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James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2022

For subject information from 2025 and onwards, please visit the new JCU Course and Subject Handbook website.

MB5001 - Tropical Marine Ecology and Coastal Impacts

Credit points:03
Year:2022
Student Contribution Band:Band 2
Administered by:College of Science and Engineering (pre 2023 PCS)

Available to postgraduate students in the College of Science and Engineering. Also available to third year level students in the College of Science and Engineering with a GPA >5.

Subject Description

    Impacts on coastal systems are increasing and include: climate change, fisheries, tourism and development. An understanding of impacts requires a knowledge of local biodiversity and this can vary greatly by ocean. This subject focuses on the ecology of marine organisms and impacts on marine coastal assemblages in the Andaman Sea - on the Eastern side of the Indian Ocean. The Andaman Sea is subject to impacts such as storms, tsunamis and coral bleaching as well as intense pressure from tourism, fisheries, runoff from the mainland and coastal developments. Biogeographically the area has a strong Indian Ocean Influence and some leakage from the western Pacific. The subject will enhance core ecological skills and will provide an increased knowledge of marine organisms the impacts faced by tropical; reefs of the world and the potential for sustainable practices. The subject entails a field trip to Phuket, Thailand, and excursions to local reefs, coastal habitats. There are additional charges for this subject and a quota on student enrolments applies. MB5001 is available for enrolment by postgraduate coursework students in the College of Marine & Environmental Sciences and to approved JCUS students. Where space allows, MB5001 is also available to undergraduate students in their third year with a GPA >5. Please contact the College for details.

There are additional charges for this subject; please contact the College of Science and Engineering (pre 2023 PCS) for details.

Learning Outcomes

  • demonstrate theoretical knowledge on principles in marine ecology through oral and written modes of presentation
  • apply learning of marine ecology principles and tropical species to the writing of projects and to critique environmental assessments
  • recognise through critical evaluation both limitations and the potential for fisheries, aquaculture, tourism and development practices conducted in the tropics
  • demonstrate progress in developing a greater suite of practical skills in diagnosing impacts in coastal tropical waters
  • have a more holistic understanding of impacts in heavily populated parts of SE Asia

Subject Assessment

  • Oral > Presentation 1 - (25%) - Individual
  • Written > Examination (College administered) - (25%) - Individual
  • Written > Project report - (50%) - Individual

Note that 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.

Assumed Knowledge:  students are assumed to have a basic understanding of ecological principles and techniques as well as some background in statistics and sampling design. A basic understanding of marine biodiversity is also assumed

Availabilities

JCU Singapore, Study Period 53, Intensive, (Face to Face dates exist for this availability)

Census date:Thursday, 01 Dec 2022
Study Period Dates:Monday, 07 Nov 2022 to Friday, 17 Feb 2023
Face to face teaching: (tba)
Lecturer(s):
DR Neil Hutchinson
Workload expectations:The student workload for this 3 credit point subject is approximately 130 hours.
  • 65 Hours - Other - Combined Lectures; Workshops; and Fieldwork
Restrictions:An enrolment quota applies.

Townsville, Study Period 11, Intensive, (Face to Face dates exist for this availability)

Census date:Thursday, 08 Dec 2022
Study Period Dates:Monday, 21 Nov 2022 to Friday, 10 Feb 2023
Face to face teaching: (tba)
Coordinator(s):
Professor Michael Kingsford
Lecturer(s):
DR Neil Hutchinson
Professor Michael Kingsford
Workload expectations:The student workload for this 3 credit point subject is approximately 130 hours.
  • 6 Hours - Lectures (didactic or interactive) - Impacts, sampling theory, paradigms
  • 3 Hours - Workshops
  • 56 Hours - Fieldwork
Restrictions:An enrolment quota applies.