BS31510 - MARINE BIOLOGY FIELD COURSE

Module Identifier	BS31510
Module Title	MARINE BIOLOGY FIELD COURSE
Academic Year	2001/2002
Co-ordinator	Dr John Fish
Semester	Semester 1
Other staff	Dr Simon Creasey, Dr Susan Fish
Pre-Requisite	BS10710 , BS21110
Course delivery	Practicals / Field Days	8 days. Course is duplicated June 29 - July 6 2000 September 12 - 19 2000
Assessment	Practical report	To be submitted by November 1st 2000	50%
	Exam	Practical exam To be held on November 1st 2000	50%
	Resit assessment	Extended essay plus viva

Aims and objectives

This module builds on Module BS21110 - Marine Biology and gives the student the opportunity of working in a range of coastal habitats. It is an introduction to the taxonomy of the major groups of marine organisms and field sampling techniques and laboratory analysis used in coastal ecology.

Content

The course is based in Aberystwyth with excursions to coastal habitats in Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire, and includes a series of lectures and practical classes with follow up laboratory sessions for analysis of material. Throughout, the student is expected to discuss the data collected from field sampling and laboratory analysis in the light of theories raised and knowledge acquired in Module BS21110.
Studies on intertidal ecology begin with the use of tide tables and the calculation of the times and heights of tides at both standard and secondary ports. The distribution and diversity of organisms on rocky shores is investigated through quantitative sampling along transect lines. Distribution patterns on different shores are considered in the light of the prevailing physical and biological conditions.
A similar approach is used in the study of sedimentary shores and estuaries. Distribution, density and biomass of organisms are monitored by field and laboratory studies and the student is introduced to the standard methods of sediment and water analysis.
The preliminary studies on plankton completed in Module BS21110 are extended during this course with the emphasis on the study of living plankton. The abundance of meroplankton is investigated and the significance of a pelagic phase in the life-cycle of benthic invertebrates is reviewed.
Inshore fisheries and their management are discussed in lectures and demonstrations, and students are introduced to techniques of age-determination from scale readings and ring analysis of shellfish.
Students work in groups for field and follow-up laboratory work. Group project work is carried out and the results are given in a lecture/poster presentation at the end of the course.

Learning outcomes

On completion of the module students will

be able to identify the common organisms of estuaries and coastal waters
know how to apply basic methods of collection for intertidal organisms
appreciate the factors which affect the distribution of intertidal flora and fauna
have experience in the use of advanced identification keys and be able to design simple keys
be able to design and undertake sampling programmes appropriate to a range of coastal habitats
prepare illustrated, concise reports.

Reading Lists

Books
** Should Be Purchased
Fish, J D & Fish, S. (1996) A student's guide to the seashore. 2nd. Cambridge University Press.