MB3280 - Marine Invertebrates of Commercial Importance

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

A detailed review of the biology of major invertebrate groups of commercial importance, focussing primarily on taxa with strong aquaculture potential namely sponges, echinoderms, molluscs and crustaceans. Emphasis will be placed on aspects of their biology relevant to fisheries and aquaculture, particularly life history, growth, feeding and reproduction. Laboratory and field trips will use local fauna to reinforce skills in taxonomy and comparative anatomy and introduce students to ecological approaches in invertebrate research.

Learning Outcomes

• a thorough knowledge of the taxonomy, functional morphology and life history characteristics of major marine invertebrate groups of commercial importance, particularly sponges, echinoderms, molluscs and crustaceans;
• specific knowledge of aspects of growth, feeding and reproduction and their implications in fisheries and aquaculture;
• an understanding of the commercial significance of sponges, echinoderms, molluscs and crustaceans;
• an appreciation of the application of current research findings to fisheries management and aquaculture practice.

Graduate Qualities

• The ability to think critically, to analyse and evaluate claims, evidence and arguments, and to reason and deploy evidence clearly and logically;
• The ability to select and organise information and to communicate it accurately, cogently, coherently, creatively and ethically;
• The acquisition of coherent and disciplined sets of skills, knowledge, values and professional ethics from at least one discipline area;
• The ability to read complex and demanding texts accurately, critically and insightfully;
• The ability to speak and write clearly, coherently and creatively;
• The ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.

Assumed Knowledge:	Students enrolling in this subject should have a good understanding of marine systems and invertebrate biology (eg MB2080 or ZL2005).
Prerequisites:	MB2080 OR ZL2005

Availabilities
Townsville, Internal, Study Period 1
Census Date 28-Mar-2013
Coordinator:	Dr Lindsay Harrington
Contact hours:	26 hours lectures 26 hours practicals 8 hours fieldwork
Assessment:	end of semester exam (50% - 60%); quizzes or tests (5% - 10%); (20% - 30%).

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.