School of Biology current student

Information for current students at the School of Biology

Biology Online Module Handbook

BL4251 Tropical Marine Biology

(BL4251 online module handbook version 97)

cover image

image: Tropical Marine Reef System

The goal of this module is to examine the ecological and biological principles underpinning the major tropical marine ecosystems. The module provides an understanding of the ecological processes that control tropical marine ecosystems, and considers the organisms that are characteristic of each. All the major tropical marine habitats will be considered, but with a focus on coral reef, seagrass and mangrove ecosystems. The module also tackles topical research areas on the subject through student-led seminars, which will vary depending on the latest scientific research and the specific interests of participants. On completion of the module, students will have an understanding of coral reef, mangrove and seagrass ecology. They will understand the biology and physiology of corals and be able to identify the major phyla associated with tropical marine ecosystems. The module will also provide an understanding of the threats to tropical marine habitats, current research trends on tropical marine systems, and the scientific approaches and techniques used tackle scientific questions relating to tropical marine biology.*

Credits: 15*

Semester: 1

Module Organiser
Dr Miguel Barbosa
mb334@st-andrews.ac.uk
01334 463341
Pre-requisite Modules:
*
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

BL4251: Timetable

No details are currently available for BL4251 Timetable

Data Sources: information in this online module handbook is gathered from several sources.
Small footnote marks beside content, or by section titles indicate the source.
* University of St Andrews Module Catalogue
School of Biology Symbiosis Database (module organisers only)
University of St Andrews MMS (St Andrews users only)

BL4251: Assessment

Coursework = 100%*

The following related information applies to all Biology modules:

School of Biology Marking Criteria: See JH booklet info (st-andrews.ac.uk) 
Late submission of continuous assessment work:

All late submissions of coursework that do not require electronic submission should be made via the Biology Teaching Office, Level 2, BMS Building, North Haugh.
Exam details: See School of Biology UG Handbook JH booklet info (st-andrews.ac.uk)  : All Biology exams will be conducted online for 2022-23.
Exam timetable: See Timetables - Exams - University of St Andrews (st-andrews.ac.uk) 
Expected attendance: See JH booklet info (st-andrews.ac.uk)  for detailed attendance requirements.
Good Academic Practice & Avoiding Academic Misconduct: See JH booklet info (st-andrews.ac.uk)
University Student Handbook: University Student Handbook
School and University regulations in the School and University Undergraduate Handbook 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 Alerts.: JH booklet info (st-andrews.ac.uk)
University Student Handbook
Data Sources: information in this online module handbook is gathered from several sources.
Small footnote marks beside content, or by section titles indicate the source.
* University of St Andrews Module Catalogue
School of Biology Symbiosis Database (module organisers only)
University of St Andrews MMS (St Andrews users only)

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.

Questions about Contact
General teaching matters Biology Teaching Office ( bioteach@st-andrews.ac.uk )
Rescheduled or cancelled events Check your University email
Lecture or practical content The lecturer who presented the material
Completing assessed practical assignments The lecturer who set the assignment
Completing assessments Module Organiser (Dr Miguel Barbosa mb334@st-andrews.ac.uk)
Marking on continuous assessment The Demonstrator or Module Organiser (Dr Miguel Barbosa mb334@st-andrews.ac.uk)
Marking on exams Module Organiser (Dr Miguel Barbosa mb334@st-andrews.ac.uk)
Rearranging practical days
Module Organiser (Dr Miguel Barbosa mb334@st-andrews.ac.uk)
Absence and/or extensions Module Organiser (Dr Miguel Barbosa mb334@st-andrews.ac.uk)

and the Biology Teaching Office ( bioteach@st-andrews.ac.uk )

Difficulties with academic progress which impact more than one module:

Year Coordinator

See School of Biology UG Handbook for list:
JH booklet info (st-andrews.ac.uk)

Overall performance, progress or future directions:

Advisor of Studies

Disability:

Disability Coordinator ( biodisabilities@st-andrews.ac.uk )

For advice and support on any issue e.g. academic, financial, international, personal or health matters, or if you are unsure of who to go to for help:

Advice & Support Centre

Address: 79 North Street, St Andrews

Email: theasc@st-andrews.ac.uk

Web: https://www.standrews.ac.uk/ask-a-question/

Tel: 01334 462020

University assistance with urgent matters out of office hours:

Tel: 01334 476161

Web: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/students/advice/counselling/incrisis/

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

BL4251: Contributing Staff

Dr Miguel Barbosa
(Module Organiser)

Lecturer in Marine Biologymb334@st-andrews.ac.uk
Dr Miguel Barbosa
(Module Organiser)
Lecturer in Marine Biologymb334@st-andrews.ac.uk
Dr James CantResearch Fellowjic2@st-andrews.ac.uk
Prof Maria DornelasProfessormaadd@st-andrews.ac.uk
Mr Garrett FundakowskiPostgraduate Studentgf64@st-andrews.ac.uk
Data Sources: information in this online module handbook is gathered from several sources.
Small footnote marks beside content, or by section titles indicate the source.
* University of St Andrews Module Catalogue
School of Biology Symbiosis Database (module organisers only)
University of St Andrews MMS (St Andrews users only)

BL4251: Learning Outcomes

Students completing module BL4251 successfully should be able to:

  • 6. Understanding of the scientific approaches and techniques used to tackle scientific questions relating to tropical marine biology
  • 1. Understanding of mangrove, seagrass and coral reef ecology
  • 2. Understanding of the biology and physiology of corals
  • 3. Ability to identify the major phyla associated with tropical marine ecosystems
  • 4. Understanding of the threats to tropical marine habitats
  • 5. Awareness of current research trends on tropical marine systems
  • 7. Understanding the principles of social ecological management in marine conservation
Data Sources: information in this online module handbook is gathered from several sources.
Small footnote marks beside content, or by section titles indicate the source.
* University of St Andrews Module Catalogue
School of Biology Symbiosis Database (module organisers only)
University of St Andrews MMS (St Andrews users only)

BL4251: Acquired Skills

Practical Skills

  • Fieldwork safety awareness
  • Scientific diving

Transferable Skills

  • Conducting interviews
  • Group discussion - leading
  • Group discussion - participating
  • Long individual presentation on given topic (>15 min)
  • Podcast
  • Short group presentation on given topic (up to 15 min)
  • Short individual presentation on given topic (up to 15 min)
  • Short individual presentation on project idea (up to 15 min)
  • "Full" practical write-up (Intro, Methods, Results, Discussion)
  • Blog
  • Handout (for presentation or poster)
  • Project report
  • Research proposal
  • Response to comments on proposal
  • Critically evaluating sources/information
  • Finding information on the web
  • Finding literature
  • Referencing
  • Searching databases
  • Sourcing figures/tables
  • Ethical considerations
  • Generating questions
  • Peer assessment
  • Reflective analysis
  • Self assessment
  • Critiquing experimental design
  • Designing experiments
  • Sustainability Related Skills
  • Organising group work
Data Sources: information in this online module handbook is gathered from several sources.
Small footnote marks beside content, or by section titles indicate the source.
* University of St Andrews Module Catalogue
School of Biology Symbiosis Database (module organisers only)
University of St Andrews MMS (St Andrews users only)

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) 
  • 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/