Unit Guide

General Information

Unit convenor and teaching staff	Unit convenor and teaching staff SIMS unit corordinator Dr Jason Everett jason.everett@unsw.edu.au Contact via +61 2 9385 2073 Caitlin Kordis caitlin.kordis@mq.edu.au
Credit points	Credit points 4
Prerequisites	Prerequisites Admission to MMarScMgt or GradDipConsBiol
Corequisites	Corequisites
Co-badged status	Co-badged status
Unit description	Unit description This unit introduces students to current research undertaken in various disciplines of marine science in Australia. It is a multi-institutional unit taught at the Sydney Institute of Marine Science (SIMS) with contributions from the four university partners of SIMS. Lectures and tutorials are taught by leading marine science researchers. Topics cover physical and biological oceanography, climate change, molecular ecology, aquaculture, marine biology and marine geosciences. In practical classes, students analyse and interpret remote-sensing data from the Integrated Marine Observing System, which provides comprehensive information on the biological and physical processes of Australia's coastal and oceanic waters.

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:

After completion of this unit, you should be able to adopt a critical thinking, evidence-‐based approach to key research questions in marine science and management. The acquired knowledge and skills will be directly transferable to the workplace and professional practice. The case-based problems developed for this unit focus on the following learning outcomes.
1. Understanding of the diversity of IMOS data and instrumentation for data collection: The Australian Integrated Marine Observing System (IMOS) national facility is collecting comprehensive biological data as well as complex physical and oceanographic data that give a real picture of the coast. By being exposed to the full range of IMOS data you will learn about the different instrumentation (remote sensing equipment, acoustic arrays, autonomous underwater vehicles, ocean gliders) that is used to measure marine systems.
2. Formulating and testing hypotheses: IMOS data is being used by researchers to answer important questions such as ocean and climate change and variability, major boundary currents, continental shelf processes and biological responses. You will be able to formulate your own hypotheses associated with these topics and decide on how much data is needed to test it.
3. Accessing and managing data: The internet has made it possible to access large amounts of data covering extensive spatial scales. New skills are needed to access and manage those large data sets. You will learn how to access and manage large datasets using online tools and other software.
4. Analysing large data sets You will develop skills to analyse large data sets that are specific for the marine environment using a variety of software programs and tools specifically developed for the unit.
5. Presenting and visualising data You will learn how to effective communicate your results through writing a scientific report on your findings.

Assessment Tasks

Name	Weighting	Hurdle	Due	Short Extension
Practical exercises	60%	No	as per schedule	No
Writing assignment	10%	No	as per SIMS unit schedule	No
Examination	30%	No	see unit schedule	No

Practical exercises

Due: as per schedule
Weighting: 60%
Groupwork/Individual:
Short extension ³: No
AI assisted?:

Practical Exercises - you will be required to hand in the results of your practical class exercises at the beginning of the practical class the week following the module's completion. Each module is worth 5%, but some may be assessed over two weeks (and so will be worth 10%). See the printed SIMS unit guide for TAMS for complete instructions.

On successful completion you will be able to:

After completion of this unit, you should be able to adopt a critical thinking, evidence-‐based approach to key research questions in marine science and management. The acquired knowledge and skills will be directly transferable to the workplace and professional practice. The case-based problems developed for this unit focus on the following learning outcomes.
1. Understanding of the diversity of IMOS data and instrumentation for data collection: The Australian Integrated Marine Observing System (IMOS) national facility is collecting comprehensive biological data as well as complex physical and oceanographic data that give a real picture of the coast. By being exposed to the full range of IMOS data you will learn about the different instrumentation (remote sensing equipment, acoustic arrays, autonomous underwater vehicles, ocean gliders) that is used to measure marine systems.
2. Formulating and testing hypotheses: IMOS data is being used by researchers to answer important questions such as ocean and climate change and variability, major boundary currents, continental shelf processes and biological responses. You will be able to formulate your own hypotheses associated with these topics and decide on how much data is needed to test it.
3. Accessing and managing data: The internet has made it possible to access large amounts of data covering extensive spatial scales. New skills are needed to access and manage those large data sets. You will learn how to access and manage large datasets using online tools and other software.
4. Analysing large data sets You will develop skills to analyse large data sets that are specific for the marine environment using a variety of software programs and tools specifically developed for the unit.
5. Presenting and visualising data You will learn how to effective communicate your results through writing a scientific report on your findings.

