Course Details in 2026/27 Session

Module Title	LI Field Course: Adaptations to Aquatic Environments
School	School of Bioscience
Department	School of Biosciences
Module Code	03 24986
Module Lead	Julia Lodge
Level	Intermediate Level
Credits	20
Semester	Semester 2
Pre-requisites	LC Introduction to Evolution and Animal Biology - (03 22924)
Co-requisites
Restrictions	Maximum Student Numbers: 25
Exclusions
Description	The module is a residential field course based at a Field centre with access to suitable Rocky Shore locations. You will be able to spend 2 days on the sea shore examining the chemical and physical conditions on the sea shore that make it a unique life support system, and how representatives of different animal and plant phyla have adapted their behaviour and physiology to meet the variable conditions prevailing in their natural environment. A major feature of the course is the opportunity to spend a further 4 days as part of a small group on a project designed to examine physiological or behavioural adaptations to aquatic environments. This work will then be written up independently. Students will be expected to present their findings orally. The module will allow students to develop planning and organisational skills as well as skills of experimental design,data analysis, communication and teamwork. The lecture component of the module will introduce you to the biotic and abiotic characteristics of the marine environment with particular reference to the littoral (shore) zone. You will learn about the abundance and diversity of animals and plants that inhabit the marine littoral and their specific adaptations to life in this challenging and highly unpredictable environment.
Learning Outcomes	By the end of the module students should be able to: Identify key species found on the seashore environment at Orielton; Explain, using specific examples, how environmental conditions change in different zones of the seashore environment, and how these changes influence the distribution, abundance and diversity of the resident fauna and flora; Describe the range of physiological and behavioural adaptations that allow organisms to survive and reproduce in this environment; Show competence in some basic field, lab and analytical techniques for studying animal and plant diversity and distribution; Keep a formal record of data collected in the field using a field journal; Work in small teams and individually to solve the practical and theoretical problems encountered during field or laboratory projects; Write up an independent research project to provide an evidence base supporting the achievement of learning outcomes 1-6; Present the results of research/practical work and communicate these findings orally.
Assessment	24986-01 : Continuous Assessment : Coursework (100%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	Assessment: 100% Continuous Assessment. Reassessment: Resubmission of failed elements of coursework
Other	None
Reading List