Master's Degree in Marine Ecology (MECO): 2014-15


Branch of Knowledge Sciences
Organising Body(ies)
Programme management board
Number of Credits 60
Places available for new applicants 50
Type

On-site

BOE publication date
BOE Programme publication date
Administration Service
Contact person(s)
Teaching Building
Supervising centre Centre for Postgraduate Studies
Public price per credit
  • 1st registration : 32,47€
  • 2nd registration : 52,75€
  • 3rd registration : 52,75€
  • 4th registration : 52,75€

Title Description

Candidate profile and admission requirements

 

Academic and Professional Objectives

The general aim of this postgraduate course is to train specialists and future professionals in Marine Ecology, with specialist training in the study marine environments, its processes and problems in equipping society with mechanisms and knowledge which would ensure an ability for immediate response in the face of environmental degradation, the fall in marine resources and the fragmentation of habitats and eco-systems. These future professionals will have to: gain knowledge of the marine world and its biological, physical, chemical, geological facets; gain knowledge of management and exploitation of the marine environment, both in its spatial and dynamic dimensions; develop positive attitudes towards sustainable development; and learn techniques that, together with the necessary technical, legal, and economic training, allow students to carry out professional activities related to the sea correctly.

The specific scientific and professional aims are, amongst others:

  • Receive training in the environmental characteristics and parameters of the Mediterranean Sea.
  • Distinguish and recognise main features of marine plankton, nekton and benthos.
  • Be equipped with criteria for the assessment of environmental indicators to be able to suggest management and conservation strategies for species and habitats in decline.
  • Be aware of the theoretical and practical aspects of scientific methodologies and in situ working techniques in aquatic environments.
  • To promote non-invasive and non-destructive research methodologies (visual censuses, radio tracking, telemetry, ROVs, etc.).
  • Identify the most representative habitats and ecosystems of the Balearic seabed.
  • Recognise marine biodiversity, especially fragile and vulnerable species in decline.
  • Assess functional aspects of marine eco-systems and the link between divisions (plankton, nekton and benthos).
  • Be equipped for coastal management: artificial reefs, outlets, uses of the coastline.
  • Be aware of the tools and factor to manage fisheries: marine reserves, aquiculture, seasonal bans, fishing typologies.
  • Assess anthropic impact on the marine environment: marinas, beach regeneration, pollution, over-fishing.
  • Be aware of statistical tools for data handling in the marine environment.
  • Design and manage scientific projects in marine ecology.
  • Assess the effects of pollutants on marine life: bioaccumulation and bio-indicators.
  • Effects of marine reserves: the reserve effect, exportation of biomass, spillover.
  • Be aware of unique eco-systems on a global scale: coral reefs, polar seas, etc.
  • Study exchanges between the oceans and the atmosphere and recognise the role of marine eco-systems in global change.
  • Study the dynamics of ocean nutrients and their importance in primary production: be aware of the connections between hydrodynamics and nutrient cycles.
  • Study ocean dynamics from the point of view of interaction with the atmosphere and physicochemical variables which determine thermohaline circulation and the formation of water masses.
  • Be aware of different models of trophic networks, and discuss the importance of organic matter and chemolithotrophs as productive factors, from the most up-to-date research.
  • Study interactions between marine communities and recognise modifications introduced by human action.
  • Study the relationships between land and marine eco-systems by means of transition zones located on land masses.
  • Study small land-locked seas and the physicochemical and biological characteristics derived from their morphology and hydrodynamics.
  • Acquire skills in handling general bibliography, and bibliography specific to the various field that comprise marine ecology.
  • Be aware of the role of micro-organisms in marine eco-systems, and describe their interaction with and influence on humans and their activities.
  • Acquire methodologies for the study of environmental microbiology.

Access to other professional courses and pathways

Students who successfully complete this postgraduate course can then apply for the PhD course in Marine Ecology.

Course Structure

The course structure can be found in the publication of BOE No. 262 of October 29, 2010 - 16533 [es] and is available in the website - section " Subjects " of this master's degree.

