units

BIO3810

Faculty of Science

18 September 2017 25 April 2024
Monash University

Undergraduate - Unit

This unit entry is for students who completed this unit in 2014 only. For students planning to study the unit, please refer to the unit indexes in the the current edition of the Handbook. If you have any queries contact the managing faculty for your course or area of study.

print version

6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered, or view unit timetables.

LevelUndergraduate
FacultyFaculty of Science
Organisational UnitSchool of Science, Malaysia
OfferedMalaysia First semester 2014 (Day)
Coordinator(s)Associate Professor Catherine Yule

Synopsis

This unit examines the biology of tropical aquatic ecosystems. It focuses on South East Asia, (the Malaysian region in particular) but will also encompass aquatic environments in other parts of the tropics. The ecology and diversity of communities in coral reefs, oceans, sandy and rocky shores, estuaries, lakes, rivers and swamps is examined. The students will gain an understanding of the physical and chemical factors that affect these environments. Conservation and management issues such as the impacts of tourism, pollution, fisheries, wetland drainage and river regulation are studied.

Outcomes

On completion of this unit students will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate knowledge of the diversity and ecology of freshwater and marine environments in the tropics with particular reference to the Malaysian region;

  1. Demonstrate understanding of the conservation and management issues relating to aquatic ecosystems;

  1. Design and analyse sampling programs to examine the flora and fauna of aquatic habitats and to assess changes;

  1. Demonstrate the ability to identify aquatic animals and plants from tropical Malaysian ecosystems;

  1. Demonstrate advanced scientific report writing skills;

  1. Make effective oral and visual presentations;

  1. Work collaboratively and effectively in the field in tropical environments.

Assessment

Essay: 15%
Class presentation: 5%
Mid-semester test: 20%
Field trip assignment: 5%
Field trip practical report: 20%
Final examination: 35%

Chief examiner(s)

Associate Professor Catherine Yule

Workload requirements

Two 1-hour lectures, one 1-hour tutorial and one 3-hour practical session or equivalent per week

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study

Tropical biology

Prerequisites

BIO1011, BIO1022. Recommended: BIO2011

Prohibitions

SCM3011