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 BIOLOGY: LIFE IN THE SEAS AND OCEANS
Code ENVS121
Coordinator Dr RM Jeffreys
Earth, Ocean and Ecological Sciences
Rachel.Jeffreys@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2018-19 Level 4 FHEQ First Semester 15

Aims

This module will introduce students to the main groups of organisms found in the marine environment. Students will encounter these groups 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. 



Learning Outcomes

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

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

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

Recognise the adaptational solutions to functional problems adopted by marine organisms


Syllabus


Lectures

Students will be introduced to 14 major groups of marine animals (from sponges to seabirds and whales) through 23 lectures delivered between weeks 1-11 of Semester 1.

Practicals

Lectures will be complemented by three full day practical activities that include identification, dissection, anatomical drawings, and exploration of form and function. Students will work with real organisms and also complement this with a visit to Liverpool''s World Museum.

Assessment

There are two assessment weeks where online tests will be used to assess students'' breadth of knowledge and coverage of the groups in their notes. One will be mid-way through and one at the end of the semester. The first practical will be formatively a ssessed through peer review and the second and third summatively assessed using workbooks completed on the day of the practicals.


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Lecture - Lectures focus on major marine phyla

Practical - Three full-day practical activities (see content)


Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 23
Lectures focus on major marine phyla
        24
Three full-day practical activities (see content)
47
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 103
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Open Book Written Exam  60  Semester 1, Week 6  34  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Online timed test - MCQ and SAQ (lectures 1-13) 
Open Book Written Exam  50  Semester 1, Week 12  26  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Online timed test - MCQ and SAQ (lectures 14-23) Notes (applying to all assessments) First practical is formatively assessed - students will peer review each other's workbooks. Online test 1: 13 lectures covered, 30 questions in 60 minutes. Online test 2: 10 lectures covered, 25 questions in 50 minutes. 
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Coursework  Practical 2 Workbook  Semester 1, Week 7  20  No reassessment opportunity  Standard UoL penalty applies  Workbook completed on activities undertaken in Practical 2 There is no reassessment opportunity, Practical may be reassessed only if the student attended the scheduled session 
Coursework  Practical 3 Workbook  Semester 1, Week 11  20  No reassessment opportunity  Standard UoL penalty applies  Workbook completed on activities undertaken in Practical 3 There is no reassessment opportunity, Practical may be reassessed only if the student attended the scheduled session 

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: