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An introduction to the ecology and biology of the marine environment. Description and analysis of marine communities and the biodiversity, ecology and behaviour of marine organisms.
The course is designed to illustrate the principles of marine biology and ecology, including the physical and biological aspects of marine biodiversity and community function. It is an integrated approach to the ecology of marine organisms, their interactions, biotic and abiotic drivers that influence patterns and ecological processes across temperate estuaries, nearshore rocky reefs, deep water pelagic, benthic communities, tropical and polar biomes. The course also examines human impacts on the marine environment including fisheries and marine conservation. The Kaikōura field trip and laboratory sessions are an integral part of the course and are designed to complement lectures.
At the end of the course, students will have developed the ability to:Demonstrate knowledge of the diversity in form and function of organisms across a variety of ecosystems (assessment task: on-line quizzes & final exam)Related graduate attributes: GP1, GP2 (K1, K3), GP5Demonstrate knowledge of select fisheries and conservation management strategies in relation to other indigenous models New Zealand | Aotearoa, Customary Protections Areas (assessment task: on-line quizzes & final exam)Related graduate attributes: GP1, GP2, GP3 (K1-7), GP4 GP5 Use taxonomic keys to identify marine organisms (assessment task: laboratory writeup and field trip project report) Related graduate attributes: GP1, GP3 (K3), GP5Acquire basic skills in field observation, experimental sampling, data analysis and interpretation (assessment task: field trip projects)Related graduate attributes: GP1, GP2, GP3 (K1-5, K7), GP5Synthesise primary scientific literature, reports and iwi management plans/documents to support field and laboratory work (assessment task: field trip project and laboratory writeup)Related graduate attributes: GP1, GP2, GP3 (K1-5, K7), GP5Transferable Skills | Pūkenga NgaioThe following skills are developed in this course:Linnaean and Māori taxonomic identification of marine organisms. The process of taxonomic classification is fundamental to advancement in biology and ecology, as well as your own understanding of ecosystems.Related graduate attributes: GP1, GP2, GP3 (K5, K7), GP5Synthesising information from primary literature including mātauranga Māori. This is a skill that underpins the advancement of science and management, and the reflexive development of your own understanding.Related graduate attributes: GP1, GP2, GP3 (K1-5, K7), GP5Collecting field data / data sovereignty. Important for Māori, community and research, and in scientific organisations. Related graduate attributes: GP1, GP2, GP3 (K1-5, K7), GP5Analysing data. Important for Māori, community and research, and in scientific organisations.Related graduate attributes: GP1, GP2, GP3 (K1-5, K7), GP5Writing a report on findings. Communication of science to different audiences is fundamental to its use and advancement.Related graduate attributes: GP1, GP2, GP3 (K1-5, K7), GP5
BIOL112 and BIOL113
Compulsory field trip: 2022The first semester lecture break field trip is a three-day trip (excluding travel) to Kaikōura: 14 - 17 April (trip 1), and depending on class numbers 17 - 20 April (trip 2). You will be advised of the Kaikōura trip details early in the first term. Note that the field trip is COMPULSORY AND PROVIDES IN-TERM ASSESSMENT. If you miss the field trip without a valid reason, you may not be allowed to sit the final exam.It is compulsory to wear a lab coat and safety glasses in the laboratory.To purchase approved safety glasses, lab or coats go to https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/science/shop/.The collection point for purchases is inside the southern entry to the Ernest Rutherford Building, Monday to Friday between the hours 8.30 – 10.00 am and 1.30 – 3.00 pm for the first two weeks of the semester.Disposable gloves are available in the laboratory for those who might need them.Feedback from 2019 Course survey (77.5% response)1. Materials provided helped me understand what was required to succeed in this course 4.22. The organisation of this course helped me learn 4.03. Workload was appropriate to the level of the course 4.34. Assessments were appropriate for the course 4.25. Where I sought feedback on my assessments I found it helpful 4.1The following issues were raised in written feedback by students at the end of the course. The responses were collated by the course coordinator and common responses scored. Action taken in response to feedback is indicated in bold.Positive features- Good workload factoring in the field trip, labs and report- Lectures all good, textbook is actually quite fun to read (a rarity!)- I really enjoyed the field trip! I felt it helped a lot with my understanding- Lecturers are awesome and always ready to help when you askNegative features (Action/response indicated in bold)- The information is fine. I feel it could benefit from being more refined- Field trip could be organized a tad better but I am understanding due to no field station- The course is constantly being refined and updated, students should see the benefits of this.- The field trips coordination and exercises will be reviewed.
John Pirker
Mads Thomsen and Sarah Flanagan
Jan McKenzie
Castro, P. and Huber, ME; Marine Biology ; 11th Edition; McGraw-Hill, 2019.
Recommended reading for additional information on invertebratesRupert, EE., Fox, RS. and Barnes, RD. (2004) Invertebrate zoology: A functional evolutionary approach 7th ed. Brooks/Cole. QL 362.B261 2004
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Electronic Distribution of Course Material: Information about the course, including the course handout, notices, summaries of lectures and other details will be placed on Learn.Feedback from 2019 Course survey (77.5% response)1. Materials provided helped me understand what was required to succeed in this course 4.22. The organisation of this course helped me learn 4.03. Workload was appropriate to the level of the course 4.34. Assessments were appropriate for the course 4.25. Where I sought feedback on my assessments I found it helpful 4.1
Laboratories:No bare feet or jandals, or eating of food in the lab.
Domestic fee $961.00
International fee $5,063.00
* 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 .