MB3210 - Biology of Reef Corals

Credit points:	03
Year:	2005
Student Contribution Band:	Band 2
Administered by:

An introduction to the biology of corals and processes involved in building and maintaining reefs. An overview of the life histories of sessile, modular organisms, incorporating current research findings (e.g. with respect to sexual/asexual reproduction, larval dispersal, recruitment, growth, lifespan and mortality). A treatment of the functional morphology of corals as an example of a modular organism. An introduction to the taxonomy of reef-building corals.

Learning Outcomes

• develop skills required for independent research through laboratory and field exercises involving literature reviews, data collection, data analyses and critical interpretation;
• gain a working knowledge of the identification and classification of the major families and genera of reef-building corals;
• gain awareness of issues underlying long-term conservation and management of coral reefs;
• gain knowledge of the anatomical features and physiological specialisations of corals that are keys to understanding how corals build reefs;
• understand life history theory of modular organisms using reef coral as a model.

Prerequisites:	BS2001 or MB2060
Inadmissible Subject Combinations:	MB5400 and MB3219

Availabilities
, , Study Period 1
Census Date 31-Mar-2005
Coord/Lect:	Empro Bette Willis.
Contact hours:	24 hours 36 hours 16 hours
Assessment:	(50%); (30%); (20%).
Restrictions:	Enrolment in this offering is restricted.

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.