MARI6001
10 units
6000 level
Course handbook
Description
Australia’s marine environment is the world’s third largest marine jurisdiction and is characterised by a remarkable biodiversity and relatively low productivity. Australia is also impacted by a range of contemporary issues relating to sustainability, including climate change, fishing pressure, aquaculture, terrestrial runoff etc. This course provides you with an in-depth knowledge of the key principles of marine systems and of selected critical and highly contemporary sustainability issues for the Australian marine environment. The exploration of these contemporary issues includes analyses of the effectiveness of current management approaches for the conservation and sustainable use of this environment. The course will be delivered through a combination of self-directed learning of the principles of marine ecology, peer-to-peer learning and problem-solving analyses derived from a selection of topical issues.
Availability2024 Course Timetables
Online
- Trimester 1 - 2024
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the course students will be able to:
1. Identify the key principles of marine ecology and important Australian marine ecosystems, relevant to their management and conservation;
2. Describe sustainability issues for Australian marine ecosystems, and contemporary strategies for their management and conservation;
3. Critically evaluate contemporary strategies in terms of likely effectiveness and their broader ecological consequences of marine issues;
4. Propose and justify alternative sustainable management and conservation strategies;
5. Demonstrate high-level skills in effectively communicating ideas and knowledge in relation to management and conservation issues.
Content
Module 1: Principles of marine systems
Australian marine environment, including oceanography, biogeography, biodiversity and selected coastal ecosystems
Population dynamics, including life history strategies, demography and density relationships
Community ecology, including feeding relationships, competition, role of natural disturbances
Module 2: Marine activities and challenges
Climate change and susceptible ecosystems
Invasive species
Migratory species
Wild-harvest fisheries
Aquaculture
Other industries
Module 3: Marine management
Marine Protected Areas
Fishery and aquaculture management
Integrated catchment management
Emerging complex examples
Assumed knowledge
Basic knowledge (i.e. to year 12 standard) of biology, ecology or environmental science.
Assessment items
Written Assignment: Written assignment involving case scenario and PBL exercises
Quiz: Quiz (Online)
Participation: Group/tutorial participation and contribution
Compulsory Requirements
Compulsory Placement and WHS Requirements:
- Induction - Self-Directed Learning WHS Induction Requirement - Students must complete a compulsory WHS induction, consisting of resources, a short quiz and submitted paperwork, all of which are fully online, before accessing further course materials.
Contact hours
Trimester 1 - 2024 - Online
Self-Directed Learning-1
- Online 10 hour(s) per week(s) for 13 week(s) starting in week 1
- Case study involves Problem-based learning.
Course outline
- MARI6001 - Trimester 1, 2024 (Online) (PDF, 196.5 KB)
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.