Core Module Information
Module title: Marine Biology

SCQF level: 09:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10

Module code: ENV09104
Module leader: Matt Wale
School School of Applied Sciences
Subject area group: Life Sciences
Prerequisites

There are no pre-requisites for this module to be added

Description of module content:

This module will introduce you to the diversity of marine organisms in a range of key marine ecosystems from plankton in the ocean’s surface waters to coral reefs and mangroves in shallow tropical seas, as well as fish and mammals in the deep ocean. The module will provide detailed knowledge on these marine habitats, followed by a more focused view on the biology of the organisms, their interactions with each other and with the environment. Alongside practical knowledge of how to conduct research specific to these challenging environments. There will also be a focus on approaches to public engagement with topics in marine biology. To support this we will visit some information centres in and around Edinburgh to explore different methods of engagement.

Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Critically reflect on the diversity of marine habitats and the organisms found in these environments.

LO2: Interpret the biology of named organisms in relation to their environment.

LO3: Compare and contrast marine ecosystems: the diversity of organisms, their life cycles and their adaptations to different environmental variables.

LO4: Utilise engaging and informative communication skills to effectively convey scientific knowledge to a target audience.

Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2024/5, Trimester 2, In Person,
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: In Person
Location of delivery: SIGHTHILL
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Matt Wale
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Face To Face Tutorial 4 Tutorials on assessment criteria, exemplars, and expectations. You will grade previous submissions to gauge the level required to achieve particular grades. Tutorials will take place in week 2 (Video) and week 12 (Exam).
Face To Face External visits 7 Trip to the National Museum of Scotland to assess scientific communication aimed at museum visitors to aid with the creation of the audio-video assessment. Following the visit you will discuss different approaches to communication and their efficacy.
Face To Face Practical classes and workshops 8 Practical Classes on select marine organisms and research practices. The organism chosen will vary each year depending on availability and ethical constraints. Practical sessions will take place in week 3 & 9.
Online Guided independent study 144 Guided independent study based on class materials and your own interests to develop ideas for the audio-visual assessment and the take-home test.
Face To Face Lecture 32 Lectures covering to a range of marine organisms, environments, and research practices. Each lecture will form an introduction to the topic that will allow in class discussion and lead to independent study. Lectures take place twice a week with no lectures on week 7 or 8 to accommodate the Portugal residential fieldtrip.
Face To Face Practical classes and workshops 2 Class based formative activity on your plan for their audio-visual presentation. Work will be presented to peers for feedback.
Independent Learning Tutorial 3 Optional support sessions to help you with any IT issues you encounter whilst creating your audio-visual presentation. Sessions in week 5, 8, & 10.
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Oral Presentation 50 4 Week 10 HOURS= 4 - 5 minutes Create and deliver an audio-visual presentation on a topic of your choice within marine biology, such as a specific organism, habitat, or conservation practice. The presentation should demonstrate the application of engaging and informative communication skills to effectively convey scientific knowledge. Tailor the content and format to suit a specified audience, ensuring it is both captivating and accessible. Emphasis will be placed on the clarity of scientific explanations, the relevance of supporting evidence, and the creativity in presenting complex concepts in an understandable and engaging manner.
Essay 50 1~2~3 Exam Period , WORDS= 2000 Words The take-home exam consists of a series of three questions, of which you will choose one to develop an answer to. The questions are aimed to require you to synthesise information across different module topics and undertake literature searching to identify and summarise relevant studies to support your answers. The exam is available over the whole of week 15 (9 am Monday to 5 pm Friday) and is conducted at home.
Component 1 subtotal: 50
Component 2 subtotal: 50
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
Marine Biology reading list