BL2311 The Oceans
(BL2311 online module handbook version )
image: BL2311 : The Oceans†
The oceans hold approximately 97% of the earths water and are a vital component of life on this planet. This module introduces basic concepts in biological and physical oceanography. It provides an understanding of physical processes such as circulation patterns, waves and tides, and how these physical processes affect plants and animals living in the different ocean biomes. We will discuss ocean habitats ranging from the coasts to the deep sea and from polar to tropical environments.
*Credits: 15*
Semester: 1†
Module OrganiserPre-requisite Modules:Before taking this module you must pass BL1102*
Anti-requisite Modules:*
Post-requisite Modules:*
Additional Module Information:
Biology Teaching Office:
Level 2, Biomolecular Sciences Building, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9ST
Email: bioteach@st-andrews.ac.uk Phone: +44 (0)1334 46 3602 or 3566
BL2311: Assessment
Coursework = 30%, Practical examination = 20%, Written Examination = 50%*
The following related information applies to all Biology modules:
Who to ask †
(Information in this section applies to all Biology Modules)
Before contacting staff, students should check the content of the Biology Undergraduate Handbook, the module handbook and specific task instructions.
Biology Teaching Office:
We are happy to hear from you about teaching matters. The School of Biology Teaching Office is open Monday to Friday 09.00 - 13.00 and 14.00 - 17.00. School of Biology staff will respond to your emails during these hours. Our team will provide a response to you within three working days.
Biology Teaching Office (Level 2), University of St Andrews, Biomolecular Sciences Building, North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9ST
Email: bioteach@st-andrews.ac.uk
Tel: 01334 46 3602 or 3566
BL2311: Contributing Staff †
BL2311: Learning Outcomes †
Students completing module BL2311 successfully should be able to:
- Communicate scientific concepts and results clearly and concisely
- Explain water movement patterns at different scales
- Describe properties of sea water and explain the impact these properties have on marine organisms
- Model the effect of ocean currents and conditions on global climate and weather patterns and interpret the output of models
- Explain some physical-biological interactions in the sea
- Describe the ways in which humans are impacting the ocean
- Explain some effects of ocean acidification on the marine environment and life in the ocean
BL2311: Acquired Skills †
Practical Skills
Transferable Skills
- Group discussion - leading
- Group discussion - participating
- "Full" practical write-up (Intro, Methods, Results, Discussion)
- "Short" practical write-up (e.g. completed worksheet)
- Project report
- Short essay (1000-2000 words)
- Critically evaluating sources/information
- Finding information on the web
- Finding literature
- Referencing
- Generating questions
- Peer assessment
- Problem-solving questions
- Acoustic analysis
- Calculations/equations
- Data analysis
- Data presentation
- Designing experiments
- Organising group work
- Working in pairs/small groups
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 UG handbook  JH booklet info (st-andrews.ac.uk)Â
- 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 UG hand book JH booklet info (st-andrews.ac.uk)  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/
