Marine Biology, Introduction to

Marine Biology, Introduction to (X011) is an Enrichment Programme Unit for students taking Advanced Biology interested in marine biology.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this unit, students should be able to:

outline the general characteristics of the marine environment and the Mediterranean Sea
describe shore and underwater habitats
identify marine pollution and the harm it inflicts on the environment
understand the aspects of aquaculture and fisheries
discuss measures for marine conservation.

21st century skills addressed in the unit:

Scientific literacy
Critical thinking
Communication
Collaboration
Curiosity
Social & Cultural awareness

Duration and frequency of sessions

Typically 2 or 4 hours per week. Maximum of 7 weeks.

Total duration of the EPU

About 20 hours

Proposed day and time

The unit will be running on a Wednesday between 18:00 and 20:00. Starting 29 October 2025. Ending 10 December 2025.

A practical field session will be held between 09:00 and 12:00 noon on Saturday 29 November 2025, and a practical site visit will be held between 09:00 and 12:00 noon on Saturday 6 December 2025.

Marks earned

Maximum marks possibly earned in this EPU: 10 marks

Further details

The sessions shall follow the schedule below:

7 x 2hr lectures
2 x 4hr fieldwork sessions.

Additional benefits

A certificate MQF Level 5 (2 ECTS) will be awarded from the University of Malta to successful participants as a microcrendential.

Conditions

A minimum of 2 students is required to run the unit.
A maximum of 5 students may be taken in this unit.
Registration is on a first come, first served basis.
Students must attend all the lectures and fieldwork sessions to successfully complete the unit.
Students must have their own transportation to the lectures and the fieldwork locations.

Registration/Participation fees

A participation fee of € 95.00 is required. A one-time payment once student enrols in the unit offered by the UM Department of Biology.

Marine Biology, Introduction to