MARI3300
10 units
3000 level
Course handbook
Description
This course provides an examination of the key elements and complex processes (physical, biogeochemical and biological) that shape and influence estuarine and coastal ecology. The course will explore the highly dynamic nature of estuaries and coasts through study of a wide variety of coastal systems, including coastal lagoons, coastal embayments and river estuaries. Students will examine the effects of catchment development on nutrient and sediment loads and the consequences for biological production and biodiversity. The course will also address issues of ecosystem functioning, appropriate ecosystem monitoring programs and the use of key indicators as a measure of ecosystem health. All lectures are recorded and the practical component is completed within three weeks of semester. This course has a compulsory field trip component. Details and costs will be advised in the course outline and on the course Canvas site prior to the start of the semester.
Availability2024 Course Timetables
Callaghan
- Semester 2 - 2024
Ourimbah
- Semester 2 - 2024
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the course students will be able to:
1. Evaluate coastal habitats and the physical processes that contribute to their formation
2. Analyse the important ecological processes that operate in estuaries and the coastal zone
3. Evaluate human and natural impacts on estuarine and coastal ecosystems and how organisms respond and adapt to these impacts
4. Analyse and synthesise information about assessments of ecosystem health and management processes in NSW
Content
- Basic physical/chemical nature, origin and formation of estuaries.
- Physical, chemical and biological factors of importance to the estuarine and coastal environment
- The ecological processes occurring within coastal ecosystems and the role of nutrient cycling, productivity, trophodynamics and energy flows
- The patterns of spatial and temporal variability in the abundance of estuarine and coastal organisms in relation to coastal ecosystems
- The effects of human activities or anthropogenic disturbance on the ecology of estuaries and coasts
- Recent and current management issues in Australian coastal ecosystems
Assumed knowledge
ENVS2004 EcologyMARI2320 Marine Ecology or MARI2500 Coastal and Marine Ecosystem Services
Assessment items
Essay: Essays/Written Assignments
Proposal / Plan: Proposal plan for report
Presentation: Presentation
Report: Report
Exhibition / Poster: Conceptual model
Contact hours
Semester 2 - 2024 - Callaghan
Field Study-1
- Face to Face Off Campus 33 hour(s) per term
Integrated Learning Session-1
- Online 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 6 week(s)
Workshop-1
- Face to Face Off Campus 3 hour(s) per week(s) for 3 week(s) starting in week 2
Semester 2 - 2024 - Ourimbah
Field Study-1
- Face to Face Off Campus 33 hour(s) per term
Integrated Learning Session-1
- Online 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 6 week(s)
Workshop-1
- Face to Face Off Campus 3 hour(s) per week(s) for 3 week(s) starting in week 2
Course outline
Course outline not yet available.
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.