6B008B - Marine and Freshwater Ecology 01 Sep 2027 - 31 Aug 2033 | Version 0

Associated Module Information

Module Code: 6B008B
Module Title: Marine and Freshwater Ecology
Faculty: Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science
Faculty Group: Applied Science
Faculty Sub Group: Biology and Chemistry
Module Leader: Rhian Newman
Module Team: Natalie Lubbock
First Intended Intake: SEP 2027 Final Year of Intake: 2032
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 30 Credit Level: 6
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 33
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100351 - marine biology
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 0
Valid From 01 Sep 2027
Valid To 31 Aug 2033

Module Aims

The main aims of the module are:

  • To develop an understanding of aquatic ecosystems, their ecological systems and processes, the physiology and behaviour of their plants and animals that inhabit them.

  • To apply theoretical knowledge and develop marine and freshwater practical skills through practical activities.

To critically evaluate the anthropogenic impacts and exploitation of aquatic ecosystems and animals that inhabit them

Content Summary

This module provides an in-depth exploration of aquatic ecosystems, their diversity and their ecological systems and processes. 

You will explore the physiology and behaviour of the organisms that inhabit these ecosystems and how these species can adapt to extreme aquatic environments.

Through engagement with scientific literature and real-world examples, you will develop an understanding of the impacts of anthropogenic activities and exploitation of aquatic organisms.

The module also utilises practical activities and computer-based simulations to explore and analyse the impact of management in mitigating against these anthropogenic threats.

Learning is supported through interactive, challenge-based group activities, computer simulations and theory driven workshop sessions.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Workshop 42
FieldWork 14
Summative Assessment 60
Directed Study 56
Guided Learning 10.5
Formative Assessment 30
Independent Study 87.5
Total Hours Selected 300

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Critically evaluate the physiological and behavioural adaptations of aquatic organisms in relation to their life histories, habitat requirements, and fluctuating environmental stressors throughout their life cycles.
LO2 Critique the impact of human exploitation on aquatic environments and apply advanced theoretical models and technical methodologies to the analysis of these systems.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Asynchronous Assessment Report 1 Students use simulation-generated data to evaluate fisheries management strategies 0 2000 40 No 40
Synchronous Onsite Practical Assessment Practical Coursework (Onsite) 1 Time-constrained, closed-book assessment designed to evaluate individual knowledge, critical thinking, and the ability to synthesise concepts across the module. 120 N/A 60 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Report 1
Practical Coursework (Onsite) 1

Reading List

Nybakken, J.W. (2000) Marine Biology: An Ecological Approach. 5th ed. San Francisco: Benjamin Cummings

Miller, C.B., and Wheeler, P.A. (2012) Biological Oceanography. 2nd ed. Oxford. Wiley-Blackwel

Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems (n.d.) Wiley. Available at: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10990755

Environmental Biology of Fishes (n.d.) Springer. Available at: https://www.springer.com/journal/10641

ICES Journal of Marine Science (n.d.) Oxford University Press. Available at: https://academic.oup.com/icesjms

Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology (n.d.) Elsevier. Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/journal-of-experimental-marine-biology-and-ecology

Limnology and Oceanography (n.d.) Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography. Available at: https://aslopubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/19395590

Marine Ecology Progress Series (n.d.) Inter-Research. Available at: https://www.int-res.com/journals/meps/