MB3210:03
Biology of Reef Corals
Townsville
Prerequisites: Consult Academic Adviser
Inadmissable Subject Combination: MB5400
24 lectures, 36 hours practicals, 16 hours field work. First semester.
A quota of 50 places will apply on the basis of marks in MB2050 and MB2060.
Staff: Dr B Willis.
An introduction to the biology of corals and processes involved in building and maintaining reefs. An overview of the life histories of sessile, modular organisms, incorporating current research findings (e.g. with respect to sexual/asexual reproduction, larval dispersal, recruitment, growth, lifespan and mortality). A treatment of the functional morphology of corals as an example of a modular organism. An introduction to the taxonomy of reef-building corals.
Learning Objectives:
- gain knowledge of the anatomical features and physiological specialisations of corals that are keys to understanding how corals build reefs;
- understand life history theory of modular organisms using reef coral as a model;
- gain a working knowledge of the identification and classification of the major families and genera of reef-building corals;
- develop skills required for independent research through laboratory and field exercises involving literature reviews, data collection, data analyses and critical interpretation;
- gain awareness of issues underlying long-term conservation and management of coral reefs.
Assessment by four laboratory reports* (25%); independent project report (15%); a three-hour examination (60%).
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