MB2050 - Functional Biology of Marine Organisms

Credit points:	03
Year:	2013
Student Contribution Band:	Band 2
Administered by:	School of Marine & Tropical Biology

The description of tropical marine habitats identifying key biological features of each. Functional biology of selected vertebrate and invertebrate marine groups with comparative treatments of benthic and nektonic, planktonic and pelagic organisms. The identification of structural and functional features of key marine organism assemblages in reef, mangrove, benthic and oceanic environments.

Learning Outcomes

• analysing the structural and functional solutions developed by key groups of marine organisms to meet such challenges;
• identifying the major biological challenges which aquatic existence imposes on marine organisms;
• reviewing how organisms from very different taxonomic backgrounds respond to common requirements of feeding, growth, locomotion and reproduction in marine environments.

Assumed Knowledge:	Students enrolling in this subject should have a good understanding of level 1 biology, particularly zoology (eg ZL1001 or BZ1004). A basic understanding of chemistry is also recommended (eg CH1001).
Prerequisites:	ZL1001 OR BZ1004 OR AG1004

Availabilities
Townsville, Internal, Study Period 1
Census Date 28-Mar-2013
Coordinator:	Dr Orpha Bellwood
Lecturers:	Professor David Bellwood, Dr Orpha Bellwood.
Contact hours:	26 hours lectures 30 hours practicals 6 hours fieldwork
Assessment:	end of semester exam (60%); assignments (40%).

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.