James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2003

PH3306:03

Coastal Oceanography *

80 hours field work. April block mode.

Available to students enrolled in the Tropical Marine Network Program.

Staff: Professor M Heron, Dr P Ridd and staff from University of Sydney and University of Queensland.

Coastal Oceanography is an intensive subject that will be held at the tropical research station on North Stradbroke Island. The subject focuses on approaches to studying the physical and biological attributes of coastal and pelagic environments. Emphasis is given to measuring horizontal and vertical attributes of the water column (eg salinity and temperature) as well as the composition of planktonic assemblages from low salinity waters to the shelf break. Aspects covered include the use of physical oceanographic equipment (static sampling and logger); analyses of nutrients and the use of plankton nets.

Learning Objectives:

1. to understand physical and biological attributes of the coastal ocean;
2. to experience instrumentation and methodology for coastal marine observations and monitoring;
3. ability to carry out numerical data analysis and draw out conclusions;
4. report writing.

Assessment by report (100%).