Writing assignment

Due: as per SIMS unit schedule
Weighting: 10%
Groupwork/Individual:
Short extension ³: No
AI assisted?:

Writing assignment - You will be provided with the outline of the writing assignment in week 3. See the SIMS unit guide for TAMS for full instructions.

On successful completion you will be able to:

After completion of this unit, you should be able to adopt a critical thinking, evidence-‐based approach to key research questions in marine science and management. The acquired knowledge and skills will be directly transferable to the workplace and professional practice. The case-based problems developed for this unit focus on the following learning outcomes.
1. Understanding of the diversity of IMOS data and instrumentation for data collection: The Australian Integrated Marine Observing System (IMOS) national facility is collecting comprehensive biological data as well as complex physical and oceanographic data that give a real picture of the coast. By being exposed to the full range of IMOS data you will learn about the different instrumentation (remote sensing equipment, acoustic arrays, autonomous underwater vehicles, ocean gliders) that is used to measure marine systems.
2. Formulating and testing hypotheses: IMOS data is being used by researchers to answer important questions such as ocean and climate change and variability, major boundary currents, continental shelf processes and biological responses. You will be able to formulate your own hypotheses associated with these topics and decide on how much data is needed to test it.
3. Accessing and managing data: The internet has made it possible to access large amounts of data covering extensive spatial scales. New skills are needed to access and manage those large data sets. You will learn how to access and manage large datasets using online tools and other software.
4. Analysing large data sets You will develop skills to analyse large data sets that are specific for the marine environment using a variety of software programs and tools specifically developed for the unit.
5. Presenting and visualising data You will learn how to effective communicate your results through writing a scientific report on your findings.

Examination

Due: see unit schedule
Weighting: 30%
Groupwork/Individual:
Short extension ³: No
AI assisted?:

Examination - see the SIMS printed unit guide for TAMS for instructions (note the duration of the final examination has not been finalised)

On successful completion you will be able to:

After completion of this unit, you should be able to adopt a critical thinking, evidence-‐based approach to key research questions in marine science and management. The acquired knowledge and skills will be directly transferable to the workplace and professional practice. The case-based problems developed for this unit focus on the following learning outcomes.
1. Understanding of the diversity of IMOS data and instrumentation for data collection: The Australian Integrated Marine Observing System (IMOS) national facility is collecting comprehensive biological data as well as complex physical and oceanographic data that give a real picture of the coast. By being exposed to the full range of IMOS data you will learn about the different instrumentation (remote sensing equipment, acoustic arrays, autonomous underwater vehicles, ocean gliders) that is used to measure marine systems.
2. Formulating and testing hypotheses: IMOS data is being used by researchers to answer important questions such as ocean and climate change and variability, major boundary currents, continental shelf processes and biological responses. You will be able to formulate your own hypotheses associated with these topics and decide on how much data is needed to test it.
4. Analysing large data sets You will develop skills to analyse large data sets that are specific for the marine environment using a variety of software programs and tools specifically developed for the unit.

Delivery and Resources

Study commitment

All classes in BIOL877 are held on Thursdays at the Sydney Institute of marine science.

Practical classes

The practical classes will introduce you to IMOS – Australia’s Integrated Marine Observing System, a national infrastructure facility that collects oceanographic data from Australia’s coasts and oceans. These data are made publicly available and used by scientists to explore and monitor biological and oceanographic processes in the coastal and marine environment.

During most weeks of the semester there is a weekly one-hour tutorial followed by a two-hour practical class. Attendance to the tutorials and practical classes is compulsory.

Students absent from more than one practical class without approval will be penalized 5% from their final semester mark for every class missed.

Please inquire with your university about special consideration for longer absences.

Seminars/lectures

The seminar series is built around the most current research questions in Australian marine science. Scientists from a number of disciplines will present their research and the most important research questions in their field in a one-hour seminar.

Seminars take place weekly.

