This course will present a broad coverage of Zoology. Specific topics may include:

■ field work on terrestrial and aquatic habitats

■ invertebrate and vertebrate biology

■ marine and freshwater ecology

■ molecular techniques 

■ scientific writing 

■ ecological applications and tools 

The course will consist of lectures, laboratories and tutorials as arranged (the timetable varies from week to week).

In addition, there are two field courses in September and October - these may have residential or day field-work aspects.

BIOL4065 Marine & Freshwater Biology 3A

The course will be assessed by means of a 3-hour examination paper (60%) and in-course assessment (40%). The in-course assessment will include a fieldwork report, a poster presentation, an essay and a reflective statement.

The aims of the course are:

■ To provide students with a broad-based knowledge and understanding of Zoology; 

■ To develop skills in laboratory and field techniques in Zoology; 

■ To develop skills relating to the systematic acquisition of factual information and data; 

■ To provide opportunities to improve written and oral communication skills.

By the end of this course students will be able to: 

■ Demonstrate a broad understanding of the central facts and the experimental basis of modern Zoology; 

■ Solve problems of a logical nature in the context of this understanding; 

■ Apply practical skills in fundamental techniques in Zoology and analyse and interpret results obtained from using these techniques; 

■ Demonstrate proficient communication skills by giving well-constructed oral and written presentations; 

■ Appraise original scientific literature and promote critical thinking in relation to information obtained and communicated.