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:
- 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.
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 4 Novemebr 2026. Ending 16 December 2026.
A practical field session will be held between 09:00 and 12:00 noon on 5 Decemeber 2026, and a field visit will be held between 09:00 and 12:00 noon on 12 December 2026.
Marks earned
Maximum marks possibly earned in this EPU: 10 marks
Further details
The sessions shall follow the schedule below:
- 7 x 2hr lectures
- 1 x 4hr fieldwork session
- 1 x 4hr field visit.
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.
Participants are eligible to 70% tax rebate upon successful completion.
EP Coordinators
Ms Petra Paula Spiteri and Prof. Joseph Borg
Register - Deadline: Friday 23 October 2026
