This module aims to foster a broad understanding of contemporary theory in behavioural ecology, evolutionary biology and ecophysiology, with special reference to the marine environment. We will consider processes that operate at scales from individuals to populations and consider implications of these processes for the conservation of marine species and ecosystems.

(LO1) Appreciate the diversity of behavioural, life-history, genetic and phenotypic adaptations that are adopted by a variety of marine organisms.

(LO2) Understand the costs and benefits of these behavioural and life-history strategies of different marine species.

(LO3) Understand the various processes that drive evolution in the marine environment.

(LO4) Have experience of the relevance of evolutionary processes to contemporary marine science and biological conservation.

Each week will address a single topic under the theme of 'surviving the marine environment', using current examples from different marine organisms and systems, often focusing on emerging, controversial or unresolved questions. We will address ten topics, driven by the current research interests and expertise of module staff. Example topics and questions might include:

What are the costs of dating? Competition and conflict in marine species
Can you smell fish? Communication in the marine environment
Are marine animals pushing the limits? Ecological energetics as a tool to link behaviour, environment and physiology
Do anemones have personality? Individual differences in behaviour in marine ecosystems
Do fish feel pain? And what does this mean for how we assess welfare standards for fish?
Are seabird’s indicators of marine resources? The use of behaviour to understand ecosystem processes
How do diving animals do it? Understanding the links between behaviour and physiology
Why are individuals different? Specialisation and plasticity in marine organisms
Should I stay or should I go? Dispersal, migration and at-sea foraging movements from larvae to albatrosses
What is the future for our marine species? Plasticity, speciation and conservation

This module is delivered via blended learning principles. At the start of the week, a combination of pre-recorded video lectures, directed reading, optional reading and other participatory activities will introduce the topic from first principles to current understanding, building on concepts and material covered in earlier years.

Students will then be directed towards enquiry-based research activities on the topic in preparation for an interactive workshop session towards the end of the week . Example activities might include reading specific papers, finding their own papers, short presentations, group discussions etc. Understanding of the details of the topics in relation to the learning outcomes will be assessed via the Online Test.

Students will undertake enquiry-based research for an 11th topic, following the themes of the module and the approach developed in the topic weeks. This will be assessed via the Minor Coursework task.

Students will be encouraged to develop their own opinions on the overarching themes of the module, based on the evidence from their own research and developed throughout the module in all other activities. This will be assessed via the Major Coursework task.