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Unit of study_
BIOL3008: Marine Field Ecology
2025 unit information
This field course provides a practical introduction to the experimental analysis of marine populations and communities. Students gain experience using a range of ecological sampling techniques and develop a detailed understanding of the logical requirements necessary for manipulative field experiments. No particular mathematical or statistical skills are required for this subject. Group experimental research projects in the field are the focus of the unit during the day, with lectures and discussion groups about the analysis of experimental data and current issues in experimental ecology, management and conservation occurring in the evening. The skills learned in this course, which include critical thinking, problem solving, project management, experimental design, data handling and analysis and scientific writing, are highly sought after by a range of employers, including from academia, government and consultancy.
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Science
| Study level | Undergraduate |
|---|---|
| Academic unit | Life and Environmental Sciences Academic Operations |
| Credit points | 6 |
|
Prerequisites:
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12 credit points of BIOL2XXX or [6 credit points of BIOL2XXX and (AVBS2XXX or ENVX2001)] |
|---|---|
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Corequisites:
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None |
| Prohibitions:
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BIOL3908 or BIOL2028 or BIOL2928 |
| Assumed knowledge:
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None |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. Describe and discuss the concepts associated with experimental analysis of marine populations and assemblages
- LO2. Demonstrate a detailed understanding of the logical requirements necessary for manipulative ecological field experiments
- LO3. Demonstrate knowledge of a range of ecological sampling techniques
- LO4. Critically read, evaluate and synthesise information from the primary literature
- LO5. Select and apply statistical tools to analyse ecological data to test hypotheses
- LO6. Communicate your findings concisely and scientifically in both written and graphical forms.
Unit availability
This section lists the session, attendance modes and locations the unit is available in. There is a unit outline for each of the unit availabilities, which gives you information about the unit including assessment details and a schedule of weekly activities.
The outline is published 2 weeks before the first day of teaching. You can look at previous outlines for a guide to the details of a unit.
| Session | MoA ? | Location | Outline ? |
|---|---|---|---|
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Intensive December 2025
|
Block mode | Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney |
Outline unavailable
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Find your current year census dates
Modes of attendance (MoA)
This refers to the Mode of attendance (MoA) for the unit as it appears when you’re selecting your units in Sydney Student. Find more information about modes of attendance on our website.
Important enrolment information
Departmental permission requirements
If you see the ‘Departmental Permission’ tag below a session, it means you need faculty or school approval to enrol. This may be because it’s an advanced unit, clinical placement, offshore unit, internship or there are limited places available.
You will be prompted to apply for departmental permission when you select this unit in Sydney Student.
Read our information on departmental permission.
Additional advice
Entry into the unit is based on placement availability and selection is competitive based on academic performance in the pre-requisite units of study. Academic performance in any senior BIOL units of study may also be considered.
