James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2000

MB3170:03

Benthic Ecology

Townsville

26 lectures, 6 tutorials, 20 hours practicals, 8 hours field work. Second semester.

Available to level 3 students who have a working knowledge of marine invertebrates.

Staff: Dr J Collins.

An advanced treatment of the organisms associated with tropical intertidal and shallow water habitats, with an introduction to deeper water benthos.

Learning Objectives:

1. application of benthic sampling techniques;
2. comparison of tropical and temperate systems;
3. evaluation of benthic data;
4. identify the components of tropical food webs based on sedimentary and rocky shores.

Assessment by a three-hour examination (50%); two assignments based on field/practical work (40%); tutorials (10%).