James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2024

MB1110 - Introductory Marine Science

Subject Description

This subject is designed to provide students with an understanding of marine science as an interdisciplinary topic and of the opportunities available for research and employment. The subject provides students with an opportunity to find out about the research and teaching programs of JCU academic units involved in marine science. The disciplines involved in this subject are as follows: 1. Marine Biology 2. Physical Sciences (Physics and Chemistry) 3. Earth and Environmental Sciences (Geology) These are not the only academic units involved in marine science, but these form the main focus for interdisciplinary studies in marine science. The subject will emphasize the nature of the tropical coastal environments and oceans, but the subject will also contain enough material on the marine environment to allow you to put this into a more general context. There is no single textbook for this subject. However, the recommended book list below will provide enough detail to give students a good introduction in marine science. The subject comprises four main sections presented in the following sequence: 1. The biology of marine organisms; 2. The physical properties of seawater and the processes responsible for patterns of water movement. 3. The geological structure of the ocean basins; 4. The chemical composition of the marine environment.

Learning Outcomes

• basic knowledge of: the range of organisms, both plant and animal, in the sea; fundamentals of chemical oceanography; structure of ocean basins, marine sediments; fundamentals of water movement, tides and currents
• the practical laboratory study of: living marine organisms; chemical measurements of pollutants and metabolites; interpretation of geological strata and sediments; water circulation and surface waves

Subject Assessment

• Written > Examination (centrally administered) - (40%) - Individual
• Written > Test/Quiz 1 - (20%) - Individual
• Written > Lab/Practical report - (40%) - 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 enrolling in this subject should have a good understanding of high school Yr 12 level biology, chemistry and mathematics. A basic understanding of physics is recommended.

Inadmissible Subject Combinations:  MB2090

Availabilities