This subject will be based largely on field work and associated lectures and practicals, to be run in the July vacation, with assignment work to be completed subsequently. Field work will make full use of the magnificent wetlands within close proximity of Townsville, which demonstrate most aspects of ecology, disturbance and management problems to be found in tropical wetlands.

Topics to be covered include: dynamics of large river, estuarine and floodplain systems; physico-chemical and ecological processes in permanent and intermittent lowland freshwater and saline lakes, swamps and mangroves; biodiversity of wetlands (plants, invertebrates, fish, birds, etc.); management requirements and methods for tropical wetlands, including integration of wetlands in agricultural, industrial and urban areas; use of artificial wetlands for treatment of waste waters.