James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2024

MB5371 - Techniques in Marine Science 2

This subject is only available to students admitted to the Master of Marine Biology program.

Subject Description

Available to postgraduate science students enrolled in the Master of Marine Biology. This subject will provide students with practical skills and knowledge in a broad range of field, laboratory and aquarium-based data collection techniques relevant to marine science practice. Learning is problem-based and emphasises hands-on skills development through practical and demonstration sessions. The subject comprises discrete learning modules that each involve 20 to 40 hours of study, and that have a component of self-paced online learning of theory followed by in-person practical sessions. After completing an initial compulsory module that provides a foundation laboratory and field safety, students will choose from a set of modules that focus on different ecological questions (e.g. biodiversity change, water quality impacts) and provide opportunity to develop mastery of a breadth of skills (e.g., taxonomy, tissue analyses, water sampling, aquarium design, research diving). The modules were designed in consultation with our research partners and stakeholders in industry and government to ensure that the knowledge and skills developed during the subject are directly relevant for marine science professionals. Various staff members in the College are involved in teaching the different learning modules in this subject. There are additional charges for some of the (elective) modules in this subject. Please contact the College for more information.

There are additional charges for this subject; please contact the College of Science and Engineering for details.

Learning Outcomes

• plan and conduct reliable, evidence-based laboratory and/or field experiments by selecting and applying methods, techniques and tools as appropriate for marine biology and ecology
• demonstrate mastery of a broad range of advanced technical and practical skills for field-, aquarium- and laboratory-based data collection required in marine science practice, and apply an integrated understanding of multiple approaches in order to assess the best method for different scenarios

Subject Assessment

• Written > Test/Quiz 1 - (20%) - Individual
• Written > Workbook - (40%) - Individual
• Performance/Practice/Product > Practical assessment/practical skills demonstration - (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.

Special Assessment Requirements

Competency based assessment from modules/short-courses.

Assumed Knowledge:  Students enrolling in this subject should have an undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. biology or environmental science) or have acquired equivalent knowledge through other study. Students enrolling in this subject should have a high degree of competency in data manipulation and biological statistics, and some prior experience of using R statistical software.

Availabilities