Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Convenor
Jane Williamson
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Credit points |
Credit points
3
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Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
39cp including BIOL227(P)
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Corequisites |
Corequisites
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Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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Unit description |
Unit description
This unit covers the ecology of temperate marine communities, including: intertidal and subtidal rocky reefs; kelp forests; mangroves; seagrasses; soft sediments; and the deep ocean. Key processes mediating each habitat are explored and both natural and anthropogenic perturbations to these habitats are discussed. Manipulation of our marine environment, with reference to aquaculture, fisheries, introduced species, climate change and conservation issues, is studied. There are also small components dedicated to life histories of marine invertebrates, chemical ecology, larval and adult fish behaviour, and morphology and taxonomy of fish. Specialist lecturing staff from other institutions give guest lectures in their area of expertise.
This unit emphasises the practical application of marine ecological research and has a field component. It provides experience in environmental monitoring and manipulative experiments, including formulating hypotheses, designing experiments, data collection, analyses, and communication of results. A basic knowledge of statistics is assumed. This unit helps prepare individuals for employment in a range of marine-related workplaces, including consultancies and government agencies, and is beneficial for students wishing to continue with postgraduate studies in marine science. |
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
Name | Weighting | Due |
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Student Group Project Proposal | 8% | 10th March |
Student Group Project (SGP) | 24% | 2nd May |
Debate Papers | 6% | 9th May |
Science News Story | 12% | 16th May |
Debates | 10% | 23rd May and 30th May |
Final Exam | 40% | TBA |
Due: 10th March
Weighting: 8%
Submission of a project proposal for the student group project
Due: 2nd May
Weighting: 24%
Submission of a completed student project (written as a group and in the format of a scientific publication), with a signed statement of individual input
Due: 9th May
Weighting: 6%
Group submission of a recent (2011+) scientific publication supporting your argument for your group debate, and a 1-page written précis of your argument
Due: 16th May
Weighting: 12%
Individual submission of a popular science article on a topic within marine ecology
Due: 23rd May and 30th May
Weighting: 10%
Five minute individual oral presentations of a topic nominated in the ‘debate papers’ activity (see above) in the form of a debate
Due: TBA
Weighting: 40%
3-hour written exam at the completion of the unit comprising of short answer and essay questions
BIOL373 is a 3cp unit offered annually on the internal schedule only. BIOL373 is designed for senior undergraduates with a basic understanding of the marine environment and general ecology. The lectures cover the ecology of temperate marine communities, including intertidal rocky shores, mangroves, seagrasses, soft-sediments, subtidal rocky reefs, and the deep ocean. Key processes mediating each habitat are explored, and both natural and anthropogenic perturbations to these habitats are discussed. There are small components dedicated to chemical ecology, larval and adult fish behavior, and shark ecology. Manipulation of our marine environment, with particular reference to aquaculture and conservation issues, is also studied. Specialist colleagues from other institutions will give a few of the lectures in their area of expertise.
This unit emphasises the practical application of marine ecological research and has a substantial field component in the first half of the semester. It provides experience in environmental monitoring and manipulative experiments, including formulating hypotheses, designing experiments, data collection, analyses, and communication of the results. A basic understanding of statistics (~STAT170) is assumed.
BIOL373 provides students with an extensive understanding of the processes and issues that are advancing the field of marine biology. It conveys the intellectual excitement that is currently developing this science, and to stimulate freethinking and problem solving.
This unit is also extremely valuable for students interested in undergraduate or postgraduate studies in Biology, Ecology, Conservation and Biodiversity, Environmental Studies, Climate Change Science and/or Resource Management. Students from degrees other than Bachelor of Marine Science are encouraged to enrol. BIOL373 helps prepare individuals for employment in a broad range of marine and/or ecologically related workplaces, including consultancies and government agencies, and is beneficial for students wishing to continue with Honours or postgraduate research. It provides a good basis for BIOL773 (Marine Conservation and Management) within the Masters of Science program.
Practical components of BIOL373 rely on student led learning and I will guide you through this process. I hope that by developing your own ideas, based on the information and guidance that I give you, you will find this experience more rewarding than merely being told what to do. Such student led learning, however, works best if there is regular feedback from you, so please work with me throughout the semester to ascertain the optimal amount of help that you need with your questions and progress. I will ask for your feedback on the Unit during the semester and towards the end through formal LEU and LED evaluations. If, however, you have any suggestions for BIOL373 at other times please make an appointment to come and talk to me, or others involved in the unit. Teaching and learning is a two-way process and I encourage your feedback – your opinion is very important to me!
Week |
Week starting |
Lecture |
Practical |
1 |
29th February |
Introduction |
Introductory practical – Introduction and preparation for fieldwork |
Invertebrate life histories |
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2 |
7th March |
Rocky Shores I |
Student Group Project – field trip to Fairlight |
Rocky Shores II |
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3 |
14th March |
Rocky Shores III |
Student Group Project - planning & feedback session |
Kelp forests |
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4 |
21st March |
Soft sediments |
Student Group Project – field trip to Fairlight |
Seagrasses |
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5 |
29th March |
No lecture |
No practical – Easter Monday |
Mangroves & salt marshes |
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6 |
4th April |
Fish Behaviour |
Student Group Project – data analysis and feedback |
No lecture |
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Mid-semester break |
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7 |
25th April |
No lecture |
No practical – Anzac Day |
Larval fish |
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8 |
2nd May |
Chemical Ecology I |
Communication in Science – Science News Story |
Chemical Ecology II |
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9 |
9th May |
Shark Ecology |
Sydney Aquarium |
Recruitment & Fisheries |
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10 |
16th May |
Energy and nutrient flows in estuaries |
Science News Story – peer review and assessment |
Fisheries bycatch & discarding (guest lecture) |
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11 |
23rd May |
Aquaculture I |
Debates |
Aquaculture II |
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12 |
30th May |
Climate change I |
Debates |
Climate change II |
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13 |
6th June |
Marine protected areas |
No practical |
No lecture |
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html
New Assessment Policy in effect from Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy_2016.html. For more information visit http://students.mq.edu.au/events/2016/07/19/new_assessment_policy_in_place_from_session_2/
Assessment Policy prior to Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html
Grading Policy prior to Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html
Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html
Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/complaint_management/procedure.html
Disruption to Studies Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html The Disruption to Studies Policy is effective from March 3 2014 and replaces the Special Consideration Policy.
In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/
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This graduate capability is supported by:
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