MB3230 - Design and Analyses in Ecological Studies

Credit points:	03
Year:	2010
Student Contribution Band:	Band 4
Administered by:	School of Marine & Tropical Biology

This subject will examine both traditional methods and more advanced techniques in the design and analysis of ecological studies. It will address a range of areas of study commonly undertaken by marine biologists, particularly those involving animal growth, descriptions of populations and communities. Each topic will be centred around a case study using real data and will consider the biological background to the problem and experimental design, statistical analysis and interpretation appropriate to the problem.

Learning Outcomes

• to encourage the ability to critically analyse and interpret field data and previously published scientific studies, allowing students to develop their own conclusions and ideas;
• to facilitate students to develop competencies in scientific research, encompassing verbal, written, practical and group contexts;
• to promote the development of problem solving skills, including the ability to tackle unfamiliar problems;
• to provide the skills to present and interpret analyses in a biological context for the biological and ecological literature.

Assumed Knowledge:	Students enrolling in this subject should have a good understanding of biometrics and ecological principles, and should have completed BS2001or MB2060 at a level of Credit or better.
Prerequisites:	Credit or better in AG2001 OR BS2001 OR BZ2001 OR MB2060
Inadmissible Subject Combinations:	MB5230 AND MB3239

Availabilities
Townsville, Internal, Study Period 2
Census Date 26-Aug-2010
Coordinator:	Assoc. Professor Marcus Sheaves
Lecturers:	Assoc. Professor Marcus Sheaves, Mr Ross Johnston.
Contact hours:	26 hours lectures 39 hours practicals
Assessment:	end of semester exam (50%); assignments (50%).

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.