University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 15

ECTS credits : 7

Level : SCQF level 10

Semester: 1

Availability restrictions: Not automatically available to General Degree students

Planned timetable: To be confirmed

This module aims to give a broad overview of the different environmental drivers of marine ecosystems. Shorter term processes in the ocean and atmosphere as well climate define marine habitats and a series of lectures will be provided to assure that students have the broad background required to tackle primary literature in this field and can apply their knowledge within different fields of marine science.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisite(s): Permission of Biology Honours Adviser required

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 2-hour lectures (x10 weeks), 2x4-hour seminars

Scheduled learning hours: 28

Guided independent study hours: 118

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: Coursework = 100%

As defined by QAA
Written examinations : 60%
Practical examinations : 40%
Coursework: 0%

Re-assessment: Coursework = 100%

Personnel

Module coordinator: Dr L Boehme
Module teaching staff: Dr L Boehme

Intended learning outcomes

• understand the basic physical properties of the ocean.
• understand what drives ocean currents.
• see the ocean as one of the most important drivers of our climate.
• link physical oceanography and marine biology.
• see how the physical oceanographic environment determines the ocean as a habitat.