COASTAL & ESTUARINE ECOLOGY

Environments close to shore are hugely ecologically important, not least in terms of their contributions to biodiversity, primary and secondary productivity. Coastal and Estuarine Ecology introduces students to a range of nearshore habitats and biota, the processes that operate in these environments, and potential threats through, for example, habitat destruction and alteration, overfishing, and climate change. Field research makes up a large component of the course and its assessment, with students given the opportunity to build proficiency in field observation and enquiry through five local field trips scheduled during the semester. Field dates and logistics are listed in the syllabus and updated on CourseWorks. Required trips take place on specified Fridays, with one Saturday reserved only as a weather make-up date.