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Science and Nature

Introduction to Seaweeds

Course Times & Enrolment

This course is currently unavailable.

Course Summary

An introduction discussing what seaweeds are and their ecology will be followed by presentations about species identification. There will be a session about the varied and important historical, present and potential uses of seaweeds.

Please note, here will be a field meeting on the shore at South Queensferry.

Course Details

Pre-requisites for enrolment

No previous knowledge of the subject is assumed.

Content of Course

Indicative timetable as day and time of field outing will depends on tide:

Day 1

What are seaweeds? Living in the seashore: environmental factors faced by marine algae. The uses of seaweeds: past, present and future.

Day 2

Field outing to the shore at South Queensferry. Identification of red, brown and green seaweeds.

Teaching method(s)

Illustrated Powerpoint presentations and discussions; field outing to South Queensferry.

Learning outcomes

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

  • Identify a range of common species;

  • Understand how to set about identifying more complex species;

  • Show a better  understanding of seashore ecology.

Sources

Core Readings

  • Any field guide to the seashore (e.g. Collin’s, Hamlyn, etc)

For future reference:

  • Brodie, J., Maggs, CA & John, DM (2007). The Green Seaweeds of Britain and Ireland. British Phycological Society, London.

  • Morrell & Roberts (2000) Common Seaweeds. [Fold-out chart] FSC.

  • Hardy, F G & Guiry, M D R (2003). A Check-list and Atlas of the Seaweeds of Britain and Ireland. BPS.

  • Thomas, D (2002). Seaweeds. London: Natural History Museum.

Queries

If you have questions regarding the course or enrolment, please contact COL Reception at Paterson's Land by email or by phone 0131 650 4400.

Student support

If you have a disability, learning difficulty or health condition which may affect your studies, please let us know by ticking the 'specific support needs' box on your course application form. This will allow us to make appropriate adjustments in advance and in accordance with your rights under the Equality Act 2010. For more information please visit the Student Support section of our website.