BZ2430:03
Life at the Land/Sea Interface
| Cairns | HECS Band 2 |
26 hours lectures, 39 hours practicals, 16 hours field work. Semester 2.
Staff: Dr W Edwards.
This subject deals with the practice of fieldwork in coastal ecosystems, with an emphasis on the biology and ecology of special habitats such as estuaries and mangroves. Almost 90% of Queenslanders live on the coastal zone and their activities have impacts on the ecosystem processes of this environment. This subject will introduce aspects of the biology, ecology and conservation of the coastal zone, brackish and near-shore environments and introduce aspects of coastal zone management. Students will access a variety of coastal habitats and ecosystems as part of the practical component of this subject.
Learning Objectives:
- develop an understanding of the biological and physical contrasts at the land/sea interface and learn how the biological and physical components of land and sea are linked across this interface;
- ability to use a range of methods for investigating coastal ecosystems;
- an appreciation of impacts of human activities on life at and adjacent to this interface;
- develop oral and written communication skills.
Assessment by examination (60%); on-course assessment (40%).