MB2090:03
Tropical Marine Ecosystems
Cairns
26 lectures, 4 tutorials, 15 hours practicals, 15 hours field trips. Second semester.
An introduction to marine biology and ecology. A description of tropical marine ecosystems, with a focus on mangrove and coastal ecosystems, coral reefs and seagrass ecosystems. An examination of reproduction and dispersal of marine organisms. A brief review of how scientists examine marine systems.
Learning Objectives:
- to identify the major components common to all marine ecosystems;
- to identify, compare and contrast a variety of common marine ecosystems, especially coral reef, seagrass and mangrove ecosystems, using the ecosystem components previously identified as a basis;
- to review the major processes involved in reproduction in marine organisms;
- to identify and understand some of the major techniques used to collect data from marine ecosystems, emphasising the advantages and disadvantages of a range of techniques;
- to promote competency and familiarity of students to field work.
Assessment by tutorial and field performance (20%); assignment (20%); essay (20%); final examination (40%).
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