To promote awareness, understanding and discussions about contemporary issues in Ocean and Climate Sciences.

(LO1) Gain a broad and detailed knowledge of some of the main contemporary research topics in marine and climate sciences.

(LO2) Improve critical reading of scientific literature.

(LO3) Gain/Practice Transferable Communication Skills: Communicating research topics and/or specific research papers (through oral presentations and essay) to students and/or academic staff.

(S1) research skills

(S2) communication skills

This module is designed to introduce students to areas of research within the marine and climate remit that are of contemporary issues. As such the syllabus will be evolving, along on-going research interests. For instance, currently, these areas include:
- Impact of climate change on the Arctic Ocean; one of the only four funded projects is currently led by researchers at the University. http://www.nerc.ac.uk/press/releases/2017/04-climate/
- International GEOTRACES program that provides an international platform for the study of marine biogeochemical cycle of trace elements. Liverpool researchers are strongly involved in this international effort. http://www.geotraces.org/
- Nutrient and Carbon Pump over Mid-Ocean Ridges. This project looks at the influence of ridges found at several thousand meters depth in promoting the transport of nutrient rich deeper waters to the surface. This work is also led by Liverpool https://twitter.com/ridgemix_2016
- Is the rate of sea-level rise accelerating? Liverpool is a world-leading place for research on sea-level.
- A lack of Fe is limiting primary productivity in 40% of the ocean while high levels of some metals (e.g. copper, lead) strongly affect plankton communities and the all food chain. How is this bioavailability likely to impact limitation and/or toxicity within a climate change context?
- Mercury levels in the marine system are constantly increasing due to anthropogenic input; what are the drivers that affect the bioavailability and potential toxicity of this carcinogenic element? This is a worldwide issue that is affecting top predators and ultimately humans and is an example of the impact of anthropogenic activities in polluting and affecting marine ecosystems.

These sessions will be followed by a group task where group of 3-4 students will be asked to write a research proposal that, if accepted by the funding body, could have led to the publicat ion of a recent research paper(s) of their choice. Clear guidelines and advice will be provided to students to write this research proposal which is a good exercise for developing writing skills. This written proposal will be presented (and defended) along the paper of interest during an oral presentation to fellow students and staff. The final written exam consists of discussing a recent research paper through a set of given questions.

Hybrid delivery, with social distancing on campus. All materials will be available on-line.
Various teaching methods will be used:

- e-Lecture: 6 unscheduled e-lectures on current topical research programs/areas delivered by academic staff.

- Tutorials: 6h in-person tutorials will be given to discuss how to write a research abstract, and present procedure and advice on how to best write a research proposal. Materials will also be available on-line.

- Seminar: seminars are regularly given (weekly or every two weeks) as part of the Ocean Sciences group and within the National Oceanographic Centre. These on-line seminars are given by external speakers as well from academic and research staff from Liverpool. These seminars run all year long and students are encouraged to attend them on-line at the scheduled time.

- Group work: In group of 3-4 students, students are asked to write a research proposal that could have been written to lead to the publication of a recent research papers of their choice. Significant background reading of the chosen research area is required. Weekly drop-in on-line sessions will be running to provide guidance for the writing, structure and discussion of ideas.

- Peer learning: group presentations delivered by students on a research area or recent research paper(s) of their interest. These scheduled presentations can take place either in-persons or on-line.

- Self-directed learning: Reading of research papers recently published in international, peer-reviewed, high impact journal.