Marine Biology Diploma Level 3

Unit 1 of this Marine Biology course explores the subject of Oceanography. Oceanography covers the structure of the oceans: how they are created and destroyed. It looks at how ocean topography varies from the shoreline and continental shelf to the ocean basin, abyssal plain and trenches. This module explores the ocean as a habitat and the chemistry and properties of seawater, including how light and sound are transmitted. Learn how waves are formed and how the major currents move around ocean basins.

This unit explores the tropical seas and how coral reefs are formed and distributed around the world. Learn how coral animals live and how they evolved to form complex ecosystems. Understand the symbiosis between coral animals and plants that enable each to live and support an amazing diversity of other species in an otherwise barren part of the ocean.

This unit explores the fringes of tropical seas where they form a unique habitat for marine animals. Mangroves are important nursery areas for fish such as lemon sharks and they form a buffer between the land and the open ocean. Many species live in mangroves permanently and they are important food sources for residents and visitors alike.

This unit explores the polar seas and the important differences between the Arctic and Antarctic regions. Learn about the amazing adaptations to the animals that live in such extreme environments and how they are able to live in sub-zero temperatures. Explore some of the enigmatic marine animals of the polar regions such as polar bears in the Arctic and penguins in the Antarctic.

Although a smaller number of species appear in this group they are some of the more fascinating to study.

The deep sea is a fascinating place that we still know little about. Learn about the strange animals that are adapted to living in the deep sea and how they cope with extreme cold, continuous darkness and intense pressure. We look at how energy is transferred to the deep ocean and how it supports life in the abyss.