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Course Outline
Note: Coral Reef Ecosystems is now combined with Tropical Marine Invertebrates.
The Great Barrier Reef will serve as the
ideal classroom for an exploration of marine invertebrate biology.
The course will begin with an introduction to the major taxonomic
groups of marine invertebrates through lectures, laboratory classes
and field experience.
The second part of the course examines physiological and behavioural
processes of marine invertebrates. Through small-group field projects
and theory lessons, students will examine first hand the invertebrates
of the reef and seek to understand how these animals interact with
each other and the reef environment.
Study topics include:
- Predation and competition
- Feeding mechanisms
- Marine parasitology
- Invertebrate reproduction
- Habitats
- Self defence mechanisms
- Symbioses
Small groups of students will conduct research
projects that will teach research skills, data analysis and culminate
in project presentations. Course
Objectives
Course objectives include:
- Acquire a thorough grounding in the biology,
morphology and ecology of major groups of marine invertebrates
living on the Great Barrier Reef
- Develop research-level skills such as field
work, data recording and analysis, writing and project presentation
- Familiarise themselves with live invertebrate
material in both the laboratory and field
- Understand how different invertebrate groups
interact with their environment through studying the main life
processes of the groups.
Course Experience
Students will become familiar with the astounding
diversity of marine invertebrates characteristic of a tropical reef
ecosystem. The structure, biology, ecology and phylogeny of major
groups of invertebrates are dealt with in lectures and laboratory
classes, with student group field projects aimed at exploring research
questions and developing research skills.
Students will spend considerable time in the water examining the
animals and their interactions.
Collaboration
Tropical Marine Invertebrates will be
taught by Dr Selina
Ward, a coral specialist from the Centre for Marine Studies,
and Assoc.
Professor Tom Cribb, a parasitologist from Molecular and Microbial
Sciences.
Course Assessment
Course assessment consists of ....(To be announced).
Assessment Criteria
Course
Pre-requisite
Students entering this course are expected
to have done first year biology (6 months) at a university. |
Tropical Marine Invertebrates
