FdSc Marine Biology with Conservation degree – Part Time University

First year modules include:

Our Ocean Planet
This 40-credit module encompasses the UNESCO promoted Ocean Literacy principles; integrating oceanography and marine ecology for a holistic understanding of our global ocean. Currents, weather and ocean chemistry are inextricably bound to, influence and are in turn are influenced by life in the oceans and on the land.

Skills for Scientific Success
The ability to “process and analyse” raw data, find patterns and communicate findings to others is a critical skill in the sciences. This module aims to produce students with the necessary toolkit to handle data, apply appropriate methods to establish patterns and to communicate findings to different audiences and/or stakeholders.

Marine Survey Techniques
In order to conserve the ocean, we must first understand it and to understand it we have to know how to explore it! This module is designed to introduce the skills needed to investigate marine life and habitats safely and responsibly. Theory of effective survey design is taught practically through a series of field and laboratory workshops. These will be reviewed and underpinned with class sessions to develop skills and understanding of survey design, data collection, data handling and analysis. Students will be introduced to the principles of GIS (Geographical Information System software) and how to use this to produce maps.



Second year modules include:

Marine vertebrate biology and conservation
This module explores the functional biology of marine vertebrates, focussing especially on key conservation flagship species from fish, marine reptiles, seabirds and marine mammals. The feeding, physiological and morphological adaptations to the marine environment, locomotion and migration, social and reproductive behaviour will be explored using case studies and related to their conservation. Classwork and some focused fieldwork allows the development and evaluation of field skills, survey techniques and technology used to monitor these species.

Marine invertebrate biology and conservation
This module provides an introduction to the biology and ecology of key marine invertebrates including cnidarians, molluscs, crustaceans, and echinoderms with particular reference to local species in Cornwall and south-west England. Emphasis will be directed towards unique adaptations and characteristics of the key phyla as well as major conservation issues surrounding marine invertebrates. Visits to local businesses allows the exploration of aquaculture and stock enhancement of populations alongside techniques and strategies for monitoring stocks.

Diversity of Life
This module introduces the incredible diversity of life on Earth and the systems of taxonomy and classification that we use to understand it. The module will introduce the basic theories of evolution and by which it works.

Fundamentals of Biology
This biology-based module provides students with an understanding of the key anatomical and physiological concepts and practical skills which underpin the study of marine organisms.



Third year modules include:

Marine Biology in Practice
It is important that the ocean scientist is able to communicate what they have learned to the wider public. However, that learning is also valuable to the scientist: this is the accrued experience that will allow them to progress to future employment. This module teaches students how to educate the public, and also to record and reflect on experiences that benefit themselves.

Marine Resources Innovation and Management
In this module we learn about the range, impact and potential of historical and present exploitation of marine resources. We consider this in the light of contemporary environmental and political constraints and, given these, devise a new marine product or service.

Husbandry and Conservation of Aquatic Organisms (optional module)
Aquaculture in its many forms can have important benefits for humans and conservation, conversely it has many negative impacts also. This module addresses the husbandry of aquatic life from the small practical details of home aquaria to the industrial scale of public aquariums and fish farms. It also explores the conservation issues surrounding focal species and their habitats.

Field studies in marine systems
This module builds on the skills taught in the first year in order to enable students to design surveys and carry out scientific study of marine habitats and species work effectively, safely and responsibly. The rapidly growing developments in technology used will also be appraised and evaluated.

Individual Research Project
This module gives students the opportunity to conduct their own research project. Student involvement and responsibility stretches from project conception and planning, literature research, analysis and interpretation of data to report writing and presentation. It addresses key skills in research design and data handling.