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Overview

An introduction to physical, chemical and biological processes and their co-dependencies in the global ocean system.

A varied and exciting introduction to the diversity of disciplines that constitute marine science. In this paper we investigate a series of important biological processes and how they interact with each other. We focus first on how the oceans came to be. We then delve into marine biodiversity and ecology, with fascinating lectures on plankton, invertebrates, marine birds and mammals. We then discuss how these groups detect and respond to changes in their environment. Lastly, we examine the enormously valuable resources extracted from the ocean, such as fisheries and aquaculture, and, consequently, how human activities are threatening the marine environment. The lectures are complemented by hands-on practicals and field-trips utilising the University's research vessels.

About this paper

Paper title Marine Biology: The Living Ocean
Subject Marine Science
EFTS 0.15
Points 18 points
Teaching period Semester 2 (On campus)
Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $1,318.20
International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
Schedule C
Science
Contact

Dr Rebecca James

Teaching staff

Course Co-ordinator: Dr Rebecca James
Teaching Fellow: Dr Ursula Ellenberg

Textbooks

Recommended:
Oceanography: an invitation to Marine Science, by Tom Garrison, 2015.

Graduate Attributes Emphasised
Global perspective, Interdisciplinary perspective, Scholarship, Critical thinking, Environmental literacy, Information literacy, Self-motivation, Teamwork.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
Learning Outcomes

Students will be introduced to the scope of marine science, learning how marine organisms survive and interact in the world's oceans. They will gain skills in critical evaluation, data presentation and report writing, as well as practical analytical and field experience.

Overview

An introduction to physical, chemical and biological processes and their co-dependencies in the global ocean system.

A varied and exciting introduction to the diversity of disciplines that constitute marine science. In this paper, we examine a range of key biological processes and explore their interactions with one another. We begin by focusing on life in the ocean, considering the environmental conditions that marine organisms must endure. We then delve into marine biodiversity and ecology, with fascinating lectures on seaweeds, seagrasses, plankton, microbes, invertebrates, fish, sharks, marine birds and mammals. We examine how these groups respond to changes in their environment and how life in the ocean has evolved throughout Earth's history. Lastly, we examine the enormously valuable resources derived from mining, fisheries and aquaculture, and consider how human activities both threaten the marine environment but, when done sustainably, can provide solutions for addressing challenges facing society. The lectures are complemented by hands-on practicals and field-trips utilising the University's research vessels.

About this paper

Paper title Marine Biology: The Living Ocean
Subject Marine Science
EFTS 0.15
Points 18 points
Teaching period Semester 2 (On campus)
Domestic Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for 2027 have not yet been set
International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
Schedule C
Science
Contact

rebecca.james@otago.ac.nz

Teaching staff

Course Co-ordinator: Dr Rebecca James
Teaching Fellow: Dr Ursula Ellenberg

Textbooks

Recommended: Oceanography: an invitation to Marine Science, by Tom Garrison, 2015.

Graduate Attributes Emphasised
Global perspective, Interdisciplinary perspective, Scholarship, Critical thinking, Environmental literacy, Information literacy, Self-motivation, Teamwork.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
Learning Outcomes

Students will be introduced to the scope of marine science, learning how marine organisms survive and interact in the world's oceans. They will gain skills in critical evaluation, data presentation and report writing, as well as practical analytical and field experience.

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