This module will introduce students to the main groups of organisms found in the marine environment. Students will develop knowledge of the taxonomic diversity of marine life, and from lectures, workshops and practicals will develop the skills to be able to recognise the major groups from their key identifying features. Students will develop knowledge of the function and form of marine organisms and the adaptational solutions organisms adopt to become successful in the marine environment.

Students will encounter a variety of marine organisms in subsequent modules and field studies and gaining a familiarity with them in this module will enable them to recognise them and understand their role in marine ecosystems.

(LO1) Acquire knowledge and understanding on the taxonomic and functional diversity of marine life.

(LO2) Develop the ability to recognise the major groups of marine organisms using their key features

(LO3) Experience how to examine marine organisms and understand their functional biology using different kinds of specimens and approaches.

(LO4) Recognise the adaptational solutions to functional problems adopted by marine organisms

(S1) Teamwork

(S2) Information literacy online, finding, interpreting, evaluating, managing and sharing information

(S3) Problem solving skills

Students will be introduced to the major groups of marine organisms including: bacteria, viruses, marine primary producers (seaweeds and phytoplankton), marine invertebrates (e.g. sponges, cnidaria, crustacea, molluscs, echinoderms and sea squirts), and marine vertebrates (fishes, reptiles, mammals and birds) through a series of E-Lectures. These lectures are not time-tabled and must be watched in the student's own time as part of their self-directed learning.

Key learning resources including recommended reading available electronically and via the library will be available on the VLE (virtual learning environment) under reading lists. A blended learning approach will be used to direct students to essential resources through the VLE, E-lectures, workshops and practicals.

Students are expected to have watched the E-lectures related to the workshops and practical activity. There will be some preparation required for activities in each workshop, which students will be advised of in advance through the VLE. Students are encouraged to ask any questions that they have related to the content delivered through online lectures in the workshops and practicals, and are also encouraged to use discussion boards in the VLE for this purpose.

Students are encouraged where they can to complete the practical activities, which will take place on campus in the central teaching laboratories, and at the Liverpool World Museum. Practical activities will give students experience in working with and observing real organisms and specimens and use of microscopes. Practical activities will include: identification, dissection, anatomical drawings and exploration of form and function.

This module uses a blended approach towards teaching and learning, split between directed online learning and in person workshops and practicals to consolidate knowledge and ensure that students will meet the intended learning outcomes and develop their skill set.

At the beginning of the semester, students will be welcomed to the module and receive all necessary practical information about the module and how the module will run via an introductory lecture on campus. Each week has a focus on a particular group (phyla) or groups of organisms, students should watch the online lectures available through the VLE in chronological order, academics will guide students to this material. Any questions can be asked using the online discussion boards or in the on campus workshops and practical sessions. There will be approximately 3 lectures worth of material to watch each week.

Workshops are delivered periodically on campus. These workshops will focus on the lecture material from t he VLE, and will include some interactive activities e.g. quizzes, small group work.

Practical work forms an important part of this module, enabling students to examine and become familiar with marine organisms. Students will learn to identify and examine the morphological and anatomical features of marine organisms through practical sessions in the central teaching laboratories and also through local field trips. In addition to lab practicals students will also participate in on campus computer practicals. Under the guidance of academics, students will be able to work collaboratively on their group project assessment and develop their team work and digital fluency skills.

Students will be introduced to peer review guided by academics as part of their learning and this will also form part of the formative feedback offered in this module.

Students will employ a variety of learning strategies through this module. Individual self-directed learning will be employed to sy nthesise and consolidate learning of the taught material. Students will have access to a variety of key text via ReadingLists@Liverpool, which will aid them in their self-directed learning. Students will also have opportunities to learn collaboratively as part of a group through the group project and during workshop and practical activities.