James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2024

MB5000 - Advances in Marine Biology

Subject Description

MB5000 is the first subject you will take in the JCU Master of Marine Biology program. The subject is taught in intensive (block mode) over 2-3 weeks. The subject has several goals. Firstly it will introduce you to the array of our world class researchers and how they do their science. In this context you will study the principals of sampling and experimental design in marine biology and ecology. You will participate in workshops with 6 - 8 different JCU marine researchers encompassing sessions on topics such as coral and fish biology, ecology and physiology, evolutionary genetics and climate adaptation, large marine spatial data systems, fisheries science, megafauna movement and behaviour studies, marine reserve design and ecosystem connectivity, and much more. These lectures and workshops will be done over the first 3 full days of class. Secondly, you will apply your learnings in a 4 day field trip to Orpheus Island Research Station on the Great Barrier Reef. Here you will design and conduct your own mini-research project as well as practice common sampling techniques for coral reef environments. When you return to campus you will participate in workshops to help you analyse your data, present it and write up a scientific research report.

Learning Outcomes

• demonstrate a deep and broad understanding of the necessary principles for designing scientifically sound sampling programs to address specific hypotheses
• plan and conduct reliable, evidence-based laboratory and/or field experiments by selecting and applying methods, techniques and tools for marine biology and ecology
• identify and articulate important knowledge gaps in marine biology and ecology, using an array of data collection methods and statistical techniques to generate new knowledge in marine science

Subject Assessment

• Oral > Presentation 1 - (20%) - Group
• Written > Literature review - (30%) - 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.

Availabilities