MB5350 - Current Issues in Coral Reef Ecology
Credit points: |
3 |
Year: |
2015 |
Student Contribution Band: |
Band
2
|
Administered by: |
College of Marine & Environmental Sciences |
Available to Graduate Certificate of Science, Postgraduate Diploma of Research Methods,
Graduate Certificate of Research Methods, Graduate Diploma of Science, Master of Applied
Science and Master of Science students.
An exploration of current issues in coral reef ecology with an emphasis on natural
and anthropogenic disturbances that have implications for the persistence of coral
reefs on ecological timescales. Topics to be discussed will include the impacts on
coral communities of processes such as coral bleaching, sedimentation, nutrient enrichment,
crown-of-thorns outbreaks, coral disease and human-related activities. Students will
develop an understanding of the current status of coral reefs globally and the major
issues affecting the future of coral reefs.
Learning Outcomes
- become familiar with key issues that affect the persistence of coral reefs in the
present and that are likely to become important in the future;
- critically evaluate the current issues in coral reef ecology and their probable implications
in the longer term;
- develop skills for independent research through library searches, critical evaluation,
essay writing and oral presentations;
- gain an understanding of how physiological responses and thresholds may be used in
predictive modelling of the dynamics of coral assemblages.
Assumed Knowledge:
|
Students enrolling in this subject should have an undergraduate degree in a relevant
discipline or have acquired equivalent knowledge through other study. They should
have an excellent understanding of biometrics, ecological principles and coral reef
ecology, and should have completed BZ5001 AND MB5400 or MB5190, or equivalents.
|
Note:
Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process,
and in case
of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest
official information.