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BI25Z5: FUNDAMENTALS IN MARINE BIOLOGY (2024-2025)

Last modified: 12 Aug 2024 14:16


Course Overview

This course introduces the biology of the open oceans, shelf seas, coastal waters, estuaries and shores. The focus is mainly on the diversity of lifeforms in different marine environments and the adaptations of these organisms to their living conditions, taking account of the physical and chemical characteristics of the environment. The course also aims to develop skills in marine biological research methods, data analysis, reading scientific articles, critical thinking, and scientific writing. The knowledge and skills developed through these activities provide a strong foundation for further study of the functioning of marine ecosystems and the impacts of humans on them.

Course Details

Study Type Undergraduate Level 2
Term Second Term Credit Points 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits)
Campus Aberdeen Sustained Study No
Co-ordinators
  • Dr Philip Smith

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

  • Any Undergraduate Programme (Studied)
  • Either Programme Level 2 or Programme Level 3

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

Are there a limited number of places available?

No

Course Description

Life evolved in the sea and the oceans cover approximately 70% of the Earth’s surface. The three-dimensional and multi-layered nature of the marine environment is alien to human beings, and until relatively recently most of it was inaccessible and largely unknown. Marine species often have strange and fascinating forms, reflecting the wide variety of evolutionary solutions to life in the sea. And of course, humans utilise a plethora of marine species for food, biochemicals, recreation and a variety of other uses. Some marine species can be harmful to humans or can interfere with human activities. Understanding the biology of the oceans is therefore important in terms of a wider understanding of life on Earth, as well as informing management of human activities that rely on or are affected by marine life.


The course aims to give you a sound understanding of the nature of life in the sea, including the open oceans, shelf seas, coastal waters, estuaries and shores. More specifically, the intended learning outcomes are that on successful completion of the course, you should be able to:
• explain the major physical, chemical and biological processes that determine the environmental characteristics of major marine habitats
• identify the main groups of organisms in different types of marine environment and describe key aspects of their morphology and natural history
• give examples of a range of types of adaptation of marine organisms for life in different environments
• measure, record and analyse basic biological data from samples and specimens in the laboratory
• search and review the scientific literature on selected marine biological topics
• produce marine biological laboratory reports in standard scientific forms


Running over 12 weeks, the course comprises approximately three lectures per week, four fortnightly practical classes and associated coursework, covering a broad range of marine biological topics. Lectures are given by staff in the School of Biological Sciences with a wide range of marine biological research expertise.
Practical work will give you hands-on experience in investigating diversity and adaptations of marine organisms (including preserved, fresh and live specimens). There is a strong emphasis on developing your ability to collect quantitative biological data, to subject the data to statistical analysis, and to present and interpret the findings in a standard scientific format. There will be debrief sessions after each practical to support you with your data analysis and interpretation. Your practical work will be assessed through practical reports and/or online tests.
In the final week of the course, there will be revision sessions and exam briefing to help you prepare for the end of term examination.

Associated Costs

DescriptionValue
Students should possess a Howie laboratory coat and safety glasses. Further details of requirements can be found on the course's MyAberdeen page. The cost listed here is approximate.23.0000

Contact Teaching Time

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers


Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 30 August 2024 for 1st term courses and 20 December 2024 for 2nd term courses.

Summative Assessments

Three lab reports

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 25
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Exam

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 50
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Feedback

Exam made up of MCQ and short written answers

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Practical online test

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 25
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Formative Assessment

There are no assessments for this course.

Resit Assessments

Re-submission of failed elements

Assessment Type Summative Weighting
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
FactualRememberILO’s for this course are available in the course guide.

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