MB3300 - Coral Reef Ecosystems

Credit points:	03
Year:	2012
Student Contribution Band:	Band 4
Administered by:	School of Marine & Tropical Biology

Available to students with prior approval of the course co-ordinator. This is an optional core subject for students enrolled in the Marine Science Tropical Marine Network Program run jointly by James Cook University, the University of Queensland and the University of Sydney.

This subject is a two-week intensive subject that will be held at tropical research stations on the Great Barrier Reef (Heron Island and One Tree Island Research Stations). The subject focuses on the dominant taxa in reef environments and linkages between them. Emphasis is given to corals, other reef associated invertebrates (eg echinoderms and plankton) and fishes. Ecological and physiological aspects of key organisms are explored. Aspects covered include distribution of corals, coral bleaching, coral symbionts and the health of corals based on photosynthetic activity, predation on corals, the input of plankton to reefs and the role of fishes in reef environments.

Learning Outcomes

• develop research skills with equipment in the field and laboratory as well as evaluating and presenting published information on tropical fisheries;
• gain an understanding of reef biodiversity;
• increase an understanding of reef habitats and the pelagic environment.

Assumed Knowledge:	Students enrolling in this subject should have an excellent understanding of statistics and marine systems (eg MB2050) and must have completed level 1 science subjects at a level of Credit or better.
Prerequisites:	MB1110 AND CH1001 AND MA1401

Availabilities
Townsville, Block, Study Period 7
Census Date 05-Jul-2012
Face to face teaching 07-Jul-2012 to 15-Jul-2012
Coord/Lect:	Dr Lynne Van Herwerden.
Assessment:	end of semester exam (50%); critical essay (20%); fieldwork report (30%).
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.