Last modified: 05 Oct 2023 08:46
This course introduces the characteristics of the marine environment that are relevant to managing human activities in relation to conservation of marine biodiversity and sustainable exploitation of marine resources. The course considers the ecosystem roles of different biological groups, with a particular focus on the key role of fishes. There is an introduction to the policies, management approaches and organisations involved in the development of marine ecosystem-based management, with a focus on the north-east Atlantic Ocean and particularly the North Sea. Guest speakers from key organisations provide up-to-date perspectives on topical issues. Being placed at the start of PGT marine programmes, this course provides a foundation of knowledge for concepts and issues that are explored in more depth in subsequent courses.
| Study Type | Postgraduate | Level | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term | First Term | Credit Points | 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits) |
| Campus | Aberdeen | Sustained Study | No |
| Co-ordinators |
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This six week course aims to develop an understanding of the structure and functioning of marine ecosystems in the context of sustainable management of the exploitation of living marine resources and conservation of marine biodiversity. This is an introductory course at the outset of PGT marine programmes, intended to cater for students with a wide variety of backgrounds.
The course is structured into five weekly themes, with the sixth week dedicated to the main assessment. The themes lead from key environmental and biological aspects of marine environments, to the structure and functioning of marine ecosystems, with a focus on the biology of fishes as key components in those systems, before progressing to considerations of how to manage human activities sustainably from an ecosystem perspective.
The course also aims to develop skills in executing and reporting scientific investigations. In addition, transferrable skills, such as effective teamwork, time management and communication in a variety of modes, will be developed.
On successful completion of the course, you should be able to:
• identify the main physical processes and chemical properties of marine environments relevant to biological productivity and biodiversity
• describe the structure and function of a temperate shelf-sea marine ecosystem
• explain critical aspects of fish population dynamics and the effects of climate change on them
• outline the main international and regional conventions that drive policy relating to management of marine ecosystems in the northeast Atlantic
• define the roles of key organisations involved in marine ecosystem management in European waters
• understand how marine science is used to support management
Taught topics include:
(details may vary from year to year)
Physical oceanography, Climate change
Plankton, Nekton, Benthos
Fish population biology
Marine biodiversity
Top marine predators
Structure and function of marine ecosystems
Pelagic and demersal fisheries
Marine policy and governance
| Description | Value |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 70 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | Feedback Weeks | |||
| Feedback | ||||
| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
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| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 30 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | Feedback Weeks | |||
| Feedback |
Marine Ecosystem Review (group presentation with weighting from peer assessment) |
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
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| Assessment Type | Formative | Weighting | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | 9 | Feedback Weeks | 11 | |
| Feedback |
Feedback on producing a scientific report will be provided via MyAberdeen prior to one of the summative assessments based on this type of assignment |
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Conceptual | Evaluate | Critically evaluate the key issues related to conservation and management of marine resources |
| 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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