MB3239 - Design and Analyses in Ecological Studies (Advanced)

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

Only available to students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science (Marine Biology - Advanced).

This subject will develop skills in the design, analysis and interpretation of ecological studies. The focus will be on understanding how to collect and analyse ecological data so that resulting interpretations will be clear, reliable, valid, and meaningful from an ecological point of view. Emphasis will be on quality of work, scientific rigour and critical thinking. Practicals will focus on hands-on implementation of the skills discussed in lectures. Students will be required to attend supplementary tutorials, in addition to lectures and practicals for MB3230.

Learning Outcomes

• gain an understanding of a range of analyses that are available for particular purposes and the assumptions that underpin those analyses;
• knowledge of how to interpret the end product of the analyses in an ecological context;
• knowledge of where to go to find out more about analyses;
• gain an understanding of the principles of designing ecological studies and the types of data that such studies might generate.

Graduate Qualities

• The ability to think critically, to analyse and evaluate claims, evidence and arguments;
• The ability to define and to solve problems in at least one discipline area;
• The ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences;
• The ability to speak and write logically, clearly and creatively;
• The ability to learn independently and in a self-directed manner.

Assumed Knowledge:	Students enrolling in this subject should have an excellent understanding of biometrics and ecological principles, and should have completed BS2001or MB2060 at a level of Credit or better.
Prerequisites:	AG2001 OR BS2001 OR BZ2001 OR MB2060
Inadmissible Subject Combinations:	MB3230 AND MB5230

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 8 hours tutorials 26 hours practicals
Assessment:	end of semester exam (50%); tutorial attendance and participation (10%); assignments (40%).
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.