James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2023

MB5001 - Tropical Marine Ecology and Coastal Impacts

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 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