Unit Schedule

DRAFT 2016 Topics in Australian Marine Science (TAMS) Course Schedule

	Tutorials/Practical (9:30am – 12:30pm)	Seminars (1:15 – 2:15 pm)
Week 1 (3 Mar)	PRAC 1: 1. Welcome (Peter); 2. Course Overview/Expectations/Computing (Jason); 3. Introduction to the IMOS Ocean Portal (IMOS)	Iain Suthers (UNSW)
Week 2 (10 Mar)	PRAC 2: Autonomous Ocean Observations (Iain Suthers)	David Booth (UTS)
Week 3 (17 Mar)	PRAC 3: Autonomous Ocean Observations (Iain Suthers)	Moninya Roughan (UNSW)
Week 4 (24 Mar)	PRAC 4: Moorings (Moninya Roughan)	Vic Peddemors (NSW-DPI)
	Mid-semester break : 25 Mar - 3 Apr
Week 5 (7 Apr)	PRAC 5: Moorings (Moninya Roughan)	Martina Doblin (UTS)
Week 6 (14 Apr)	PRAC 6: Satellite remote sensing (Martina Doblin)	Bill Gladstone (UTS)
Week 7 (21 April)	PRAC 7: Satellite remote sensing (Martina Doblin)	Aldo Steffe (Fish. Surv. Soln.)
Week 8 (28 Apr)	PRAC 8: Recreational Fishing (Aldo Steffe)	David Raftos (Macquarie)
Week 9 (5 May)	PRAC 9: Recreational Fishing (Aldo Steffe)	Rob Harcourt (Macquarie)
Week 10 (12 May)	PRAC 10: Australian Animal Tagging and Monitoring System (Steph Brodie)	Guest (TBD)
Week 11 (19 May)	PRAC 11: Australian Animal Tagging and Monitoring System (Steph Brodie)	Ezequiel Marzinelli (UNSW)
Week 12 (26 May)	PRAC 12: Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (Ziggy Marzinelli)	John Stewart and Doug Ferrell (NSW-DPI)
Week 13 (2 Jun)	PRAC 13: Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (Stefan Williams)	Ana Vila Conjevo (USyd)
Week 14 (9 Jun)	EXAM	BBQ at SIMS

Learning and Teaching Activities

Practical Classes

practical classes will start at 9.30 am in the Seminar Room of the main administration building (Building 19) at the Sydney Institute of Marine Science (SIMS). The practical will run for 3 hours (9.30-12.30) followed by a seminar from 1.15 pm-2.15 pm.

Seminars/lectures

Lectures and tutorials will be taught by leading marine science researchers. Topics will cover physical and biological oceanography, climate change, molecular ecology, aquaculture, marine biology and marine geosciences.

Policies and Procedures

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.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/

Results

Results shown in iLearn, 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 ask.mq.edu.au.

Student Support

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

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

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.

Graduate Capabilities

PG - Capable of Professional and Personal Judgment and Initiative

Our postgraduates will demonstrate a high standard of discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgment. They will have the ability to make informed choices and decisions that reflect both the nature of their professional work and their personal perspectives.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

1. Understanding of the diversity of IMOS data and instrumentation for data collection: The Australian Integrated Marine Observing System (IMOS) national facility is collecting comprehensive biological data as well as complex physical and oceanographic data that give a real picture of the coast. By being exposed to the full range of IMOS data you will learn about the different instrumentation (remote sensing equipment, acoustic arrays, autonomous underwater vehicles, ocean gliders) that is used to measure marine systems.
2. Formulating and testing hypotheses: IMOS data is being used by researchers to answer important questions such as ocean and climate change and variability, major boundary currents, continental shelf processes and biological responses. You will be able to formulate your own hypotheses associated with these topics and decide on how much data is needed to test it.
3. Accessing and managing data: The internet has made it possible to access large amounts of data covering extensive spatial scales. New skills are needed to access and manage those large data sets. You will learn how to access and manage large datasets using online tools and other software.
4. Analysing large data sets You will develop skills to analyse large data sets that are specific for the marine environment using a variety of software programs and tools specifically developed for the unit.
5. Presenting and visualising data You will learn how to effective communicate your results through writing a scientific report on your findings.

