MB3300 - Coral Reef Ecosystems

Credit points:	03
Year:	2008
Student Contribution Band:	Band 2
Administered by:	School of Marine & Tropical Biology

Available to students in the Marine Science Tropical Marine Network Program run jointly by James Cook University, the University of Queensland and the University of Sydney.

This subject is a two-week intensive subject that will be held at tropical research stations on the Great Barrier Reef (Heron Island and One Tree Island Research Stations). The subject focuses on the dominant taxa in reef environments and linkages between them. Emphasis is given to corals, other reef associated invertebrates (eg echinoderms and plankton) and fishes. Ecological and physiological aspects of key organisms are explored. Aspects covered include distribution of corals, coral bleaching, coral symbionts and the health of corals based on photosynthetic activity, predation on corals, the input of plankton to reefs and the role of fishes in reef environments.

Learning Outcomes

• develop research skills with equipment in the field and laboratory as well as evaluating and presenting published information on tropical fisheries;
• gain an understanding of reef biodiversity;
• increase an understanding of reef habitats and the pelagic environment.

Prerequisites:

36 units of level 1 and 2 subjects inc 6 units of biology (inc MB1110) CH1001 MA1000 PH1005; MA1003 strongly recommended

Availabilities
Townsville, Block, Study Period 7
Census Date 11-Jul-2008
Face to face teaching (Two weeks in July dates to be determined)
Coord/Lect:	Dr Lynne Van Herwerden.
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.