James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2001

ZL5025:03

Ecology of Tropical Freshwater Systems

Townsville

Inadmissable Subject Combination: ZL3025

26 lectures, 4 tutorials, 21 hours practicals, 24 hours field work. Second semester.

Available to students enrolled for the degrees of MSc; a two semester customised DipResMeth (in lieu of Masters Qual); MAppSc; BAppSc or Graduate Diplomas.

Staff: Professor R Pearson.

Principles of freshwater ecology. Current knowledge of tropical freshwater systems. Brief coverage of applied problems such as pollution, disease and fisheries. Lecture/tutorial sessions, laboratory work and field work in streams, rivers, estuaries, swamps and lakes. Students will be expected to attend ZL3025 lectures and practicals.

Learning Objectives:

  1. understanding of important physical and chemical processes;
  2. knowledge of biota of fresh water, especially in the tropics;
  3. knowledge of ecological processes in tropical aquatic systems;
  4. understanding of anthropogenic influences;
  5. practical skills: describing freshwater systems; sampling for water analyses; sampling of biota; lab techniques.

Assessment by examination; assignments.