BL3318 – Biology of marine organisms
BL3318 – Biology of marine organisms
This module will include lectures on the range of microbial and metazoan organisms and ecological systems in the marine environment. The coverage will range from bacteria, to algae, invertebrates and vertebrates (fish, birds, reptiles and mammals). The biology of marine organisms is considered in the context of both adaptations at the level of the individual and its expression in terms of large-scale latitudinal and depth-related variations in productivity and food web structure. Examples from the poles to the tropics and from shallow water to the deep ocean will be included.
Skills acquired in this module:
Related Programme(s):
Module Code:
BL3318
Semester:
2
Credits:
20
Module Organiser:
Dr Julie Oswald
Pre-requisite modules: BL2304 - Invertebrate Zoology, BL2308 - Vertebrate Biology, BL2310 - Comparative Physiology, BL2307 - Ecology, and BL2311 - The Oceans
MMS
Timetable:
[events_list category="BL3318"]
Assessment:
3-hour Written Examination = 50%, Coursework = 50%MMS assessment details
The following related information applies to all Biology modules:
School of Biology Marking Criteria:
School handbook
Late submission of continuous assessment work:
All late submissions of coursework that do not require electronic submission should be made via the late submissions box in the Biology Study Space, St Andrews New Technology Centre Building (beside the Teaching Office)
Exam details:
School handbook
Exam timetable:
Timetable
Expected attendance:
School handbook
Good Academic Practice & Avoiding Academic Misconduct:
School handbook
University Student Handbook:
University student handbook
School and University Regulations:
School and University regulations in the School and University Undergraduate Handbook relating to absence reporting, penalties and rules for late submission of work, extensions for coursework, return of coursework, S-coding, good academic practice and Academic Alerts.
School handbook
University student handbook
Staff:
Learning Outcomes:
Students completing module BL3318 successfully should be able to:
- 1. Demonstrate a sound grounding of the biology of the wide variety of organisms that live in, or in close association with, the marine environment.
- 2. Compare and contrast the diving adaptations and feeding strategies across the diversity of marine mammal species.
- 3. Describe the diversity of non-mammalian large vertebrates in marine ecosystems.
- 4. Understand the significance of diet, growth and body size for fish ecology, appreciate the key features of fish mating systems
- 6. Understand the dynamics of intertidal and subtidal communities
- 7. Describe and compare adaptations of marine organisms to pelagic, polar, tropical and deep sea environments
- 8. Describe adaptations of marine organisms in hydrothermal vent communities
- 9.Explain the mechanisms of sound production and reception in a variety of marine organisms
Policies:
(Information in this section applies to all Biology Modules)
- The procedures and regulations followed by the School of Biology are outlined in the University Handbook and in the School of Biology Undergraduate Handbook (https://biology.st-andrews.ac.uk/students/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2022/05/Undergraduate-Handbook-2021-22.docx)
- All coursework associated with the module must be completed and submitted by its due date.
- Specific School regulations relating to absence reporting, penalties and rules for late submission of work, extensions for coursework, return of coursework, S-coding, Good Academic Practice and Academic Alert are stated in the School of Biology Undergraduate Handbook and students are required to carefully read these regulations.
- Students are also referred to the University Handbook, available at:http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/studenthandbook/