Students have a series of multi-choice, short answer or diagramatic questions to answer each week based on lecture content and/or associated reading. The quizzes will be posted on-line through iLearn at the end of the week's second lecture and are accessible for assessment until the end of each week (5pm Friday). Quizzes can be accessed as basic review material for the final exam. Grades from the quiz will contribute up to 10% of a student's final grade.

This is an early assessment writing task for each individual student to hand in a 200 word maximum summary on their Fact sheet topic and a list of three primary references relevant to the topic. 

Note: That although you will work as a pair to produce the Fact sheet, this quick writing task should be undertaken individually and separately. Students should write in their own words and should NOT have the same references or text. 

In collaboration with the Sydney Institute of Marine Science (SIMS) students will produce public-oriented fact sheets, based on the Sydney Harbour marine environment or its inhabitants. Working in pairs, students will be assigned a random marine topic to produce a two-page fact sheet. The five best fact sheets will go in the running for selection to be printed into real fact sheets by the Sydney Institute of Marine Science (SIMS) for public dispersion. The fact sheets are uploaded to iLearn and are assessed against a set criteria provided to students and by TURNITIN (anti-plagiarism software). All images must be either owned by the student or Creative Commons attributed (i.e. they can not be copied or manuipulated from the web). One mandatory tutorial (with an associated pre-tute task) is associated with this activity where library search skills specific to marine science are explained and put into practice. Students have two weeks to complete the task as a team in their own time. Word length: maximum 1000 words.

This practical is preceeded by a tutorial (Week 3) detailing the practical expectations. In the tutorial students will be exposed to field notebook styles and advice on data collection. Students will be allocated marine organisms found at the Taronga Zoo to observe key behaviours undertaken and then to study over a set time period the time spent on those behaviours. Students will be assessed on their field notebook and the data that they collect, collate, summarise and present in an appropriate graph form.

Students have 3 weeks to visit the zoo in their own time to undertake their observations and submit their fieldbook and graphs before the deadline.

Please note: Full-time enrolled students will incur a $31.50 entry fee charge to Taronga Zoo on presentation of their current student card and any additional transport and/or parking charges to/from the Zoo. Failure to present a current Full-time student card on entry will mean you are charged at the Full Adult entry fee of $44.00. There are no discounts for part-time enrolled students. 

This practical in Week 7, is hands-on and laboratory-based. Students will be guided through fish anatomical features that aid in the identification of New South Wales fish through an on-line taxonomic guide. You will be challenged on your abilities to identify mystery fish from your new taxonomic skills. 

Please note: Closed-in foot ware is mandatory, and students are strongly-advised to bring a lab coat to protect their clothing. 

In week 6 students will examine and identify major plankton groups under a dissecting microscope. This plankton will be sourced from Sydeny Harbour and be a basis for identification for the Field Trip. Microscopy skills will be demonstrated. An identification skill test will be the basis for assessment.

We take to the Harbour in Week 10 to expose students to boat-based sampling of the physical environment and its biological micro-organisms. Students will be expected to take detailed notes in their field notebook, document parameters and observations while on the water and then try their hand at identifying the micro-organisms they have just sampled. Students will be assessed on their field book and a detailed methodological-based report and graph. Word limitation for report: 1500 words.

The Field Trip is COMPULSORY and students will spend 1/2 day undertaking the experience.

Arrangements for attending (i.e making time to attend where other clashes occur) should be arranged well in advance.

Date: Monday 12th October in two groups (morning and afternoon sessions).

Please Note: Buses from Macquarie University will be organised to transport students to/from SIMS (Chowder Bay) relevant to a student's practical session. Alternatively, students can make their own way there by public transport (Bus 244 from near Wynyard Station - pre-paid tickets required, 1 bus per hour generally). Car parking at, or near, SIMS is possible but not recommended due to the fact that it is metered, expensive and very well patrolled by parking inspectors who give out hefty fines. 

Students will be assessed on their understanding of basic concepts covered in the unit by means of multichoice questions. Additional short answer questions that test their understanding of the marine environment and ecosystems will also be included.