BIOL428-24S1 (C) Semester One 2024

Marine Biology and Ecology

15 points

Details:
Start Date: Monday, 19 February 2024
End Date: Sunday, 23 June 2024
Withdrawal Dates
Last Day to withdraw from this course:
  • Without financial penalty (full fee refund): Sunday, 3 March 2024
  • Without academic penalty (including no fee refund): Sunday, 12 May 2024

Description

This course focuses on current issues in marine biology and ecology. It includes a critical assessment of experimental approaches, ecological and physiological processes affecting the structure of marine communities and the application of research to current issues.

This course builds on the knowledge and skills acquired in undergraduate courses, particularly ecology, physiology and behaviour. The focus is on marine ecosystems, how they are maintained and what affects them. The course includes critical examination of the literature across a variety of topics and issues, and a practical exercise involving procedures and information required for marine resource consents. The topical issues traversed in this course combine theory and management, and offer a sound basis for greater understanding of sustainable management of the marine domain.

Learning Outcomes

  • As a student in this course, I will develop the ability to:
  • Access and critically evaluate scientific literature relating to particular topics
  • Achieve a detailed understanding of the factors affecting marine habitats under stress
  • Develop of communication skills in presenting analysis of topical issues
  • Develop of skills in the verbal and written presentation of scientific literature
  • Develop of skills in scientific analysis and report writing
  • Integrate advanced theories to assess and manage current marine issues.

    Transferable Skills / PÅ«kenga Ngaio
    As a student in this course, I will develop the following skills:
  • Well-structured, logical and cohesive oral presentation. This will be important for any career in research or in an NGO, where you will need to communicate convincingly to convey relevant information and syntheses to achieve desirable outcomes. We will work on this and provide feedback throughout the course.
  • Synthesising information. In everyday life and in many job situations you will be required to read information from different sources, construct your own understanding and shape your own viewpoint. In tutorials we will discuss recent research papers in a group environment and this will develop your abilities to identify the essential elements of research outputs - you will then use in proposal writing and the exam.
  • Well-structured, logical and cohesive written presentations. Clear written communication is essential for most professional careers; communicating through well-structured, grammatically correct, and informative reports is a key element of most professions. We will provide feedback and suggestions as we progress into written assignments.

Prerequisites

Restrictions

BIOL473

Timetable 2024

Students must attend one activity from each section.

Lecture A
Activity Day Time Location Weeks
01 Friday 11:00 - 12:00 Jack Erskine 241
19 Feb - 25 Feb
Tutorial A
Activity Day Time Location Weeks
01 Friday 11:00 - 13:00 A7
26 Feb - 24 Mar
22 Apr - 5 May

Timetable Note

The course is structured for students with a background in marine ecology, animal physiology and behaviour. An understanding of experimental design and statistical analysis will also be useful. Basic undergraduate-level knowledge of marine biology is essential. Entry to the course can be granted by the coordinator and the HOD and depends on a good academic record.

Course Coordinator / Lecturer

David Schiel

Lecturers

Mads Thomsen , Spencer Virgin and Shane Orchard

Assessment

Assessment Due Date Percentage 
Final Exam 50%
Tutorial assessments 15%
Written research essay 22 Apr 2024 20%
Tutorial assignment 27 May 2024 15%

Indicative Fees

Domestic fee $1,145.00

* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.

For further information see School of Biological Sciences .

All BIOL428 Occurrences

  • BIOL428-24S1 (C) Semester One 2024