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Not currently available in 2021

Unit description

Provides field-based coral reef ecology training, including quantitative ecological surveys and discussion of important management issues for the Great Barrier Reef. Examines the biology of reef-building organisms, ecological interactions and reef formation, natural disturbances and human impacts on reefs, and the status of coral reefs globally.

Unit content

Introduction to coral reef ecology and management
Reef origins and geomorphology
Biology and ecology of coral communities
Algal builders and primary productivity on coral reefs
Secondary production and trophic pathways on coral reefs
Reef biodiversity
Reef fish communities
Natural disturbance and reef communities
Human impacts on coral reefs
Coral bleaching, climate change and global reef status
Coral reef management issues

Learning outcomes

Unit Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a unit. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes. The unit learning outcomes and graduate attributes are also the basis of evaluating prior learning.

GA1: Intellectual rigour, GA2: Creativity, GA3: Ethical practice, GA4: Knowledge of a discipline, GA5: Lifelong learning, GA6: Communication and social skills, GA7: Cultural competence
On completion of this unit, students should be able to:GA1GA2GA3GA4GA5GA6GA7
1demonstrate understanding of the biology and ecology of reef-building organisms and coral reef formationIntellectual rigourKnowledge of a disciplineLifelong learning
2identify and classify common types of corals, fish and other reef organisms occurring on the Great Barrier Reef Intellectual rigourKnowledge of a disciplineLifelong learning
3discuss key ecological processes within coral reef ecosystemsIntellectual rigourKnowledge of a discipline
4contrast and explain differences between natural disturbances and human-induced impacts on coral reefs Intellectual rigourKnowledge of a discipline
5demonstrate ability to work collaboratively in small teams to complete quantitative studies of coral reef communities Intellectual rigourKnowledge of a discipline
6explain how ecological information can be used to inform management of coral reefs Intellectual rigourKnowledge of a disciplineLifelong learning
7evaluate the global status and future scenarios for coral reefs in a rapidly changing world. Intellectual rigourKnowledge of a disciplineLifelong learning

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

  1. demonstrate understanding of the biology and ecology of reef-building organisms and coral reef formation
    • GA1: Intellectual rigour
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
    • GA5: Lifelong learning
  2. identify and classify common types of corals, fish and other reef organisms occurring on the Great Barrier Reef
    • GA1: Intellectual rigour
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
    • GA5: Lifelong learning
  3. discuss key ecological processes within coral reef ecosystems
    • GA1: Intellectual rigour
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
  4. contrast and explain differences between natural disturbances and human-induced impacts on coral reefs
    • GA1: Intellectual rigour
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
  5. demonstrate ability to work collaboratively in small teams to complete quantitative studies of coral reef communities
    • GA1: Intellectual rigour
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
  6. explain how ecological information can be used to inform management of coral reefs
    • GA1: Intellectual rigour
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
    • GA5: Lifelong learning
  7. evaluate the global status and future scenarios for coral reefs in a rapidly changing world.
    • GA1: Intellectual rigour
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
    • GA5: Lifelong learning

Teaching and assessment

Notice

Intensive offerings may or may not be scheduled in every session. Please refer to the timetable for further details.

Southern Cross University employs different teaching methods within units to provide students with the flexibility to choose the mode of learning that best suits them. SCU academics strive to use the latest approaches and, as a result, the learning modes and materials may change. The most current information regarding a unit will be provided to enrolled students at the beginning of the study session.

Fee information

Domestic

Commonwealth Supported courses
For information regarding Student Contribution Amounts please visit the Student Contribution Amounts.

Fee paying courses
For postgraduate or undergraduate full fee paying courses please check Domestic Postgraduate Fees OR Domestic Undergraduate Fees

International

Please check the international course and fee list to determine the relevant fees.

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