name": "English", "semester": "", "semester_months": "", "type": "Optional", "language_choice": false}]}]}, {"name": "Academic Year 4", "title": "Year 4", "title_short": "Yr 4", "description": "", "heading": "Academic Year 2029-30", "year": 4, "progress": "Stage", "rule_summary": "The student must take 120 credits from the modules.", "modules": [{"title": "Research Project Investigation", "module_title": "Research Project Investigation", "short_title": "Research Project Investigation", "module_code": "OSX-4405", "marketing_synopsis": "This module is essentially the pinnacle of your MSci programme. It is the one where you conduct and communicate your independent individual research project.\n\nThe module will provide you with training and practise in the acquisition of information and data from experimental, observational and computational research, and the effective communication of your results in oral and poster presentations. \n\nTypically, you will be embedded in research teams and will benefit from contact with graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, while under the overall supervision of a staff member. \n\nJust like research students, you will take part in mini research conferences part-way through second semester where you will produce a presentation of your interim results via a poster, before going on to create a final presentation of your research. \n\nSubmission of the final project work at the end of the year will be via a scientific journal paper format. That way, you not only show your ability to communicate research findings in a concise and clear way; but if the opportunity arises, your work will be ready should you and your supervisor decide to submit it to an academic journal!", "delivery_locations": ["Bangor"], "credits": 60, "level": "Level 7", "language_code": "en", "language_name": "English", "semester": "", "semester_months": "", "type": "Compulsory", "language_choice": false}, {"title": "Advanced Research Skills", "module_title": "Advanced Research Skills", "short_title": "Advanced Research Skills", "module_code": "ONS-4004", "marketing_synopsis": "This module is an integral part of your final, fourth year. You will follow a core program of lectures that will provide training in techniques of experimental design and analysis that will develop your research expertise. In addition, you will have the option to consider specialised techniques of data analysis relevant to your chosen field of study; for example the use of R for graphing and statistical analysis.\n\nYou will undertake an online test to demonstrate your skills, analyse an advanced data set, and report on the contents of a scientific paper to the review development of hypotheses, experimental design, analysis of results, and conclusions drawn.\n\nAs a second strand, you will be trained in methods in relation to Health and Safety in research. This is a vital part of any research project and you will need to learn about these aspects in order to assess your own research project. This is most definitely knowledge that future employers would be looking for. \n\nAll this should put you in a very good position to succeed in your personal research project.", "delivery_locations": ["Bangor"], "credits": 20, "level": "Level 7", "language_code": "en", "language_name": "English", "semester": "", "semester_months": "", "type": "Compulsory", "language_choice": false}, {"title": "Research Preparation", "module_title": "Research Preparation", "short_title": "Research Preparation", "module_code": "OSX-4401", "marketing_synopsis": "Of course, the main focus of the final year of the MSci programme is your extensive individual research project. This module trains you to systematically review and critically appraise the literature relevant to their own project. You will then use the review to formulate specific research questions, develop hypotheses and propose an experimental design and methods. Whilst these seem 'academic' skills, they are essential components of many professional commercial projects.\n\nYou will produce a literature review and a project plan for your research project topic. \n\nFollowing an introductory lecture and two project proposal workshops you will spend time in self-study including literature searching. In addition, you will have to thoroughly assess the risks, ethics and legislation in relation to your proposed work through the production of a risk assessment that will have to be approved before any work can commence. \n\nProject supervisors will meet on a formal basis weekly throughout the semester and provide guidance and feedback about progress in the completion of the literature review and project plan.", "delivery_locations": ["Bangor"], "credits": 20, "level": "Level 7", "language_code": "en", "language_name": "English", "semester": "", "semester_months": "", "type": "Compulsory", "language_choice": false}, {"title": "Perspectives in Marine Science", "module_title": "Perspectives in Marine Science", "short_title": "Perspectives in Marine Science", "module_code": "OSX-4404", "marketing_synopsis": "This module will broaden your knowledge base as an MSci student, since you would otherwise be focussed entirely towards your own individual research project. Attendance at research seminars, viewing of TED talks, and the reading of Conversation articles will bring you into contact with new areas of marine science and the methods, techniques and statistical problems associated with them. Synthesising and effectively communicating this research to different audiences will develop your communication skills, and undertaking peer-review on all of the assessments will encourage self-reflection and collaborative techniques.", "delivery_locations": ["Bangor"], "credits": 20, "level": "Level 7", "language_code": "en", "language_name": "English", "semester": "", "semester_months": "", "type": "Compulsory", "language_choice": false}]}]}