Advanced: Level III Courses
Biology
Biology
BL30K/BIOL3012 - SOIL BIOLOGY
This course is useful to students taking agriculture-type
courses. Relevant to employers in the field of agriculture and horticulture.
Aim
- To increase students' knowledge of soil as a habitat for diverse forms of life and how environmental factors affect soil biological processes.
Objectives
- describe the main biotic and abiotic components of the soil environment,
- identify the important biological processes in the soil and effects of changing environmental factors,
- apply laboratory techniques to study the effects of various environmental factors on the activities of soil organisms.
Upon successful completion of the course the students should
be able to:
BL30M/BIOL3011 - MYCOLOGY
A knowledge of fungi is essential for the study of courses
like Plant Health and useful for students taking courses like Soil Biology, Forestry etc.
in the Department of Life Sciences as well as for those taking microbiological courses
offered by other departments. Relevant to employers in the field of agriculture,
horticulture, health, industry and the environment.
Aim
- That students will gain an understanding of the behaviour and function of fungi.
Objectives
- Describe the biological characteristics of the major groups of fungi,
- Conduct studies to investigate the behaviour of fungi under various conditions,
- Explain the significance of fungi and their interactions,
- Give accounts of current and developing uses of fungi to man,
- Identify suitable methods for obtaining and preserving various types of fungi.
Upon successful completion of the course the students should
be able to:
BL31A/BIOL3013 - COASTAL MANAGEMENT
This course is useful to students as it illustrates and allows
them to see the practical applications of previous ecological information and
principles. Relevant to employers in the ecological assessment industry
Aim
- To introduce the investigation of natural coastal processes, human interference with natural processes and how plans and actions may protect conserve and restore coastal environments.
Objectives
- identify the limits, types and contents of the coastal zone,
- know the physical regime and natural processes of the coastal zone,
- evaluate the activities, demands and uses of the coastal zone,
- outline and evaluate management frameworks applicable to the coastal zone.
Upon successful completion of the course the students should
be able to:
BL31E/BIOL3014 - MARINE ECOLOGY I: BIOLOGICAL OCEANOGRAPHY
This course is useful to students as it gives detailed information
on water column processes and water quality assessment. Through field based practical
exercises the methods of sampling the water column and its inhabitants are imparted.
Relevant to employers in the ecological assessment industry and tourism industry.
Aims
- Impart knowledge of the organisms as well as the physical and chemical processes associated with the marine pelagos.
- Introduce the appropriate methods of measuring and sampling the oceans.
Objectives
- 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.
Upon successful completion of the course the students should
be able to:
BL31F/BIOL3015 - MARINE ECOLOGY II: BENTHIC COMMUNITIES
This course is useful to students as it gives 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 industry and tourism industry.
Aim
- To impart knowledge of the range of habitats, organisms and ecological processes associated with the marine benthic environment as well as introduce the appropriate methods of investigation.
Objectives
- 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.
Upon successful completion of the course the students should
be able to:
BL31G/BIOL3023 - CORAL REEF BIOLOGY
This course is useful to students as it gives 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 industry and tourism industry.
Aim
- To provide anintroduction to the biology of reef building corals, the ecology of coral communities, and the natural phenomena and anthropogenic factors that impact coral reefs.
Objectives
- 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.
Upon successful completion of the course the students should
be able to:
BL33D/BIOL3021 - FRESHWATER ECOLOGY
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 assessment.
Aims
- To introduce students to the diversity and taxonomy of freshwater fauna and flora.
- To introduce the biotic and abiotic factors responsible for controlling the dynamics of freshwater communities.
- To have students develop the necessary practical skills to undertake basic research in fresh water ecology.
Objectives
- 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.
Upon successful completion of the course the students should
be able to:
BL38A/BIOL3017 - VIROLOGY
This course is useful to students interested in plant and animal
diseases and biotechnology. Relevant to employers in plant and animal health, including
teaching.
Aim
- To introduce students to the fundamental concepts of viral structure, classification and pathogenesis.
Objectives
- 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.
Upon successful completion of the course the students should
be able to:
BL39C/BIOL3018 - RESEARCH PROJECT
This course gives students hands-on experience in the collecting,
analysis, presentation and interpretation of data. Relevant to employers in all areas
especially where ecological assessments are involved.
Aim
- To equip students with the basic knowledge and skills required to undertake and report on scientific research in the field of biology.
Objectives
- 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.
Upon successful completion of the course the students should
be able to:
BL39D/BIOL3019 - CARIBBEAN BIODIVERSITY
Useful to students doing research on fauna/flora of the Caribbean
Islands. Of relevance to employers in the ecotourism.
Aims
- Introduce concepts, patterns and processes in biogeography.
- Develop an appreciation of the uniqueness and diversity of Caribbean flora, fauna and ecosystems.
- Develop an understanding of the evolution, biogeography and classification of the Caribbean biota.
Objectives
- identify and describe the major ecosystems in the Caribbean,
- provide anoverview of the diversity of selected Caribbean taxa,
- describe and evaluate models addressing island biogeography, patterns and the origin of the Caribbean biota,
- relate species distributions to geographic and site factors including human disturbance,
- evaluate the relevance of Caribbean biodiversity from a regional and global perspective.
Upon successful completion of the course the students should
be able to:
BL 39E/BIOL3020 - CONSERVATION BIOLOGY
Illustrates the more applied nature of basic biological sciences
and population ecology. Of relevance to employers in the ecotourism and ecological
assessment industries.
Aims
- To evaluate sources of species extinctions and current threats to biodiversity.
- To demonstrate strategies for the conservation of threatened species and habitats.
- To establish the theoretical basis for managing small populations.
- To establish the social context in which conservation efforts must proceed.
Objectives
- 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.
Upon successful completion of the course the students should
be able to: