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Unit of study_
MARS5007: Coral Reefs and Climate Change
2025 unit information
This unit provides an in-depth understanding of the key geological, oceanographic, biological and economic factors effecting global climate change and coral reef response, with specific reference to the future and fate of the Great Barrier Reef. Predictions of worst and best case scenarios for the future of coral reef systems are discussed in the context of the latest science, and in light of how this science should underpin future management strategies and policy. Learning activities will include a series of background lectures and research seminars, and tutorials on the development of a major research project. A major aspect of this unit is the independent research project conducted in the field (Great Barrier Reef) under the supervision of the course instructors. The unit concludes with a series of oral presentations based on student research. Assessment tasks will consist of an online quiz, essay, research seminar, and a research project report and presentation. The field intensive component of the course is held at One Tree Island or Heron Island or Orpheus Island Research Stations and will run over 6-8 days and there will be an additional course fee for accommodation, transport, food, boat charges etc to be confirmed at the first field trip briefing.
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Science
| Study level | Postgraduate |
|---|---|
| Academic unit | Geosciences Academic Operations |
| Credit points | 6 |
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Prerequisites:
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None |
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Corequisites:
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None |
| Prohibitions:
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None |
| Assumed knowledge:
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None |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. develop your critical thinking, ability to analyse (critically) relevant scientific literature and improve scientific writing and verbal presentations skills
- LO2. demonstrate an understanding of the main reef environments and key physical, chemical and biologic processes influencing their development in space & time
- LO3. better understand the fundamental concepts related to global climate change impacts, coral reef system science; past, present & future
- LO4. rigorously assess the main factors/threats that may impact the future development of the Great Barrier Reef and discuss what strategies might be put in place to address these
- LO5. design and successfully complete a significant independent, group fieldwork based research project
- LO6. establish experience in the analysis of scientific data and interpretation techniques specific to coral reef systems
- LO7. gain experience working in a group/team environment.
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.
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Modes of attendance (MoA)
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