BL3308 Methods in Aquatic Biology

Academic year

2024 to 2025 Semester 1

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

20

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 9

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

Lectures: 10.00 am Mon, Tue and Wed; Practicals: 2.00 pm - 5.00 pm Thurs and Fri

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

Module coordinator

Dr I M Matthews

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

Module Staff

Team taught

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

Module description

The study of aquatic environments and organisms requires a wide variety of tools. This module introduces many of the tools used to study freshwater and marine environments and the organisms that inhabit these diverse habitats. Research methods covered include conductivity-temperature-pressure sensors, expendable bathythermographs, remote observational platforms (satellites, drones, ocean gliders, etc), passive and active acoustics, animal borne sensors, and methods for population abundance assessment and behavioural observations. This module involves a residential field trip to a field station in the Scottish Highlands.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST PASS BL2300

Co-requisites

YOU MUST ALSO TAKE BL3000

Assessment pattern

Written Exam = 50%, Coursework = 50%

Re-assessment

Written Exam = 50%, Coursework = 50%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

3x1-hour lectures (x11 weeks), 4x3-hour practicals, 1x3-day residential field course

Scheduled learning hours

50

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

Guided independent study hours

150

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