Marine Zoology (part 1) - Diploma

The huge subject of Marine Biology is divided into three areas: The Marine Environment, Marine Zoology (the animal life) and Marine Plant life. This Advanced Diploma programme comprehensively covers the first two aspects of the subject leaving the students who are interested to further their knowledge of plant life independently. This course has proved popular with students and professional divers alike from around the world because of the detail included for each of the animal groups. For this, amongst other reasons, the course is unique. This is a long course but the subject cannot possibly be covered in less time at this level.

It can be studied in two parts and each would be independently awarded a Diploma on successful completion, however the satisfactory completion of both parts will result in the award of the coveted Advanced Diploma in Marine Zoology.

Course Modules

• An introduction to the marine environment
• Topography of the ocean basin
• Location of the oceans
• Waves, tides and currents
• Gyres, and effects of currents on climate
• The properties of sea water and their importance to life within the oceans

• Introduction to fish and their classification
• Evolution of fish
• The jawless fish
• The jawed fish
• Sharks and rays
• Fish anatomy and physiology
• The senses of the fish
• Body forms and movement
• Fish behaviour and reproduction

• Classification of the cetaceans
• History and evolution
• Respiration
• Methods of feeding and hunting
• The senses of the cetaceans
• Reproduction and social behaviour

• Introduction to the cnidaria; corals, anemones, hydroids and jellyfish
• Characteristics of the cnidaria
• Movement, feeding and reproduction
• Poisonous jellyfish and their relationship with humans

• History and evolution of reptiles
• Sea turtles, habitat and characteristics
• Conservation of marine reptile species
• Marine crocodiles
• Marine lizards
• Sea snakes

• History and classification of arthropods, and the prehistoric species
• Common characteristics of arthropods
• Sea spiders
• Crustaceans and their importance as part of the seafood industry
• Conservation of arthropod species