MB5350 - Current Issues in Coral Reef Ecology

[Offered in odd-numbered years]

Credit points:	03
Year:	2009
Student Contribution Band:	Band 4
Administered by:	School of Marine & Tropical Biology

Available to GDipResMeth, GCertResMeth, GDipSc and MAppSc students.

An exploration of current issues in coral reef ecology with an emphasis on natural and anthropogenic disturbances that have implications for the persistence of coral reefs on ecological timescales. Topics to be discussed will include the impacts on coral communities of processes such as coral bleaching, sedimentation, nutrient enrichment, crown-of-thorns outbreaks, coral disease and human-related activities. Students will develop an understanding of the current status of coral reefs globally and the major issues affecting the future of coral reefs.

Learning Outcomes

• become familiar with key issues that affect the persistence of coral reefs in the present and that are likely to become important in the future;
• critically evaluate the current issues in coral reef ecology and their probable implications in the longer term;
• develop skills for independent research through library searches, critical evaluation, essay writing and oral presentations;
• gain an understanding of how physiological responses and thresholds may be used in predictive modelling of the dynamics of coral assemblages.

Assumed Knowledge:

Students enrolling in this subject should have an undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline or have acquired equivalent knowledge through other study. They should have an excellent understanding of biometrics, ecological principles and coral reef ecology, and should have completed BS5001 AND MB5400 or MB5190, or equivalents.

Availabilities
Townsville, Block, Study Period 7
Census Date 10-Jul-2009
Face to face teaching 13-Jul-2009 to 24-Jul-2009
Coord/Lect:	Professor Bette Willis.
Assessment:	presentations (%); on-course performance; (%); essays (%).
Special Assessment Requirements:	Assessment by essays, seminar and on-course performance.

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.