Third year

SEMESTER ONE

Module leader: Dr Maeve Kelly
This module examines current local and global trends in aquaculture, its history, its impact and development of aquaculture technology.

Subjects covered include: Principles of aquaculture; the biology of a wide range of species (including algae, shellfish and marine and freshwater fish) currently cultured or likely to be cultured in the future; the physical and biological parameters required for successful husbandry; hatchery technology; common diseases, parasites and predators; economics of aquaculture industry; and its environmental impacts. The course includes a half-day visit to a commercial halibut rearing unit and a full day visit to see brood fish, juveniles and live feed culture facilities. Practical sessions include the design and implementation of a growth-trial and practical aspects of aquarium management.
 

Module leader: Dr Clive Fox
Fisheries are one of the key factors impacting marine ecosystems world-wide. In this module students examine the underlying science, technology and policy relating to marine fisheries. Social, political and economic issues of fisheries are dealt with as are the environmental impacts of fishing and recent developments in fisheries management such as marine protected areas. The module includes practical work such as conducting a survey using research trawls in local waters and the use of computer models in fisheries science. The module will give students a solid and comprehensive grounding in modern fisheries ecology.
 

Module leader: This module was developed by Dr Elanor Bell who left SAMS in spring 2011 - current module leadership is under discussion
In this module students develop a sound knowledge of the fundamental principles of marine conservation in the context of sustainable development as well as an understanding of the tools available for mitigation of pressures on, management and conservation of, global marine ecosystems. This is a topical module and includes areas such as the concept of biodiversity, the influence of human activities on marine ecosystems and environmental impact assessment.
 

Module leader: Dr Robert Turnewitsch
The Marine Pollution module develops a firm understanding of the complex scientific issues surrounding contamination of marine environments through human activity.
Students are encouraged to investigate a range of chemical pollutants (i.e. organic compounds, trace metals, radionucliatides) and biological effects (e.g. bioaccumulation of toxins, development of harmful algal blooms and ecotoxicological impacts). They explore mechanisms by which contaminants affect biotic processes, evaluate the consequences of pollution for the functioning of marine ecosystems, and interpret laboratory data in the context of field sampling strategies and theoretical concepts. Practical sessions begin with a sampling trip to collect sediment cores from Loch Creran, followed by chemical and biological investigations in the laboratory.
Students take a more proactive role in their learning over the course of this module. A series of lectures are accompanied by a ‘learning task’ which is supported through tutorials and/or student-led seminars. Learning tasks may take the form of literature reviews, student presentations, or manipulations of computer modelling software.
 

Module leader: Dr Ben Wilson
Starting from a broad look at evolutionary principles and classification systems, and an introduction to functional biology, this module explores all taxonomic animal groups represented in the marine environment, with a special focus on marine mammals.
In this module students visit an aquarium to delve into taxonomic diversity, conduct laboratory experiments to explore aspects of functional biology and observe a marine mammal post-mortem.
 

Module leader: Dr Keith Davidson
This module provides students with the opportunity for a comprehensive examination of the role of micro-organisms in marine ecosystems and the techniques used in their study. In particular, students will study the physiology and ecology of bacteria, phytoplankton and protozoa and how they interact within the marine microbial food web. The module employs a combination of classroom lectures and laboratory studies.
 

SEMESTER TWO

Module leader: Dr Tim O'Higgins
In this module students conduct their first short research project in a chosen field of study, based within one of the SAMS research groups. The data from the project are presented as scientific posters and in the form of a report. The aim of the project is for the students to develop the planning, performance, analytical and reporting skills needed to be a scientist. Making scientific posters is an important part of transferring the scientific knowledge you have to fellow scientists and the public. Students are supposed to work independently and one day a week is set aside to work on you project. Generally projects are suggested by research staff and chosen by the students, although students can (and have in the past) suggested a project that they would like to do and picked their own supervisors.
 

Module leader: Dr Angela Hatton
This module develops a firm understanding of the transport and transformation processes of elements in the natural environment, and evaluates the role of the oceans in the global biogeochemical cycling of these elements.
 

Module leader: Dr David Green
This module builds on the second year optional module in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology by further exploring the theory and practice of biochemistry and molecular biology as it pertains to marine biotechnology.
Students will investigate the potential for using marine organisms as a source of materials and processes for use in pharmaceuticals, vaccines, anti-foulants, dietary supplements, bio-fuels etc.
 

Module leader: Dr Keith Jackson
This module provides an introduction to the technologies that are behind observation of the oceans and the cryosphere. The module shows how basic physical concepts can be applied to the development of sensors, instruments and communication systems. Topics covered include a review of basic physics and mathematics, mechanics, electronics and satellite communication and positioning systems. Lab work covers basic electronics, temperature sensors and mechanics, and a project on satellite technology.
 

Module leader: Prof Toby Sherwin
This module examines the circulations of the great water masses in the world ocean, how they lead to a continuing renewal of ocean water at all points of the ocean, and how this circulation moderates the climate of the Earth.
Topics covered are: the circulation patterns of the surface waters; the hidden pathways of deep cold polar waters; the transports of heat and freshwater and how they are measured and quantified; the definition and identification of water masses; the large scale forcing agencies of wind and differential heating; cyclogenesis, and how the ocean forces the atmosphere; natural variability and large scale oscillations in the atmosphere / ocean system (NAO, ENSO); climate models and future climates.
 

Module leader: Dr Thom Nickell
This module develops awareness, knowledge and understanding of the roles of marine sediments in the global cycling of matter and energy and in the development of the palaeorecord.