James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2010

MB5070 - Marine Evolution and Biogeography

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

Available to GDipResMeth, GCertResMeth, GDipSc, MAppSc students.

This subject examines the basic concepts of evolution, systematics and biogeography as they relate to the marine realm. It will focus on the application of methods used to study evolution and biogeography and will draw on a wide range of evidence from molecular data, through distribution records, the fossil record and life history traits to larval duration to explain biodiversity in the marine environment. It will review several case histories to demonstrate the role of historical events in determining distributions of marine taxa and contrast this with the role of ecological factors in maintaining marine populations. Students will be required to attend lectures, tutorials and practical classes in MB2070 and to write an essay on the evolution and biogeography of a selected marine organism.

Learning Outcomes

Assumed
Knowledge:
Students enrolling in this subject should have an undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. biology or environmental science) or have acquired equivalent knowledge through other study. They should have an excellent understanding of science subjects, particularly biology, geological processes and ecological principles.
Inadmissible
Subject
Combinations:
MB2070

Availabilities

Townsville, Internal, Study Period 1
Census Date 25-Mar-2010
Coordinator: Professor David Bellwood
Lecturers: Professor David Bellwood, Dr Orpha Bellwood.
Contact hours:
  • 26 hours lectures
  • 13 hours tutorials
  • 9 hours practicals
    Assessment:end of semester exam (45%); quizzes or tests (10%); essays (20%); assignments (15%).

    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.