Unit of Study MRNE5001 Ocean Change Biology (2024)

Unit description

Examines local and ocean climate systems and the way humans are altering the global climate, the impact that this may have on individual organisms and ecosystems, and the capacity for organisms to acclimatise or adapt to these changes. Specifically examines changes in the oceans carbon cycle, ocean acidification and ocean warming. Examines how marine organisms and communities may be affected by, adapt and acclimatise to ocean acidification and warming. Examines how overharvesting and habitat alteration is causing unprecedented shifts in marine biodiversity and community structure. Students critically analyse advanced issues in the field and laboratory.

Unit content

1. The marine carbonate cycle, ocean acidification and biological implications

2. Drivers and predictions for warming, oxygen minimum zones and marine biological impacts

3. Interactions between warming, acidification and other climate change stressors

4. Tropicalisation, range shifts & universal effects of ocean climate change

5. Trophic downgrading and shifting baselines

6. Potential for adaptation to climate change