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High School Cambridge AICE Marine Science AS Level

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Suggested Prerequisites

Biology, Marine Science

Description

Discover the world of marine science by developing practical and theoretical marine science skills. Through projects, case studies, and practical activities, you are encouraged to gain a greater depth and breadth of knowledge, the confidence to apply your knowledge and skills to new scenarios, and the vocabulary needed to show links between various aspects of marine science. By using the key concepts of experimentation, the science of water, Earth processes, organism classification, biodiversity, and marine ecosystems, you will achieve a level of mastery in marine science to help you enter higher education.

Module One: Practical Skills

-Understand and apply the scientific method 

-Identify variables in an experiment 

-Present data in tables and graphs 

-Evaluate results and make conclusions 


Module Two: Water

-Describe chemical bonds and atomic structure 

-Properties of water 

-Explain how physical factors impact the solubility of salts and gases in seawater 

-Describe the pH scale and techniques used to measure pH in water.  

-Explain the effects on the density of seawater caused by water temperature, pressure, and salinity 


Module Three: Earth Processes

-Theory of plate tectonics 

-Weathering and erosion impact the formation of shorelines 

-Explain how physical factors impact tides, including interpreting tide tables and graphs 

-Discuss how the environment affects ocean currents and upwelling 

Module Four: Interactions

-Compare food chains and food webs 

-Explain how energy moves through a food chain 

-Use pyramids of number, energy, and biomass  

-Explain the role of nutrients and how they are depleted and replenished 


Module Five: Classification and Biodiversity

-Understand the classification of species 

-Construct and use simple dichotomous keys 

-Make biological drawings and observations 

-Understand the role of plankton, echinoderms, crustaceans, fish, and marine plants in ecosystems and their economic impact  

-Explain the terms biodiversity, ecosystem, habitat, niche, species, population, and community 

-Describe sampling and field work methods 


Module Six: Ecosystems

-Structure and importance of coral reefs relating to the economy, ecology of the planet, and medical importance to humans 

-Abiotic factors affect the distribution and abundance of organisms on the rocky shore 

-Effect of particle size on the permeability of substrates 

-Mangrove forest tidal ecosystem, the ecological and economic importance of these forests, and the threat facing them