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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.
This course provides an introduction to the biology and ecology of the marine environment. It includes descriptions and analyses of marine communities and the biodiversity, ecology and adaptations of marine organisms. 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 and 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
Students must attend one activity from each section.
Compulsory field trip: 2024The first-semester lecture break includes a three-day trip (excluding travel): 5 – 8 April (trip 1), 8 – 11 April (trip 2). Dates and the number of streams may change depending on class numbers. You will be advised of the field 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/current-students/shop/The collection point for purchases is inside the southern entry to the Ernest Rutherford Building, Ernest Rutherford, Chemistry Stores, 130A - NB. closed shoes must be worn in Chemistry Stores.Disposable gloves are available in the laboratory for those who might need them.
John Pirker
Mads Thomsen , Sarah Flanagan and Michelle LaRue
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
Library portalLearn Site Course Outline
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 2023 Course survey (73.2% 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: 4.23. Workload was appropriate to the level of the course: 4.34. Assessments were appropriate for the course: 4.15. Where I sought feedback on my assessments I found it helpful: 4.0The 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 CAPS.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 ask- The labs were awesome and quizzes good.Negative features (Action/response indicated in CAPS)- Many students are only just now taking Biostats (I am taking it next sem). The expectations for the statistics side of the course are a little high in my opinion. There definitely needs to be more help sessions and tutors for stats help.- The feedback from the short report took a bit too long as this would have been helpful for writing the long report.- Sometimes I was a little lost in the lectures, but again that might be because I didn't do 113.- THE COURSE IS CONSTANTLY BEING REFINED AND UPDATED; STUDENTS SHOULD SEE THE BENEFITS OF THIS.- WE WILL ENDEAVOR TO PROVIDE FEEDBACK ON REPORTS IN A TIMELIER FASHION.- WE NOTE THAT IN 2022 COURSEWORK, INCLUDING LABORATORIES AND FIELD TRIPS, WAS IMPACTED BY COVID.
Laboratories:Two labs will be run on Monday 1-4pm (Stream 1) and Thursday 12-3pm (Stream 2), during weeks.12 and 13 of Term 1, West 436.No bare feet or jandals, or eating of food in the lab.
Domestic fee $1,131.00
International fee $5,553.00
* 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 .