BIO3021 - Marine Biology
Marine Biology deals with the biology of marine environments. Special emphasis is placed on the diversity, ecology and ecophysiology of marine organisms and the environments in which they live. Students will also be introduced to the physical and chemical characteristics of the marine environment and the diversity of the marine biota.
Topics of study will include the trophic structure of marine ecosystems, including primary and secondary production, microbial loops, foodwebs and their importance for marine fisheries. The implications of the characteristic life cycles of marine organisms to their geographical distribution will also be considered. These topics are placed in the context of specific marine ecosystems including coastal habitats (rocky intertidal zones, seagrass and mangrove systems, estuaries and kelp forests), coral reefs, open oceans, the deep sea and polar ecosystems. The lectures will conclude with a consideration of marine conservation and policy.
The practical component will be taught as field courses at either the University of Queensland’s Heron Island Research Station in December or at the Queenscliff Marine Station in February. These will teach problem solving skills for field and laboratory based research projects in marine habitats. Students who enrol in BIO3021 must attend one of the field trips on offer to fulfil the practical component of the course.
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The Heron Island field trip will run from: 7th-15th December, 2009
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The Queenscliff field trip will run from the 15th-19th February, 2010.
Objectives
On completion of this unit students will: have a basic knowledge of the diversity of marine life; understand the fundamental physiochemical and physiological processes underlying the productivity of marine environments; understand the ecological dynamics of marine ecosystems; appreciate the role of humans in disturbing and exploiting marine ecosystems; appreciate some of the important current trends in marine biology; have developed a critical, analytical approach to scientific research; have developed skills in writing scientific reports and in oral communication of scientific information.
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Specific Unit Information
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