EDP3201

Marine science

Mr H J Breidahl

6 points - 3 hours per week plus one excursion - First semester - Peninsula

Objectives Upon successful completion of this subject, students should be able to demonstrate understanding of the defining elements of major marine phyla from the plant, animal and protist kingdoms; demonstrate an ability to carry out research into, and report on, one of these phylums; describe the key biotic and abiotic components of the three main marine and coastal habitats on the temperate shores of southern Australia. Students are required to take part in an ecological monitoring program at Flinders and should analyse and report on their findings in this program. Students should also be able to demonstrate an understanding of the basic principles of the chemistry and physical properties of sea water; demonstrate the ability to maintain a journal based on all lectures, tutorials, practical and excursion activities.

Synopsis This subject will focus on the development of four components of marine science - marine biology, marine ecology, marine chemistry and the physical properties of the marine environment. As well as on-campus lectures, tutorials and practical exercises, all students will be required to take part in an excursion to one marine and coastal habitat on the southern Mornington Peninsula (a rocky shore at Flinders) and take part in a field study program at this site. In the marine biology component there will be a focus on the classification of marine organisms within the animal, plant and protist kingdoms, with a special emphasis on marine invertebrate. Students will be required to complete a major assignment based on the biology of one marine phylum. The marine ecology component commences with an investigation of the three major habitats of Australia's southern shores (rocky shores, beaches and sand dunes, and sheltered shores) but will focus on the ecology of rocky shores in southern Australia with special emphasis on invertebrate and fish populations at Flinders. Finally, the chemistry of seawater will be investigated in lectures and in practical session as will the physical properties of seawater. An elective component of this program will be the offering of a scuba qualification course (at the each student's expense) during the semester break or in February.

Assessment Phylum assignment (1500 words): 30% - Monitoring assignment (1500 words): 30% - Journal tasks (3000 words): 40%

Recommended texts

Breidahl H J Australia's southern shores Lothian Books, 1997

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