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 2019-20 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

(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

Syllabus
 

Lectures
Students will be introduced to the major groups of marine animals (from phytoplankton and sponges to fish, seabirds and whales) through lectures delivered between weeks 1-11 of Semester 1.

Practicals
Lectures will be complemented by a variety of 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 in the middle and one at the end of the semester. The first practical will be formatively assessed through peer review and subsequent practicals will be summatively assessed using workbooks completed on the day of the practicals.

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description: Lectures focus on major marine phyla
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Teaching Method 2 - Practical
Description: Three extended practical activities (see content)
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 24

         24

 48
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 102
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Online timed test - MCQ and SAQ (covering lectures & practicals prior to test) There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment. A  60 minutes.    34       
Online timed test - MCQ and SAQ (all content covered since the previous test) There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment. As  50 minutes.    26       
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Workbook completed on activities undertaken in Summative Practical A Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :Semester 1, Wee  Practical A Workbook    20       
Workbook completed on activities undertaken in Practical B Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :Semester 1, Week 11  Practical B Workbook    20       

Recommended Texts
Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.