Course overview
This course develops students’ understanding of foundational marine ecological principles and their application to real-world environmental decision-making. Students examine the processes shaping the distribution and abundance of marine organisms, including natural and anthropogenic drivers, and gain practical experience in field data collection and ecological analysis. An optional field camp during the mid-semester break provides additional hands-on experience with marine ecological survey methods. Through online learning, fieldwork, class discussions and data interpretation, students build skills in scientific inquiry and evidence-based reasoning. These foundations are then applied to a marine management scenario, where students evaluate environmental impacts, design monitoring strategies, and communicate scientific recommendations. The course prepares students to critically assess ecological evidence and contribute to informed, transparent decision-making in marine environmental management.
- Marine Ecosystems: Patterns, Processes and Change
- Marine Environmental Impact Assessments
Course learning outcomes
- Demonstrate knowledge of key marine ecological concepts governing the distribution, abundance, and interactions of marine organisms, including the influence of natural and anthropogenic drivers.
- Design and implement basic marine ecological field surveys using appropriate and ethical field methodologies.
- Analyse and interpret ecological datasets to identify patterns, assess environmental change, and draw evidence-based conclusions.
- Evaluate potential environmental impacts by applying ecological theory, monitoring frameworks, and evidence-based reasoning.
- Communicate scientific findings and recommendations effectively to both specialist and non-specialist audiences through oral presentations and written formats.