MSc in Marine Biology

Institution University of Essex, Colchester Campus
Method At the institution
Location Colchester
Type Masters
Course fee By request

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MSc in Marine Biology

Objectives To develop students' knowledge on key aspects (zoology, primary productivity, mariculture and fisheries, practical and research skills) of marine biology and ecology. To enhance students' knowledge of applied marine biology (management, mariculture fisheries and biotechnology). To enhance students' ability to devise, initiate, undertake and communicate the results of, a research task. To enable students to conduct primary research in the field of marine biology. Develop a range of transferable skills including information retrieval, evaluation and synthesis, numeracy, ITC skills, presentation skills, effective working with others, complex problem solving, self-evaluation and reflection, and independent learning ability.
Entry requirements Entry Qualifications 2:ii honours degree Language requirements: IELTS 6.0/TOEFL 540
Academic title MSc in Marine Biology
Course description
Course Description
The MSc in Marine Biology utilises the international expertise in teaching and in research within the Department. Students are taught by experts from the Marine Sciences Research Group, which focuses on the ecological and environmental aspects of the world’s oceans, coastal seas and estuaries, with particular strengths in marine and freshwater biology, coral reef biology and environmental microbiology.

Modules and Options

The lists of modules below represent the range of options available for each year of study. This may not be a complete list of the options you will study, and may be subject to change, so please contact the department for further details.

Stage 1

    Compulsory: ENVIRONMENTAL SEMINARS
    CORAL REEF CONSERVATION MANGAGMENT FIELD MODULE
    Core: MARICULTURE AND FISHERIES
    Core: MARINE MICROBIAL ECOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
    Core: MARINE PRACTICAL SKILLS
    Core: MARINE PRIMARY PRODUCTIVITY
    Core: MARINE ZOOLOGY
    Core: RESEARCH PROJECT: MSC MARINE BIOLOGY
    Core: RESEARCH SKILLS AND DATA ANALYSIS
    ECONOMICS AND LAW
    POLITICS AND SOCIETY

Teaching and Assessment Methods

A: Knowledge and Understanding
    Learning Outcomes
    A1 : Detailed, up to date knowledge of marine fauna and flora and their role in marine systems
    A2 : An understanding of how historical and recent environmental change has affected marine systems, informed by recent research
    A3 : Current understanding of the structure of marine communities and transfer of energy and matter through marine foodwebs
    A4 : Knowledge of applied marine biology
    A5 : Knowledge of factors adversely impacting marine systems and possible management strategies
    A6 : Understanding of the inter-disciplinary nature of marine management
    A7 : A comprehensive knowledge and understanding of a selected topical research area and appropriate research methods

    Teaching Methods
    A1-A6 are developed through the Thematic Module lectures, environmental seminars and related assessed coursework (with feedback from it). They are also developed throughout the dissertation in close consultation with a supervisor.

    Students are expected to extend and enhance their knowledge and understanding acquired from seminars and lectures by consulting library and other materials related to the course. Such independent research is a fundamental part of most assessments.

    A7 is developed through the Research Skills module, and in the research project.

    Assessment Methods
    A1-A6 are assessed through a variety of coursework, comprising the 'core' scientific essays, and a range of other written work for different audiences (e.g. scientific posters, popular science articles, scientific papers) and through reflective journals and worksheets.

    A7 is assessed by a dissertation

B: Intellectual/Cognitive Skills
    Learning Outcomes
    B1 : Systematically retrieve, select and integrate a variety of marine biology based information
    B2 : Synthesise and critically appraise evidence, arguments and ideas from different sources in a self-directed manner, leading to coherent and logical analyses
    B3 : Reason critically and offer judgements based on argument that can be communicated effectively to specialist and non-specialist audiences
    B4 : Think independently to make connections between familiar and new ideas
    B5 : Integrate and link relevant information across course components
    B6 : Plan and conduct a substantial research project with guidance from a supervisor, and present it in a coherent manner

    Teaching Methods
    B1-B5 are taught and developed through seminars, lectures, coursework and its associated feedback and group sessions. The seminars and group sessions encourage critical discussion, together with an emphasis on ability to reason and argue coherently, and to learn from others.

    B6 is developed through the dissertation plan and execution and during the the research project component of the optional coral reef conservation module.

    Assessment Methods
    B1-B5 are assessed through coursework essays of differing length and an oral presentation.

    B6 is assessed in the substantial dissertation based on the project and during the optional Coral Reef Conservation module and its research project component.

C: Practical Skills
    Learning Outcomes
    C1 : General research skills: capacity to locate, access and summarise appropriate material and datasets
    C2 : Skills in conducting scientific surveys, interview and research tasks
    C3 : General and specific laboratory and field based skills, including using up-to-date equipment and techniques
    C4 : Capacity to formulate an appropriate, feasible research question and design a programme to carry it out

    Teaching Methods
    C1-C3 are primarily taught through the research skills and data analysis module and through the dedicated module in Marine Practical Skills. The coursework components of each module will also provide experience and feedback related to literature based research skills and formulation of research questions.

    Considerable autonomy is encouraged in researching all assessed essays (for Core and Thematic seminars and optional modules).

    Assessment Methods
    C1-C3 are assessed through the different components of the research skills and data analysis module and through the specific tasks of the Marine Practical Skills module. C4 will be assessed through the dissertation where students will demonstrate their research and practical based skills. The optional coral reef management module will also provide an opportunity for students to undertake a specific research task. All modules have associated coursework which will enable appropriate assessment of students.

D: Key Skills
    Learning Outcomes
    D1 : (i) Able to produce a range of written reports and material (e.g. scientific papers, popular science articles, industrial and commercial reports and scientific posters) using proper academic and science based conventions and accepted formats where appropriate (ii) Give a well-structured, coherent, concise and effective oral presentation
    D2 : Able to: (i) Use current networked PC operating systems for normal file management, (ii) Use current common word-processing, spreadsheet, web browsing and email software, (iii) locate and use on-line catalogues and databases (iv) use statistical packages.
    D3 : Apply appropriate methods to gather and analyse quantitative and qualitative data
    D4 : Explore, analyse and find effective solutions for sicentific problems involving a variety of information from different scientific disciplines
    D5 : Identify individual and team strengths and to coordinate activity to work effectively and productively as a team.
    D6 : (i) Work to deadlines, including planning and time-management to meet assessment targets, (ii) Develop work independently of guidance for extended periods (iii) evaluate and reflect on own performance

    Teaching Methods
    D1 and D4 are developed through coursework, the research project, the dedicated module in research skills and data anlysis and throughout the marine practical skills module.

    D5 Does not form a large component of the degree but is addressed in the research skills module and during the optional coral reef conservation module.

    D6 is developed through the initial course briefing, course assessments, rigid deadlines and feedback on assignments.

    Assessment Methods
    D1-D4 are assessed through coursework, the research skills module, the marine practical skills module, the research project and through oral presentations. All dissertations are only acceptable in word-processed form, and must be presented according to the programme's rules.

    D6 is assessed indirectly by assessing coursework, by imposing strict deadlines for assignments and by awarding marks for evidence of extra reading/going beyond lecture material.