BIO1100 - An Introduction to Marine Biology

Course Title

MQF Level

Duration and Credits

Semester 1

2 ECTS

Mode of Study

Part-Time Day

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Please check your eligibility to join this short course and time-tabling details with the Faculty of Science. The short course will only be delivered subject to a minimum number of applications being received.

This study-unit introduces participants to the basic concepts of marine biology with an emphasis on the Mediterranean marine environment, its habitats and the life they support. The main focus of the study-unit will be on marine biodiversity. The study-unit highlights how abiotic (non-living) factors influence the occurrence, distribution and abundance of marine species. The study-unit will also discuss aspects of fisheries and aquaculture, and marine conservation. This study-unit is designed for persons who wish to gain basic knowledge of Mediterranean marine biology. It does not assume previous knowledge of marine biology but expects participants to be conversant with basic biological principles and terminology. This study-unit is open to university students other than those reading biology for a bachelor鈥檚 degree and to non-university participants who demonstrate that they can benefit from the course and who will be registered as auditors.

Main Reading List

Castro, P. &, Huber, M.E. (2024). Marine biology (12th ed.). McGraw-Hill.
Falzon, M.A., & Schembri, P.J. (2021). Fishes and Other Marine Animals of the Maltese Islands (1st ed. ). BDL Books.
Mojetta, A. (1996). Mediterranean Sea: guide to the underwater life (1st ed.). Swan Hill Press.

Supplementary Reading List

King, M. (2007). Fisheries Biology, Assessment and Management (2nd ed.). Wiley-Blackwell.
Norse, E., & Crowder, L.B. (2005) Marine Conservation Biology: the science of maintaining the sea's biodiversity (1st ed.). Island Press.
Pillay, T.V.R., & Kutty, M.N. (2005). Aquaculture: Principles and Practice (2nd ed.). Wiley-Blackwell.

Study-unit Aims

This study-unit is mainly aimed at providing participants with a basic knowledge of the:

Marine environment, in terms of the main physical, chemical and biological features of marine ecosystems;
Main physical and biological characteristics of the Mediterranean Sea;
Diversity of habitats and species in the marine environment, with an emphasis on the Mediterranean Sea;
Aspects of pollution and its impacts on the Mediterranean marine environment, with an emphasis on the Maltese Islands;
Aspects of aquaculture and fisheries, with an emphasis on the Mediterranean Sea and the Maltese Islands;
Aspects of marine conservation biology.

Learning Outcomes: Knowledge and Understanding

By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:

Appreciate and identify basic aspects of the marine environment, with particular focus on the Mediterranean marine environment;
Appreciate and identify basic aspects of the flora and fauna of the Mediterranean Sea;
Appreciate and identify the influence of disturbance and of pollution on marine species and habitats;
Appreciate and identify basic aspects of aquaculture and fisheries;
Acknowledge the importance and applications of marine conservation biology.

Learning Outcomes: Skills

By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:

Integrate basic theory with practical issues concerning the marine environment;
Distinguish between the main groups of marine flora and fauna;
Apply basic knowledge of marine biology to understand how the marine environment may be affected by natural and anthropogenic factors;
Apply basic knowledge of aquaculture and fisheries to understand their benefits to society and to distinguish related environmental issues;
Distinguish between the different main techniques and gear used in (i) marine biological surveys, and (ii) harvesting of natural resources;
Apply basic knowledge of marine conservation biology to environmental management;
Distinguish between main groups of marine flora and fauna.

Non EU Applicants:

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