Ocean & Coastal Science - ENV00080M

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Module summary

The marine environment is very heterogeneous. This module introduces students to the key physical and biogeochemical factors shaping marine and coastal environments and ecosystems, and how they operate at global, regional and local scales. The module will discuss and explain processes and linkages across the atmosphere-ocean and land-sea boundaries, including how these are affected by human modification of ocean and coastal environments and anthropogenic climate change.

Module will run

Occurrence	Teaching period
A	Autumn Term 2022-23

Module aims

The marine environment is very heterogeneous. Marine ecosystems are affected and shaped by a variety of forces including waves, currents and climate. In turn, processes in the sea affect local and regional climates and so play a key role in determining how the planet responds to human-induced global change. This module introduces students to the key physical and biogeochemical factors shaping marine and coastal environments and ecosystems, and how they operate at global, regional and local scales. The module will discuss and explain processes and linkages across the atmosphere-ocean and land-sea boundaries, including how these are affected by human modification of the coastal environment. It will also examine natural climate variability and the impact of rising greenhouse gas concentrations and climate change on the coupled atmosphere-ocean system, including increasing seawater temperature, sea level rise, shifting current patterns, and ocean acidification. Throughout the course we will explore the possible effects of these changes on marine ecosystems and human society.

Module learning outcomes

Subject content

• Understand how marine ecosystems are affected and shaped by a variety of physical forces including waves, currents and climate.
• Demonstrate an understanding of some of the linkages between physical, chemical and biological processes in marine and coastal environments.
• Appreciate some of the actual and possible effects of climate variation and climate change on marine ecosystems, and understand some of the feedbacks between the marine environment and climate.
• Have gained some experience with sampling of marine sedimentary communities, including identification of species of infauna.

Academic and graduate skills

• This module provides fundamental knowledge of the two way linkages between atmospheric and ocean processes and how these in turn affect marine ecosystems and human societies. There is particular emphasis on how human activities are influencing the ocean and coastal environments and how we might manage these influences in the future.
• Written skills will be tested through the exam assessment. Employers specifically look for evidence that these are well-developed.
• This module will also provide practical skills in designing and conducting field based surveys of benthic communities and related physical parameters. Training in species identification will also be provided in the subsequent laboratory based practical.

Module content

N/A

Indicative assessment

Task	% of module mark
Online Exam - 24 hrs (Centrally scheduled)	100

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task	% of module mark
Essay/coursework	100

Module feedback

Written feedback will be provided on the exam and made available upon request. There will also be the opportunity for students to meet the course convenor to discuss performance in the exam. Written feedback will also be provided on the reassessment task if it is required.

Indicative reading

Pinet, PR. 2009. Invitation to Oceanography – 5^th edition. Jones & Barlett. 626 pp.

Denny, M. 2008. How the Ocean Works: An Introduction to Oceanography. Princeton University Press. 320 pp.