Program Overview

BIOL3008: Marine Field Ecology

Overview

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.

Unit Details and Rules

• Study level: Undergraduate
• Academic unit: Life and Environmental Sciences Academic Operations
• Credit points: 6
• Prerequisites: 12 credit points of BIOL2XXX or [6 credit points of BIOL2XXX and (AVBS2XXX or ENVX2001)]
• Corequisites: None
• Prohibitions: BIOL3908 or BIOL2028 or BIOL2928
• Assumed knowledge: None

Learning Outcomes

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

• Describe and discuss the concepts associated with experimental analysis of marine populations and assemblages
• Demonstrate a detailed understanding of the logical requirements necessary for manipulative ecological field experiments
• Demonstrate knowledge of a range of ecological sampling techniques
• Critically read, evaluate, and synthesise information from the primary literature
• Select and apply statistical tools to analyse ecological data to test hypotheses
• Communicate findings concisely and scientifically in both written and graphical forms

Unit Availability

The unit is available in various sessions, including intensive modes in different years. The mode of attendance (MoA) for the unit is Block mode, and the location is Camperdown / Darlington, Sydney. Unit outlines, which include assessment details and a schedule of weekly activities, are published two weeks before the first day of teaching.

Important Enrolment Information

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.