Students

BIOL3440 – Aquatic Ecosystems

2026 – Session 1, In person-scheduled-weekday, North Ryde

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff
Anthony Chariton
anthony.chariton@mq.edu.au
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
130cp at 1000 level or above including BIOL2410 or BIOL2610
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description

Aim: In this unit you will develop a deep understanding of aquatic environments, including rivers, groundwater, estuarine and marine systems. The unit captures the ecology of these systems, their drivers, and their fragility under the ever-increasing influence of the Anthropocene.

Key topics: You will gain an understanding of the complex abiotic and biotic interactions which underpin these systems, while discovering the biodiversity, services, functions and Indigenous values these systems support. Through theory and hands on experience you with have the foundations to design, implement, analyze, interpret and produce an aquatic biomonitoring program.

Connection: By combining theory, hands-on practical experience, experimental design, Indigenous values, and ecological interpretation, this unit will foster your preparedness for a career in aquatic ecology or environmental management. The skills you have obtained will be transferred to a range of research fields and will also provide you with a strong foundation for post graduate studies.  

The unit involves a field trip (2 nights/ 3 days) outside of the Sydney area (costing approx. $250). The field trip will be early semester and not during the mid-semester break.  

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • ULO1: Design and implement an aquatic ecosystem monitoring project. 
  • ULO2: Evaluate the impacts of human activities on aquatic ecosystems. 
  • ULO3: Apply knowledge of current issues and management strategies to evaluate approaches for supporting long-term sustainability of aquatic ecosystems. 
  • ULO4: Analyse and interpret the physical, chemical, and biotic components of aquatic ecosystems to explain their interdependence. 
  • ULO5: Communicate scientific data, concepts, and interpretations effectively to diverse audiences using appropriate formats and language. 
  • ULO6: Demonstrate an appreciation for aquatic ecosystems and their importance to society, cultural and individual wellbeing. 
  • ULO7: Demonstrate an understanding of the Indigenous significance and values associated with aquatic environments.  

General Assessment Information

 Late Submission Policy

  • 5% penalty per day: If you submit your assessment late, 5% of the total possible marks will be deducted for each day (including weekends), up to 7 days.
  • Example 1 (out of 100): If you score 85/100 but submit 20 hours late, you will lose 5 marks and receive 80/100.
  • Example 2 (out of 30): If you score 27/30 but submit 1 day late, you will lose 1.5 marks and receive 25.5/30.
  • After 7 days: Submissions more than 7 days late will receive a mark of 0.

Extensions:

  • Automatic short extension: Some assessments are eligible for automatic short extension. You can only apply for an automatic short extension before the due date.
  • Special Consideration: If you need more time due to serious issues and for any assessments that are not eligible for Short Extension, you must apply for Special Consideration.

Need help? Review the Special Consideration page HERE

 

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due Groupwork/Individual Short Extension AI Approach
Aquatic Ecology Multimedia Presentation 30% No 20/03/2026 Individual No Observed
Aquatic ecology report 40% No 15/05/2026 Individual Yes Open
Journal of learning in research methodologies 30% No 05/06/2026 Individual and Group No Open

Aquatic Ecology Multimedia Presentation

Assessment Type 1: Presentation task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 10 hours
Due: 20/03/2026
Weighting: 30%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach: Observed

You will analyse and familiarise yourself with an aquatic ecology issue. Using multimedia, you will simulate the way in which scientists communicate ecological issues targeting a specific stakeholder, end-user or sector of the public.
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Evaluate the impacts of human activities on aquatic ecosystems. 
  • Apply knowledge of current issues and management strategies to evaluate approaches for supporting long-term sustainability of aquatic ecosystems. 
  • Communicate scientific data, concepts, and interpretations effectively to diverse audiences using appropriate formats and language. 
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the Indigenous significance and values associated with aquatic environments.  

Aquatic ecology report

Assessment Type 1: Written Submission
Indicative Time on Task 2: 32 hours
Due: 15/05/2026
Weighting: 40%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: Yes
AI Approach: Open

 As an ecologist or environmental manager, you will be expected to devise sampling plans, analyse, prepare, and critically review documents that assess aquatic ecosystems. Using the information primarily obtained from the field trip, you will prepare a report which reflects those commonly used by government agencies and industry.  
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Design and implement an aquatic ecosystem monitoring project. 
  • Evaluate the impacts of human activities on aquatic ecosystems. 
  • Apply knowledge of current issues and management strategies to evaluate approaches for supporting long-term sustainability of aquatic ecosystems. 
  • Analyse and interpret the physical, chemical, and biotic components of aquatic ecosystems to explain their interdependence. 
  • Communicate scientific data, concepts, and interpretations effectively to diverse audiences using appropriate formats and language. 
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the Indigenous significance and values associated with aquatic environments.  

Journal of learning in research methodologies

Assessment Type 1: Experiential task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 32 hours
Due: 05/06/2026
Weighting: 30%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual and Group
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach: Open

You will demonstrate your understanding and application of sampling methods and ecosystem monitoring techniques. Your work will be communicated scientifically, but in a way that is accessible to environmental managers and non-specialist audiences.
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Apply knowledge of current issues and management strategies to evaluate approaches for supporting long-term sustainability of aquatic ecosystems. 
  • Analyse and interpret the physical, chemical, and biotic components of aquatic ecosystems to explain their interdependence. 
  • Demonstrate an appreciation for aquatic ecosystems and their importance to society, cultural and individual wellbeing. 

1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:

  • the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
  • Academic Success for academic skills support.

2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation.

3 An automatic short extension is available for some assessments. Apply through the Service Connect Portal.

Delivery and Resources

Weekly sessions

The unit is run as 3 hour modules each Friday. 

 

FIELD TRIP: Lake Macquarie 

There is a field trip to Lake Macquarie. It runs for 3 days and 2 nights (Mon 23rd March until Wed 25th March). The field trip forms the foundation of the unit and the skills you will require. It also the foundation for Assignement 2, the report.  The information you collect in the field and process subsequent forms the basis of the report. Hence, it would not be possible to complete Assignment 2 without attending the field trip. 

Accomodation has been held at Lake Macquarie (Wangi Wangi).  The costs per person depends on the type of accomodation you require. For two nights, 

: ensuite cabin with 3 guests is $120 per person

: no ensuite cabin with 5 guests is $90 per person

: camping site (up to 6 tents) is $50 per person

You can use your own vehicle for transport during the trip. A university minibus (includes collection and return to university) will be available for $70 per person- booking details will be made availble during the first few weeks of semester. 

 

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct

Results

Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit connect.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

Academic Integrity

At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Academic Success

Academic Success provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.

The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources. 

Student Services and Support

Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:

Student Enquiries

Got a question? Ask us via the Service Connect Portal, or contact Service Connect.

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/. 

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Changes since First Published

Date Description
16/02/2026 I had a typo in the field trip dates, said 2-25 March, should 23-25 March

Unit information based on version 2026.03 of the Handbook