- 4-credits
- Semester I
- Level III
- Duration: 6 weeks
- BL20N/BIOL2014
- Admission to this course is limited due to restriction of boat space on field trips
Advanced: Level III Courses (Biology)
The following courses are available for the 2011/12 academic year:
BL31E/BIOL3014 - MARINE ECOLOGY I: BIOLOGICAL OCEANOGRAPHY
This course is provides detailed information on water column processes and water quality assessment techniques and procedures. Through field based practical exercises the methods of sampling the water column and its inhabitants are imparted. Relevant to employers in the ecological assessment and tourism industries.
Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:
- identify the types of organisms associated with the marine pelagos- their biology, associations and distribution,
- describe and evaluate the physical and chemical processes associated with the marine pelagos,
- adequately investigate the organisms, habitats and processes of the marine pelagos through "hands on" practical exercises,
- analyse, interpret and present their investigations in a scientific report.
BL31F/BIOL3015 - MARINE ECOLOGY II: BENTHIC COMMUNITIES
- 4-credits
- Semester I
- Level III
- Duration: 6 weeks
- BL20N/BIOL2014
- Admission to this course is limited due to restriction of boat space on field trips
- BL31E/BIOL3014
This course provides detailed information on the major intertidal marine benthic habitats and how organisms are adapted to live in these areas. Through field based practical exercises the methods of sampling the organisms and other features of these areas, are given. Relevant to employers in the ecological assessment and tourism industries.
Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:
- identify and categorise the range of marine benthic habitats,
- identify the organisms in each habitat as well as their biology and interactions,
- describe the important physical and chemical processes associated with benthic marine habitats,
- adequately sample and investigate the organisms, habitats and processes through "hands on" practical exposure,
- analyse, interpret and present their investigations in a scientific report.
BL31G/BIOL3023 - CORAL REEF BIOLOGY
- 4-credits
- Semester II
- Level III
- Duration: 6 weeks
- BL20N/BIOL2014
- BL31E/BIOL3014 and BL31F/BIOL3015
This course provides detailed information on the biology and ecology of coral reefs as well as coral reef assessment and monitoring. Relevant to employers in the ecological assessment and tourism industries.
Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:
- identify Caribbean coral species and describe their biology, distribution and interactions,
- describe how reefs are formed and explainthe role of the non-coral organisms associated with them,
- conduct laboratory and field exercises involved in the investigation of coral reefs.
BL33D/BIOL3021 - FRESHWATER ECOLOGY
- 4-credits
- Semester II
- Level III
- Duration: 6 weeks
- BL20N/BIOL2014
This course allows students to become familiar with tropical freshwater systems, the appropriate sampling techniques, and the skills necessary for the identification and categorization of the main taxa found in Jamaican fresh waters. Relevant to employers concerned with ecological assessments.
Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:
- recognize and identify the common benthic macro invertebrates taxa found in Jamaican freshwaters,
- describe the physico-chemical factors and biotic interactions affecting freshwater communities with special emphasis on effects of anthropogenic disturbance,
- demonstrate the skills needed to assess and monitor water quality in fresh water systems.
BL38A/BIOL3017 - VIROLOGY
- 4-credits
- Semester II
- Level III
- Duration: 6 weeks
- BL20J/BIOL2011 or BC21C/BIOL2312
This course is useful to students interested in plant and animal diseases and biotechnology. Relevant to employers in plant and animal health, including education.
Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:
- explain the basic principles of viral structure,
- describe major animal and plant viral groups and the processes of virus replication,
- identify and describe commonly occurring viral diseases of plants and animals and methods of control.
BL39C/BIOL3018 - RESEARCH PROJECT
- 4-credits
- Semester I or II
- Level III
- Duration: 6 weeks
- BL20P/BIOL2015
- This course is available to students at the discretion of the Department.
This course gives students hands-on experience in the collection, analysis, presentation and interpretation of data. Relevant to employers in all areas especially where ecological assessments are involved. Students will be required to effectively communicate their experimental findings and evaluate results as a final presentation.
Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:
- Search information bases for appropriate supporting literature for a given topic,
- Formulate hypotheses for a proposed piece of scientific research and design appropriate means for testing the same,
- Collate and analyse data from their research and prepare a report in standard scientific format.
BL39E/BIOL3020 - CONSERVATION BIOLOGY
- 4-credits
- Semester II
- Level III
- Duration: 6 weeks
- BL20N/BIOL2014
- BL20K/BIOL2012
Illustrates the more applied nature of basic biological sciences and population ecology. Of relevance to employers in the ecotourism and ecological assessment industries.
Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:
- Describe the history and current status of the human-mediated extinction crisis,
- explain how population genetic models can be used to inform conservation efforts directed at endangered species,
- outline the values of and threats to biodiversity,
- show why island species are particularly vulnerable to anthropogenic impacts such as invasive species,
- describe techniques used to control or eradicate invasive species,
- explain the theoretical and practical aspects of designing protected areas.
Getting More Information
For more information about the courses offered by the Department, please visit the Courses page or additionally, you may download the Handbook in PDF.*
*Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader
