MB5160 - Evolution and Ecology of Reef Fishes

Credit points:	03
Year:	2011
Student Contribution Band:	Band 4
Administered by:	School of Marine & Tropical Biology

Available only to postgraduate students enrolled in the Masters of Applied Science program

This subject will examine the biology of coral reef fishes with an emphasis on species from reefs and adjacent waters of the Great Barrier Reef. The subject covers the ecology, morphology, systematics and evolution of coral reef fishes. Practical work includes a laboratory and field program that introduces functional morphology, ecology and field identification of coral reef fishes. This subject will also provide an introduction to laboratory and field research methods. Students will be required to attend lectures, practicals and a field trip as for MB3160.

Learning Outcomes

• to be able to critically evaluate both the methods and outcomes of reef fish research;
• to be able to identify the major groups of reef fishes;
• to have a knowledge of the functional morphology, ecology and evolution of these fishes and will be able to use this knowledge in assessing the role of fishes on coral reefs;
• to understand and be familiar with the methods used to study the biology of reef fishes.

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 lead, manage and contribute effectively to teams;
• The ability to speak and write logically, clearly and creatively;
• The ability to calculate, produce, interpret and communicate numerical information;
• A coherent and disciplined body of skills, knowledge, values and professional ethics in at least one discipline area;
• The ability to use a variety of media and methods to retrieve, analyse, evaluate, organise and present information;
• The ability to learn independently and in a self-directed manner.

Assumed Knowledge:	Students enrolling in this subject should have an undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline (eg biology or environmental science) or have acquired equivalent knowledge through other study. They should have an excellent understanding of evolutionary biology and biogeography of marine organisms (eg MB5070) and vertebrate anatomy. A good background in statistics and the ecology of marine systems is essential. Students must have completed MB5070 or MB5450 to enrol in this subject.
Prerequisites:	MB5070
Inadmissible Subject Combinations:	MB3160 MB3169

Availabilities
Townsville, Internal, Study Period 1
Census Date 24-Mar-2011
Coord/Lect:	Professor David Bellwood.
Contact hours:	26 hours lectures 24 hours practicals 32 hours fieldwork
Assessment:	end of semester exam (50%); presentations (10%); (40%).
Restrictions:	An enrolment quota applies to this offering. 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.