Assessment tasks

Practical exercises
Writing assignment

PG - Discipline Knowledge and Skills

Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

After completion of this unit, you should be able to adopt a critical thinking, evidence-‐based approach to key research questions in marine science and management. The acquired knowledge and skills will be directly transferable to the workplace and professional practice. The case-based problems developed for this unit focus on the following learning outcomes.
3. Accessing and managing data: The internet has made it possible to access large amounts of data covering extensive spatial scales. New skills are needed to access and manage those large data sets. You will learn how to access and manage large datasets using online tools and other software.
4. Analysing large data sets You will develop skills to analyse large data sets that are specific for the marine environment using a variety of software programs and tools specifically developed for the unit.

Assessment tasks

Practical exercises
Writing assignment
Examination

PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

After completion of this unit, you should be able to adopt a critical thinking, evidence-‐based approach to key research questions in marine science and management. The acquired knowledge and skills will be directly transferable to the workplace and professional practice. The case-based problems developed for this unit focus on the following learning outcomes.
2. Formulating and testing hypotheses: IMOS data is being used by researchers to answer important questions such as ocean and climate change and variability, major boundary currents, continental shelf processes and biological responses. You will be able to formulate your own hypotheses associated with these topics and decide on how much data is needed to test it.
3. Accessing and managing data: The internet has made it possible to access large amounts of data covering extensive spatial scales. New skills are needed to access and manage those large data sets. You will learn how to access and manage large datasets using online tools and other software.
4. Analysing large data sets You will develop skills to analyse large data sets that are specific for the marine environment using a variety of software programs and tools specifically developed for the unit.

Assessment tasks

Practical exercises
Writing assignment
Examination

PG - Research and Problem Solving Capability

Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

After completion of this unit, you should be able to adopt a critical thinking, evidence-‐based approach to key research questions in marine science and management. The acquired knowledge and skills will be directly transferable to the workplace and professional practice. The case-based problems developed for this unit focus on the following learning outcomes.
1. Understanding of the diversity of IMOS data and instrumentation for data collection: The Australian Integrated Marine Observing System (IMOS) national facility is collecting comprehensive biological data as well as complex physical and oceanographic data that give a real picture of the coast. By being exposed to the full range of IMOS data you will learn about the different instrumentation (remote sensing equipment, acoustic arrays, autonomous underwater vehicles, ocean gliders) that is used to measure marine systems.
2. Formulating and testing hypotheses: IMOS data is being used by researchers to answer important questions such as ocean and climate change and variability, major boundary currents, continental shelf processes and biological responses. You will be able to formulate your own hypotheses associated with these topics and decide on how much data is needed to test it.
3. Accessing and managing data: The internet has made it possible to access large amounts of data covering extensive spatial scales. New skills are needed to access and manage those large data sets. You will learn how to access and manage large datasets using online tools and other software.
4. Analysing large data sets You will develop skills to analyse large data sets that are specific for the marine environment using a variety of software programs and tools specifically developed for the unit.

Assessment tasks

Practical exercises
Writing assignment
Examination

PG - Effective Communication

Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

1. Understanding of the diversity of IMOS data and instrumentation for data collection: The Australian Integrated Marine Observing System (IMOS) national facility is collecting comprehensive biological data as well as complex physical and oceanographic data that give a real picture of the coast. By being exposed to the full range of IMOS data you will learn about the different instrumentation (remote sensing equipment, acoustic arrays, autonomous underwater vehicles, ocean gliders) that is used to measure marine systems.
5. Presenting and visualising data You will learn how to effective communicate your results through writing a scientific report on your findings.

Assessment tasks

Practical exercises
Writing assignment
Examination

PG - Engaged and Responsible, Active and Ethical Citizens

Our postgraduates will be ethically aware and capable of confident transformative action in relation to their professional responsibilities and the wider community. They will have a sense of connectedness with others and country and have a sense of mutual obligation. They will be able to appreciate the impact of their professional roles for social justice and inclusion related to national and global issues

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

1. Understanding of the diversity of IMOS data and instrumentation for data collection: The Australian Integrated Marine Observing System (IMOS) national facility is collecting comprehensive biological data as well as complex physical and oceanographic data that give a real picture of the coast. By being exposed to the full range of IMOS data you will learn about the different instrumentation (remote sensing equipment, acoustic arrays, autonomous underwater vehicles, ocean gliders) that is used to measure marine systems.
5. Presenting and visualising data You will learn how to effective communicate your results through writing a scientific report on your findings.

Assessment tasks

Practical exercises
Writing assignment