BL3318 Biology of Marine Organisms
(BL3318 online module handbook version 106)
image: cerdit: Chris Wattie/Reuters†
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.
*Credits: 20*
Semester: 2†
Module OrganiserPre-requisite Modules:Before taking this module you must pass 1 module from {BL2307, BL2311}. Before taking this module you must pass 1 module from {BL2304, BL2308, BL2312}*
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
BL3318: Assessment
3-hour Written Examination = 50%, Coursework = 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
BL3318: Contributing Staff †
BL3318: 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
BL3318: Acquired Skills †
Practical Skills
- Measuring specimens using calipers
- Purpose and practice of dissection
Transferable Skills
- Group discussion - participating
- Journal club
- Short individual presentation on given topic (up to 15 min)
- Short informal presentation (using PowerPoint or not)
- "Full" practical write-up (Intro, Methods, Results, Discussion)
- "Short" practical write-up (e.g. completed worksheet)
- Research proposal
- Critically evaluating sources/information
- Finding information on the web
- Finding literature
- Referencing
- Sourcing figures/tables
- Generating questions
- Online learning
- Peer assessment
- Problem-solving questions
- Calculations/equations
- Data analysis
- Data presentation
- Produce graphs/figures
- Produce tables
- Use other data analysis software
- Critiquing experimental design
- Generate class dataset
- Managing a team
- 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/
