MB5270 - Coastal and Estuarine Ecosystems

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

Available to postgraduate students enrolled in the Graduate Certificate of Science, Graduate Diploma of Science or Master of Applied Science.

A study of the components and functioning of the full range of coastal and estuarine ecosystems, with particular emphasis on tropical systems.

Learning Outcomes

• Acquire proficiency of observations, recording, evaluation and reporting of scientific information;
• Acquire hands-on understanding of the science of these natural systems;
• Gain experience in scientific problem-solving and decision making;
• Consolidate the basic knowledge of biological and ecological principles acquired in previous studies.

Graduate Qualities

• The ability to think critically, to analyse and evaluate claims, evidence and arguments;
• The ability to adapt knowledge to new situations;
• The ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences;
• The ability to use and interpret different media;
• A coherent and disciplined body of skills, knowledge, values and professional ethics in at least one discipline area;
• The ability to learn independently and in a self-directed manner;
• A commitment to lifelong learning and intellectual development.

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 Level 3 science and should have completed BS5001 or equivalent, and an excellent understanding of ecological principles.
Prerequisites:	BS2001 AND MB2050
Inadmissible Subject Combinations:	MB3270 AND MB3279

Availabilities
Townsville, Internal, Study Period 2
Census Date 25-Aug-2011
Coordinator:	Assoc. Professor Marcus Sheaves
Lecturers:	Dr John Collins, Assoc. Professor Marcus Sheaves, Mr Ross Johnston.
Contact hours:	24 hours lectures 4 hours tutorials 30 hours practicals 12 hours fieldwork
Assessment:	end of semester exam (30%); (70%).

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.