MB3199 - Coral Reef Ecology (Advanced)

Credit points:	03
Year:	2006
Student Contribution Band:	Band 2
Administered by:

Only available to students enrolled in BSc (Marine Biology - Advanced)

A treatment of the major aspects of coral reef ecology, including population dynamics, reef community structure and diversity, effects of environmental disturbances, competition and predation, and reef management. Emphasis is on the mechanisms and processes that shape coral reef communities and how they respond to environmental change. The course combines the presentation of theoretical quantitative and conceptual models in lectures with laboratory computer exercises and a 3-day field project. Students will be required to attend supplementary tutorials in additional to lectures and practicals for MB3190. The course content complements that of MB3210.

Learning Outcomes

• become familiar with the key processes underlying patterns of recruitment, abundance, and community diversity on coral reefs;
• understand the link between resources and environmental stressors at the level of the organism and demographic processes;
• develop insight into the role of species interactions in the dynamics, diversity and resilience of coral reefs;
• develop an understanding of the interactions between different types of environmental disturbances and the responses of coral reef systems.

Graduate Qualities

• The ability to think critically, to analyse and evaluate claims, evidence and arguments.

Prerequisites:	MB2060 or BZ2440 or equivalent
Inadmissible Subject Combinations:	MB3190

Availabilities
, , Study Period 2
Census Date 08-Sep-2006
Coord/Lect:	Professor Morgan Pratchett.
Contact hours:	26 hours 12 hours 20 hours 32 hours
Assessment:	(45%); (5%); (30%); (20%).
Restrictions:	An enrolment quota applies to this offering. 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.