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 ECOLOGY FIELD STUDIES
Code ENVS278
Coordinator Dr JS Thomson
Earth, Ocean and Ecological Sciences
Jack.Thomson@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2021-22 Level 5 FHEQ Second Semester 15

Aims

This module aims to increase students' knowledge of how to study a broad range of coastal habitats and species. It will build knowledge and confidence in the ability to go on and undertake both field-based and laboratory based marine ecological research in their careers going forward. This module relies heavily on active learning, with students completing their own data collection and working together, with guidance from academics, on how to generate useful outcomes. It will build on core skills developed earlier in tutorial modules - communication, research skills etc, as well as application of subjects previously explored only through lecture-based theory modules. Field and laboratory-based studies allow students to develop and enhance many generic skills, for example, team working, problem solving, and interpersonal relationships, which are of value to the world of work and active citizenship. This module will therefore widen access to a range of professions that require the se core skills, increasing the overall employability of our students.


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Gain further knowledge of higher level taxonomy and biodiversity of key groups of European marine species

(LO2) Understand further the physical factors that drive the distributions of species within an estuarine environment and the behavioral and eco-physiological adaptations of animals to this.

(LO3) Learn how to collect data from a range of different habitats and also develop skills to complete relevant field and/or laboratory experiments

(LO4) Experience preparation and analysis of different types of quantitative data from different sampling regimes.

(LO5) Further develop important research skills including communication of results in different media.

(S1) Adaptability

(S2) Numeracy

(S3) Teamwork

(S4) Organisational skills

(S5) Communication skills

(S6) IT skills

(S7) Lifelong learning skills


Syllabus

 

Students will complete three or four exercises from a list similar to the following :

1. Subtidal dock wall communities:
- Dock wall video surveying with remote-operated vehicle [field];
- Video image analysis to identify cover of different major groups [computer prac]

2. Intertidal soft sediment shore communities
- Benthic samples taken at two contrasting shores (mud and sand) [field]
- Samples processed and all animals identified and counted [lab prac]

3. Animal behaviour experiment
- Behavioural experiment with either seabirds or rocky-shore animals [field]
- Data collated and analysed [computer prac]

4. Intertidal biogenic reef sampling
- Sabellaria alveolata reef surveying [field]
- Analysis of spatial pattern and/or status assessment [computer prac]

5. Ecophysiology study of intertidal species (hard substrate species)
- Set-up experiment to track response of individuals to different e nvironmental conditions [lab]
- Retrieve results and undertake initial analysis [lab and/or computer prac]

6. Seabird dsitributions
- Field surveying in groups for bird counts around the Mersey estuary [field]
- Analysis of spatial distributions of individual species and community [computer prac]

The module will run for the full 12 weeks of the semester with full or half days used in 8 of these weeks, and the four remaining days being used to complete or take part in assessments.


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1 - Field Work
Description: 4 * Field data collection days (8 hours) for a range of exercises
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Teaching Method 2 - Laboratory Work
Description: 3 * Laboratory practical days for a range of exercises
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Teaching Method 3 - Demonstration
Description:5 * half day computer- based practical sessions
Attendance Recorded: Yes

For students unable to attend on campus, online participation / alternative equivalent activities will be available


Teaching Schedule

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

32

40

96
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 46
TOTAL HOURS 142

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
             
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Assessment 2 Poster on one of the exercises There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :Week  One PowerPoint slide    33       
Assessment 1 Rapid biodiversity assessment exercise Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :Week 4  Comleted in a 1.5 h    33       
Assessment 3 Students submit a partial scientific report focusing on some key elements; the report will be based on one of the 3 exercises studied during the module. There is a resit opportunity. S  1500-1800 words    34       

Recommended Texts

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