MB5550 - Biology of Reef Corals
[Offered in even-numbered years]
| Credit points: | 03 |
| Year: | 2014 |
| Student Contribution Band: | Band 2 |
| Administered by: | School of Marine & Tropical Biology (pre 2015) |
This is a field-based intensive subject which will provide an introduction to the biology of corals and physiological processes involved in building reefs. Aspects of the functional morphology and physiology of corals will be explored in relation to major issues impacting coral reefs, particularly bleaching and disease. The practical component will include an introduction to the taxonomy of reef-building corals and to lab and field research methods for the study of reef corals.
There are additional charges for this subject; please contact the School for details.
Learning Outcomes
- gain knowledge of the anatomical features and physiological specialisations of corals that are keys to understanding how corals build reefs;
- gain awareness of issues underlying long-term conservation and management of coral reefs;
- gain a working knowledge of the identification and classification of the major families and genera of reef-building corals;
- develop skills required for independent research through laboratory and field exercises involving literature reviews, data collection, data analyses and critical interpretation;
- understand the biology of modular organisms using reef corals as a model.
| Assumed Knowledge: | Students enrolling in this subject should have a good understanding of statistics, ecological principles and invertebrate biology. |
| Inadmissible Subject Combinations: | MB3210 MB3219 MB5400 MB3330 |
Availabilities | |
| Townsville, Block, Study Period 3 | |
| Census Date 06-Feb-2014 | |
| Face to face teaching 28-Jan-2014 to 07-Feb-2014 | |
| Coordinator: | Dr Mia Hoogenboom |
| Lecturers: | Dr Mia Hoogenboom, Professor Bette Willis. |
| Contact hours: |
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| Assessment: | end of semester exam (40%); presentations (10%); assignments (10%); on field and practical work (20%); report on field project (20%). |
| 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.