| CODE | EMP2002 | ||||||||||||||||
| TITLE | Ocean Systems | ||||||||||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 02 - Years 2, 3 in Modular Undergraduate Course | ||||||||||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 5 | ||||||||||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 5 | ||||||||||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Environmental Management and Planning | ||||||||||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | This study-unit will address the various elements comprising ocean systems. The realms comprising the ocean (benthic and pelagic) will be examined in terms of different ocean zones and their plant and animal life. As important interfaces between land and water- ecozones, the intertidal (littoral) and estuarine zones will also be examined. The study-unit will review various marine ecosystems and their unique qualities. The strong influence of oceans on climate (at both long and short time-scales) will also be examined. Parameters that will be examined include the oceans' critical capacity to store heat and carbon, the movement of ocean waters by powerful currents and related transport of heat. The study-unit will examine the numerous physical and biological resources provided by the oceans and the way many of these have been mismanage, placing their future sustainability at risk. In view of the unprecedented activity that the ocean today faces, the need for management of oceanic resources will also be explored. Study-Unit Aims: This study-unit aims to give students: - An understanding of the richness and complexity of ocean systems; - An appreciation of the importance of the oceans for the functioning of other earth systems; - Knowledge of the unique challenges associated with managing the ocean system because of its unique nature as an open access resource; Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Describe the various elements comprising ocean systems, including the benthic and pelagic realms, ocean physiography and circulation systems; - Describe the biological productivity associated with the various marine ecosystems; - Explain the unique qualities of seawater in terms of its physics and chemistry; - Describe the influence of oceans on climate; - Review the physical, biological and spatial resources provided by the oceans; - Discuss the richness of the oceans in terms of the various life zones present. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Appraise the value of oceanic biological productivity and other resources provided by the oceans; - Assess the importance of the ocean and the atmosphere as dynamic components of the climate system; - Use fieldwork survey techniques and prepare corresponding data sets. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: - Segar, D.A. & Stamman Segar, E. 2018. Introduction to Ocean Science 4th Edition (ver 4.02), ISBN: 978-0-9857859-1-8. Available: http://www.reefimages.com/oceansci.php |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Fieldwork, Lab Sessions, Lectures & Seminar | ||||||||||||||||
| METHOD OF ASSESSMENT |
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| LECTURER/S | Joseph A. Borg (Co-ord.) Anthony Galea |
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2023/4. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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