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 essays and reports in standard scientific forms
Running over 12 weeks, the course comprises three lectures, seminars or tutorials per week, four or five 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.
An essay, prepared over 5 weeks, gives you the opportunity to explore in depth a specific marine biological topic of your own choosing from a list, and will develop your capacity for searching and critically reviewing marine biological literature, and for scientific writing. There is a briefing to introduce the essay assignment and to give guidance on reviewing the marine biological literature and writing in a scientific style. In the final week of the course, there is a revision session and exam briefing to help you prepare for the examination.
