First year

SEMESTER ONE

Module leader: Dr John Howe
This module introduces students to the fundamental principles and processes of geology.
Topics covered include: the structure and origin of the Earth; the origin and classification of the main rock types; the formation and interpretation of geological structures; the processes of erosion, transport and deposition; an overview of the evolution of life on Earth; and an introduction to the main fossil groups.
A one-day field course introduces the basics of geological fieldwork and is based on the Isle of Kerrera.
 

Module leader: Dr Angela Hatton
This module furnishes students with the basics and fundamental tools of chemistry that underpin our understanding of marine processes. The course is taught with an emphasis on the marine chemical systems, and accommodates students with little prior knowledge of chemistry.
We cover the basics of atomic structure, chemical bonding, reactivity, equilibrium and kinetics, chemical calculations, and organic chemistry. Students gain a thorough grounding in basic laboratory techniques and reporting through a series of practical sessions. These focus on methodology pertinent to the marine sciences and use real-world environmental samples.
 

Module leader: Shona Magill
In this module students gain an overview over the entire field of marine science, providing them with a first understanding of the different sub-disciplines and how they interrelate. IMS develops the concept of marine science as an interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary subject, and guides students to develop the knowledge and understanding required for the Marine Field Course.
Students learn about the fundamental biological, chemical, physical and geological processes in the ocean, about the history of marine science, and about the multiple and complex interactions between humans and the marine environment.
The module is delivered through a virtual learning environment (i.e. online) but is supported by face-to-face tutorials.
 

Module leader: Linda Robb
This module has two independently assessed components: computing and communications, and runs over both semesters.
The IT component comprises the European Computer Driving Licence.
The communication component introduces the different ways of communicating science to various audiences, from peers and lecturers to the public. Students develop skills in report and essay writing, selection and analysis of information from multiple sources, oral presentation, team working, and video-conferencing.
The knowledge and skills covered in this module are essential transferable skills and will be applied and further developed throughout all modules. Mastery of these skills increases confidence and is greatly appreciated by employers.
 

SEMESTER TWO

Module leader: Colin Griffiths
This module teaches students a wide range of practical mathematics that they will need to present, analyse and discuss data acquired during practical and assignment work for the main marine curriculum areas.
For students who require extra support in mathematics, a voluntary 'basic maths' module runs in semester 1. This unassessed module operates in tutorial form and supports students who wish to revise the elements of mathematics that will be required to complete the subsequent Mathematics and Statistics for Science module.
 

Module leader: Dr Finlo Cottier
All areas of marine science are affected by physics in some way, whether it is tides on the shore, the pressures in the deep ocean or the tracking seals using satellite transmitters. The aim of this module is to introduce students to the basic principles of the physical world. It develops the students' knowledge and intuition of physical phenomena and their appreciation of the marine system. Topics covered in the module include the physics of forces, motion, waves, fluids and optics. This module provides the building blocks for physical science modules in higher years and ensures that all students enter their second year on an equal footing.
 

Module leader: Shona Magill
This module develops knowledge and understanding of basic principles and concepts in biology from a wide range of biological topics including an introduction to marine organisms, ecology, genetics, biochemistry, biotechnology, and ethics. As part of this module, basic laboratory skills are taught along with microscopy. A short field trip introduces students to biological sampling and surveying techniques.
 

Module leader: Colin Griffiths
This module introduces students to a variety of sampling techniques and familiarises them with using specialised equipment for biological, chemical, physical and geological sampling in near-shore and offshore coastal environments.
The Marine Field Course involves a week-long mix of shore and boat sampling work. Students are encouraged to work in groups and individually on diverse aspects of marine sampling such as underwater video, measuring the physical and chemical parameters of the water column, benthic sampling, rocky and sandy shore ecology and inshore trawling.