This course is divided into one obligatory module (Marine Biology, 15 ECTS credits) considered as core content, five optional modules each bearing 15 credits, to be chosen according to the various strands outlined below, and the obligatory practical/placement module, also worth 15 ECTS credits which comprises the final project and a placement in a laboratory.

The different strands for the Master‘s Degree in Marine Ecology are as follows:

  • Strand I: Ecology of Organisms and Systems
  • Strand II: Coastal Ecology: Coastal Processes
  • Strand III: Planktonic and Microbial Ecology

Esquema

Final Examination

The use of a final exam varies from subject to subject.

The final project must be successfully completed for the degree of Master‘s Degree in Marine Ecology to be awarded. The project must be the student‘s own work, although the project can be developed as part of a group. It will be supervised by a member or group of academic staff, and this supervision will include one-to-one supervision, as well as other activities such as seminars, sessions on specific working techniques, and so on. The project, which can be bibliographical or experimental in nature, will provide evidence that the student has gained the knowledge, abilities and skills established in the description of the award.

The practical/placement will be supervised by a member or group of academic staff. This supervision will include one-to-one supervision and, if necessary, other activities such as seminars, conferences, and so on. The practical module comprises a placement in a UIB laboratory, on with other organisations and laboratories collaborating on the award. These activities, supervision and supervisor will be specified in the project proposal. The formative activities and supervision will be considered as class time for ECTS purposes.

The total credits award for the practical and project will be no more than 15 ECTS credits.

Assessment Criteria and Examinations

Subject name

Assessment criteria and methods

Marine Biology

Exam: 50% of the final mark. Participation in theory and practical classes, seminars and coursework: 50% of the final mark

Aquatic Ecology

Exam: 50% of the final mark. Participation in theory and practical classes, and coursework: 50% of the final mark

Management and Conservation of Marine Resources

Exam: 50% of the final mark. Participation in theory and practical classes, and coursework: 50% of the final mark

Structure and Analysis of Marine Communities

Exam: 50% of the final mark. Participation in theory and practical classes, and coursework: 50% of the final mark

Exam: 50% of the final mark. Participation in theory and practical classes, and coursework: 50% of the final mark

Biomass and Planktonic Production

Exam: 50% of the final mark. Participation in theory and practical classes, and coursework: 50% of the final mark

Environmental Impacts on the Marine World

Exam: 50% of the final mark. Participation in theory and practical classes, and coursework: 50% of the final mark

Coastal Ecology: Coastal Systems

Exam: 50% of the final mark. Participation in theory and practical classes, and coursework: 50% of the final mark

Coastal Ecology: Frontiers and Interphases

Exam: 50% of the final mark. Participation in theory and practical classes, and coursework: 50% of the final mark

Coastal Ecology: Applied Aspects

Exam: 50% of the final mark. Participation in theory and practical classes, and coursework: 50% of the final mark

Marine Microbiology

Exam: 50% of the final mark. Participation in theory and practical classes, and coursework: 50% of the final mark

Environmental Microbiology

Exam: 50% of the final mark. Participation in theory and practical classes, and coursework: 50% of the final mark

Laboratory Practice

No exam. Assessment will be based on laboratory work and the student‘s ability to apply concepts and techniques and approach problems technically, as well as the public presentation and defence of the final project.

ECTS Coordinating Lecturer

Dr. Gabriel Moyà Niell

Department   Department of Biology , UIB.
Telephone  (34) 971 17 2098 - 3175
E-mail   biel.moya arroba uib.es

Administrative Procedures and Other Useful Information

Programme Suggestions Form

If you got any comment or suggestion about the service offered by the Centre for Postgraduate Studies or about the diferent titles managed, you can use the e-mail:

Quality Assurance System

Nominal Composition of the Quality Assurance Committee (CGQ)

Responsable de qualitat  Gabriel Moyà Niell
PDI  Miguel Angel Miranda Chueca
PDI  Luís Gallego Castejón
PAS  Margalida Prohens
Alumne   a determinar

Accountability and transparency

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