GE2455:03
Natural Processes from Rainforest to Reef
Cairns
HECS Band 2
26 hours lectures, 39 hours practicals, 2 day field trip. Semester 2.
This subject considers the biophysical processes of coastal lands in the broader context of the processes occurring in the rainforest catchments that feed them. In particular, it examines the strong linkages between catchments and coast in terms of the flows of mass, energy and biota in an ecological systems framework. Lectures examine the biophysical processes in coastal waters and all areas to the landward side of coastal waters in which there are ecological processes or human activities that affect the coast or coastal resources. These are complemented by practicals and a field excursion which allow for investigation of coastal processes at a variety of scales from local to regional. Guest lecturers from government agencies such as the Queensland Fisheries Service and National Parks highlight practical issues in coastal and marine management.
Learning Objectives:
- develop an appreciation of coastal environments and linkages between the physical, ecological and social components of these environments;
- develop an understanding of the multi-disciplinary nature of the management of coastal environments;
- ability to describe how a broad range of human activities affect coastal environments;
- ability to use a range of field methods for investigating coastal environments.
Assessment by a two-hour examination (50%); practical assignments (30%); excursion report (20%).