Last modified: 25 Sep 2019 09:58
Using the North Sea as a case study, one of the most well studied marine ecosystems, students will critically evaluate key issues related to the conservation and management of marine resources.
Lectures from marine ecologists, industry consultants and government scientists working in applied marine management provide insights into current issues.
Practical work provides training in data recording and analysis and the feedback received on your scientific report will strengthen your written communication skills.
Class debate will provide an opportunity to strengthen your critical thinking skills and support the development of strong oral communication skills.
| Study Type | Postgraduate | Level | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term | First Term | Credit Points | 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits) |
| Campus | Aberdeen | Sustained Study | No |
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Using the North Sea as a case study this course provides essential knowledge about the marine environment and food webs. Linkages between the population biology of commercial fish species in the North Sea and the policies used to define sustainable harvesting will be highlighted to illustrate the ecological principles that underpin the management of marine resources. Policies relevant to conservation of the North Sea ecosystem are illustrated with reference to policy instruments such as marine protected areas. The role that different stakeholders play in management of marine ecosystems will be reviewed. The course concludes with an evaluation of both effective and ineffective strategies for marine and fisheries management.
Course content will be delivered by marine ecologists, industry consultants and government scientists working in applied marine management. The course does not require a detailed knowledge of marine ecology and ecosystems. Students already having a background in biology will benefit from the material on policy, management and stakeholder engagement.
Learning outcomes:
By the end of the course students should:
Syllabus:
The North Sea is one of the world’s most well studied marine ecosystems. To capture the breadth of relevant information the course is organised into four blocks:
Environment & lower trophic levels – includes lectures on physical oceanography, chemistry and sediments. The basic building blocks of marine productivity are reviewed from primary production through secondary producers.
Fish & higher trophic levels – the population biology of commercial fish species important to Scotland is reviewed in detail. The key features of marine mammals, seabirds and shorebirds are covered.
Ecosystem Conservation & Management – Ecosystem properties, including size structuring and diversity, are reviewed. Relevant marine policies to implement conservation and management strategies are considered along with policy instruments.
Stakeholders & issues – key stakeholders in the North Sea are identified and several systems used for effective stakeholder engagement are reviewed.
Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 70 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | Feedback Weeks | |||
| Feedback |
formative feedback in the practical and during report preparation; individualised written feedback on submission |
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
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| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 30 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | Feedback Weeks | |||
| Feedback |
informal feedback during and after debate, individual written feedback |
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
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There are no assessments for this course.
| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Conceptual | Understand | • Conceptualise the interactions among key aspects of the biology, ecology, and policy relevant to North Sea |
| Conceptual | Evaluate | Critically evaluate the key issues related to conservation and management of marine resources |
| Conceptual | Analyse | Undertake data analysis related to fish biology and write up the results in a scientific-style report |
| Conceptual | Evaluate | Integrate and evaluate information from diverse sources to determine the effectiveness of current marine resource management. |
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