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Unit of study_

BIOL3016: Coral Reef Biology

Coral Reef Biology is an intensive unit held at a research station on the Great Barrier Reef. The unit focuses on the dominant taxa in coral reef environments and the linkages between them. Emphasis is placed on the biological adaptations for life in tropical waters and the ecological, oceanographic and physiological processes involved. Aspects covered include: processes influencing the distribution of coral reefs, symbiosis, reef connectivity, lagoon systems, nutrient cycling and the impacts of climate change and other anthropogenic pressures on the world's corals reefs.

Code BIOL3016
Academic unit Life and Environmental Sciences Academic Operations
Credit points 6
Prerequisites:
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[12cp of BIOL2XXX] OR [6cp from BIOL2XXX and (MBLG2X72 or GEGE2X01 or GENE2002)]
Corequisites:
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None
Prohibitions:
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BIOL3916 or BIOL2020 or BIOL2920

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. appreciate biodiversity of coral reefs and identification (fishes, corals, non-coral invertebrates)
  • LO2. appreciate the diversity of life histories, habitats and biology among coral reef inhabitants
  • LO3. understand linkages between coral reef habitats, the pelagic environment and land-based activities
  • LO4. understand the processes involved in management issues specific tropical ecosystems
  • LO5. appreciate the influence of climate change and other anthropogenic stressors on coral reef ecosystems
  • LO6. learn a variety of practical techniques for studying coral reef ecosystems
  • LO7. develop research skills with field and laboratory equipment
  • LO8. learn techniques for designing field studies, gathering field data and analytical considerations
  • LO9. develop scientific writing and analytical skills by producing a research report based on data obtained and analysed to test scientific hypotheses.