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 SCIENCES - SPECIAL TOPICS
Code ENVS366
Coordinator Dr P Salaun
Earth, Ocean and Ecological Sciences
Pascal.Salaun@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2018-19 Level 6 FHEQ Whole Session 15

Aims

To promote engagement, discussions and raise the overall awareness of the most topical research issues in Marine Sciences.


Learning Outcomes

Gain a broad and detailed knowledge of some of the main research issues in marine sciences.

           

Improve critical reading of scientific literature.

 

 

Gain/Practice Transferable Communication Skills: Reporting the main research findings on topics (through a number of different media including oral presentation, poster presentation, essay) to an audience of their peers and academic staff.


Syllabus

 

The syllabus will be evolving, as with on-going research interests. As an example, this could include the following research interests, as in 2017:
 
-          Impact of climate change on the Arctic Ocean; 1 of the only 4 funded projects is currently led by researchers a t the University.
 
-       International GEOTRACES program that provides an international platform for the study of marine biogeochemical cycle of trace elements. Liver pool researchers are strongly involved in this international effort.
 
-       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 t ransport of nutrient rich deeper waters to the surface.
 
-         Is the rate of sea-level rise accelerating? Liverpool is world-leading research on sea-level and this issue is of great concern worldwide.
 

Different topical issues will be presented by researchers from the University and possibly from the National Oceaniographic Centre. These will take place mostly during semester 1.

A Journal-style club where recent research papers of interest (to staff or student) published in high-impact journals will be discussed and presented by students to students and staff.

The syllabus will also be dependent on the content of research seminars that are regularly organised within the Ocean Seminar ser ies and within the Departmental ones.  


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Lecture - 6 to 10 lectures on currently funded research programs

Group-work - Journal-club style activities

Students will be asked to briefly and/or extensively report on recent research papers to their peers to promote an overview of current research

Seminar - Ocean Sciences Seminar

Attendance at marine related seminars (either within Ocean Sciences or departmental series)


Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 6
6 to 10 lectures on currently funded research programs
20
Ocean Sciences Seminar
      12
Journal-club style activities
38
Timetable (if known)   Attendance at marine related seminars (either within Ocean Sciences or departmental series)
 
      Students will be asked to briefly and/or extensively report on recent research papers to their peers to promote an overview of current research
 
 
Private Study 112
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Unseen Written Exam  120  Summer Exam period  50  No reassessment opportunity    Final exam There is no reassessment opportunity, No resit for 3rd years Notes (applying to all assessments) The written critical essay will consist of a 2 to 4 pages A4 comment on one of the research question given during any of the introductory lectures on current marine research. The presentation assessment will consist of a PowerPoint presentation (group work) and/or a poster (individual) on recent research papers of interest. The final exam is a written exam e.g. guided comment on a recent research paper or essay type questions on research areas of interest that have been discussed during lectures, seminars and/or during group discussions. Final year examinations/assessments may be re-sat for failed modules at the next ordinary sitting, normally in the following academic year, except in the case of students with accepted Extenuating Circumstances for whom an August/September attempt is arranged, on the basis as detailed in the Code of Practice on Assessment Appendix I Section 3: https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/media/livacuk/tqsd/code-of-practice-on-assessment/appendix_I_2010-11.pdf  
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Coursework  To be handed during   25  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Written critical comment 
Coursework  20 min presentation  25  Yes    Group presentation and/or poster 

Recommended Texts

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

Relevant and recent research papers published in high impact journals such as Science, Nature, Nature Geosciences, Limnology and Oceanography, Marine Chemistry, Oceanography, etc...