James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2023
For subject information from 2025 and onwards, please visit the new JCU Course and Subject Handbook website.
MB2050 - Functional Biology of Marine Organisms
| Credit points: | 03 |
| Year: | 2023 |
| Student Contribution Band: | Band 2 |
| Prerequisites: | ZL1001 OR BZ1004 OR AG1004 OR BZ1007 OR BS1007 OR BZ1006 |
| Administered by: | College of Science and Engineering |
Subject Description
- 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
- identify the major biological challenges which aquatic existence imposes on marine organisms through a study of various marine habitats and their inhabitants
- analyse the structural and functional solutions developed by key groups of marine organisms to meet such challenges
- review how organisms from very different taxonomic backgrounds respond to common requirements of feeding, growth, locomotion and reproduction in marine environments
- learn basic laboratory techniques relevant to marine research
Subject Assessment
- Written > Examination (centrally administered) - (60%)
- Written > Test/Quiz 1 - (15%)
- Scientific report based on field data - (15%)
- Group work: lab report & oral presentation - (10%)
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 enrolling in this subject should have a good understanding of level 1 biology, particularly zoology (eg BS1007 or equivalent). A basic understanding of chemistry is also recommended (eg CH1001).
Availabilities
Townsville Bebegu Yumba, Study Period 1, Internal | |
| Census date: | Thursday, 23 Mar 2023 |
| Study Period Dates: | Monday, 20 Feb 2023 to Friday, 16 Jun 2023 |
| Coordinator(s): | DR Orpha Bellwood |
| Lecturer(s): | DR Orpha Bellwood Professor David Bellwood |
| Workload expectations: | The student workload for this 3 credit point subject is approximately 130 hours.
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