BL4296 Biology and Ecology of Antarctic Krill

Academic year

2023 to 2024 Semester 2

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

15

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 10

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Planned timetable

To be confirmed

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Prof A S Brierley

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Prof A Brierley

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

This module will provide students with a detailed knowledge of the biology and ecology of Antarctic krill. Antarctic krill are at the hub of the Southern Ocean ecosystem, are fished commercially, and are at risk from the rapid climate change that the Antarctic is presently experiencing. As such, krill provide an excellent example for many of the pressures that marine organisms and ecosystems are now being exposed to. The module will be a vehicle for students to draw upon physiological and ecological knowledge they have obtained in years 1 to 3, and to apply it to sustainable marine resource management in an ecosystem context.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST PASS BL3308 OR PASS BL3309 OR PASS BL3318

Assessment pattern

100% coursework

Re-assessment

100% coursework

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

1-2 2 hour lectures (x4 weeks) 2 hour seminar (x1 week) 2 hour student-led sessions (x4 weeks) 4 hour workshop (x1 week)

Scheduled learning hours

26

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

120

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.

Intended learning outcomes

  • Explain in detail the historical background to the conservation of, and threats to, biodiversity in Scotland.
  • Understand the ecological, social, economic and political challenges associated with rewilding and conservation.
  • Work with ecological stakeholders to discuss and understand the socio-ecology of re-wilding.
  • Understand the biology and ecology of Antarctic krill, its fisheries exploitation, and efforts to manage in an ecosystem context.
  • Understand the limitations in survey data, and the interpretation of such data in light of the precautionary principle.
  • Communicate clearly (written and verbal) and present scientific data and uncertainty in a responsible manner.