Marine Biodiversity

The course can be part of the following programmes:

1) Marine Science, Bachelor's Programme (N1MAV), 2) Marine Science, Master's Programme (N2MAV), 3) Bachelor's Programme in Biology (N1BIO), 4) Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science (N1MVN) and 5) Biology, Master's Programme (N2BIO)

Alternative 1: 60 credits of completed courses in biology.

Alternative 2: 105 credits of completed courses within natural sciences, including at least 45 credits in biology.

Alternative 3: 105 credits of completed courses within natural sciences, including at least 30 credits in biology and 30 credits in environmental sciences.

The course provides knowledge of collection and identification of marine animals and plants and about the biotopes they live in. The course gives an introduction to the common species in Swedish water, and to identification literature and nomenclature for the different organism groups and is divided into five modules that cover marine benthic invertebrates, zooplankton, macroalgae, microalgae and fish.

It is an applied course with much field and laboratory work. Basic taxonomic theory will also be presented (phylogeny and nomenclature).

The course intends to supplement and deepen knowledge in the taxonomy of marine organisms. After having completed the course, the student is expected to be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

• identify appropriate taxonomic literature that can be used for identification of marine organisms
• give an account of basic knowledge in taxonomic theory
• describe the distinctive features of the larger organism groups

Competence and skills

• use appropriate taxonomic literature for identification of marine organisms
• identify and name the more common marine organisms in Swedish water

Judgement and approach

• decide which organisms are found in different environments
• apply different methods for collection of marine organisms for taxonomic identification

The teaching consists of lectures, laboratory sessions, field trips and field studies. Active attendance in laboratory sessions, field trips and field work are compulsory.

Language of instruction:
English

Examination takes place via active attendance in laboratory sessions, field trips and fieldwork and through five tests (benthic invertebrates, microalgae, macroalgae, zooplankton and fish) where the students may identify a number of organisms. The tests can also include theoretical questions that have been brought up on lectures.

For students who have not passed the regular examination, additional examination sessions are offered. Possibilities to supplement failed compulsory components are limited, and are determined in consultation with course coordinator.

If a student who has been failed twice for the same examination element wishes to change examiner before the next examination session, such a request is to be granted unless there are specific reasons to the contrary (Chapter 6 Section 22 HF).

If a student has received a certificate of disability study support from the University of Gothenburg with a recommendation of adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment, an examiner may decide, if this is consistent with the course’s intended learning outcomes and provided that no unreasonable resources would be needed, to grant the student adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment.

If a course has been discontinued or undergone major changes, the student must be offered at least two examination sessions in addition to ordinary examination sessions. These sessions are to be spread over a period of at least one year but no more than two years after the course has been discontinued/changed.

If a student has been notified that they fulfil the requirements for being a student at Riksidrottsuniversitetet (RIU student), to combine elite sports activities with studies, the examiner is entitled to decide on adaptation of examinations if this is done in accordance with the Local rules regarding RIU students at the University of Gothenburg.

The grading scale comprises: Pass with Distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U).

For grade Pass (G), completed laboratory sessions, field trips and field work are required and all tests are passed.

For grade Pass with distinction (VG), completed laboratory sessions, field trips and field work are required, and VG on an average of the combined score of the tests. The grading scale is Pass with distinction (VG, 85 %), Pass (G, 60-85 %) or Fail (U, below 60 %).

Concerning application of the ECTS scale for grade please see the decision of Vice-chancellor 28/05/2007, dnr G 8 1976/07 and 28/02/2011, dnr O 2009/05545.

A written and/or oral evaluation is carried out at the end of the course. In the written evaluation, the student is anonymous.

The results of and possible changes to the course will be shared with students who participated in the evaluation and students who are starting the course.

Travel to and from, and stay at field station/research vessel leads to extra costs for the student.

MAR267 replaces the courses BIO267, BIN180, BIO265 and BIO266. None of these courses may be included simultaneously in a degree or be part of separate degrees where one builds upon the other.