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 2018-19 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 e nhance 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 these core skills, increasing the overall employability of our students.


Learning Outcomes

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

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. 

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

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

Further develop important research skills including record-keeping from fieldwork and laboratory work, and communication of results in different media.

Syllabus
1 

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]
 
-    Sabellaria alveolata reef surveying [field]
-    Analysis of spatial pattern and/or status assessment [computer prac]
 
-    Set-up experiment to track response of individuals to different environmental 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

Field Work - 3 * Field data collection days (8 hours) for a range of exercises

Laboratory Work - 3 * Laboratory practical days for a range of exercises

Demonstration - 4 * half day computer- based practical sessions

Peer Learning - 1 * peer-review of exercise notes and results

Student Generated Content (e.g. MCQs, video) - 1 * Poster session

Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours       24
3 * Laboratory practical days for a range of exercises
24
3 * Field data collection days (8 hours) for a range of exercises
16
4 * half day computer- based practical sessions
2
1 * peer-review of exercise notes and results
2
1 * Poster session
68
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 82
TOTAL HOURS 150

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
Coursework  Completed in a super  Week 4  5  No reassessment opportunity  Standard UoL penalty applies  Peer review of notebook contents on first exercise There is no reassessment opportunity, Students receive a mark for taking part. If they are not present, they do not receive the mark 
Coursework  1800 words  Week 12  50  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Students submit Methods, Results and Discussion points for one of 3 exercises 
Coursework  Presented in 2 hour   Week 8  45  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Poster on one of the exercises Notes (applying to all assessments) - none 

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: