Module Details
The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title MARINE POLLUTION
Code ENVS232
Coordinator Dr P Salaun
Earth, Ocean and Ecological Sciences
Pascal.Salaun@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2020-21 Level 5 FHEQ First Semester 15

Aims

To introduce students to the main anthropogenic stressors, their effects and importance on the marine system

To train students in literature search and reading of scientific papers

To enhance writing and communication skills

Learning Outcomes

(LO1) An understanding of the main anthropogenic stressors of the marine system, their causes, functioning, effects and their remediation/regulation;

(LO2) An awareness of current problems (news + scientific papers)

(LO3) To enhance communication skills

(LO4) To learn how to use Web of Science

(S1) Communication skills

(S2) International awareness

Syllabus
 

Please note that this syllabus may slightly change.

Introduction to Marine Pollution and Challenges in a changing world

Eutrophication of coastal waters

a. Causes, mechanisms and occurrence;
b. Case studies: Gulf of Mexico and Baltic sea;
c. Oxygen Minimum Zones
d. Effects on ecosystems.
e. Pollution in the Mersey: the story of a recovery
f: Waste water treatment plant: how does it work?

Ocean acidification

a. Causes and chemical changes of seawater;
b. Past conditions of pH and future scenarios;
c. Potential effects: learning from recent studies.

Marine Debris and Plastic pollution

Harmful Algal Blooms

Persistent Organic Pollutants (pesticides)

Trace metals

Oil Pollution

Marine Heatwaves

Deoxygenation of the Marine Systems

Ecotoxicology

Noise Pollution

Emerging threats (e.g. nanomaterials, personal care products)

Marine Legislation

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Hybrid delivery with social distancing on-campus

Students will have access to 24 e-Lectures (unscheduled) that they can watch at their own time. Each lecture will have a set of recommended research papers to read as well as possibly a set of questions/tasks to carry out to complement the lectures.

Peer learning:
- Group presentations: in group of 3 to 4 students, each group will present a marine issue problems inspired by recent news headlines. These presentations and questions will be made either in persons and/or on-line (estimated time: 6h)
- Posters: Each student will present his/her poster to peer students and possibly other academics. This will possibly be done in-person to promote discussions between students; in any case, the poster will be available on-line for everyone to see. Each poster has to be based on a recent research paper related to a marine pollution issue. Estimated time: 4h

Self-directed learning: A significant amount of reading th rough research papers, books and newpapers is strongly advised. Some research papers will be suggested as part of each lectures but additional reading is strongly recommended. Estimated time: 116h

Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours           24

10

 34
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 116
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Final exam There is a resit opportunity. This is an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :January exam period  120 minutes.    45       
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Group presentation In a group of 3-4 students, the task is to design a presentation around a marine problem that has been recently highlighted in the news. There is a resit opportunity  15 minutes    25       
Poster assessment There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When): Submission in Week 9.  Students have severa    30       

Recommended Texts
Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.