MB3300 - Coral Reef Ecosystems

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

Available to students with prior approval of the course coordinator. While this subject is offered at JCU annually, it also runs jointly with the University of Sydney every other year (even years only). A quota applies based on enrolment numbers. There will be an extra cost for field expenses.

This subject is a two-week intensive subject that will be held at the Orpheus Island tropical research station on the Great Barrier Reef. While this subject is offered at JCU annually, it also runs jointly with the University of Sydney every other year (even years only). A quota applies based on enrolment numbers. There will be an extra cost for field expenses. The subject focuses on the dominant taxa in reef environments and linkages between them. Emphasis is given to corals, other reef associated invertebrates (including echinoderms, plankton) and fishes. Ecological aspects of key organisms are explored. Aspects covered include distribution of corals, coral bleaching, coral (and other) symbionts and the health of corals based on disease, predation, the input of plankton to reefs and the role of fishes in reef environments. Anthropogenic factors and their impacts are also considered.

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:	(BZ1004 OR BZ1007) AND MB1110 AND CH1001 AND (MA1401 OR SC1102)
Inadmissible Subject Combinations:	MB5600

Availabilities
Townsville, Block, Study Period 7
Census Date 11-Jul-2013
Face to face teaching 14-Jul-2013 to 22-Jul-2013
Coord/Lect:	Dr Lynne Van Herwerden.
Assessment:	end of semester exam (40%); critical essay (20%); fieldwork report (40%).
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.