Course Title: Marine Biology

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Marine Biology

Credit Points: 12.00


Course Coordinator: Jeff Shimeta

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 7151

Course Coordinator Email: jeff.shimeta@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: Bundoora campus 223-1-35

Course Coordinator Availability: By appointment


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

Assumed knowledge and capabilities from ONPS2334 Scientific Skills & Communication; BIOL2146 Cell Structure & Function; BIOL2258 Animal Structure & Function; BIOL2151 Animal Diversity; BIOL2156 Plant Structure & Function; BIOL2270 Plant Diversity; ENVI1009 Ecology; and CHEM1242 Chemistry Principles.


Course Description

This course introduces you to general principles of marine biology and ecology. It also provides an overview of marine environmental problems, and principles for the sustainable use of aquatic resources. Topics will include physical, chemical, and geological aspects of the oceans; surveys of water-column and benthic organisms and their ecology; food web and ecosystem function in various marine habitats; use of marine resources; and environmental issues in marine and coastal ecosystems. The subject also trains students in the preparation of critical scientific reviews. Field exercises (which may be in the environment or virtually online) will introduce students to coastal marine habitats, organisms, and their ecology.  


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

This course contributes to the School of Applied Sciences Program Learning Outcomes at AQF Level 7:

  • PLO-2   Scientific knowledge
  • PLO-3   Inquiry and problem solving
  • PLO-4   Communication

This course contributes to the following Program Learning Outcomes at AQF Level 9.

  • PLO 1.2 knowledge of the research principles and methods applicable to studying the chemical, biological and physical processes occurring in the environment
  • PLO 2.2 cognitive, technical and creative skills enabling you to investigate, analyse and synthesise complex information, problems, concepts and theories about the environment and to apply established theories to different areas of knowledge or practice concerning the environment.
  • PLO 2.5 technical and communication skills to design, evaluate, implement, analyse and theorise about developments that contribute to environmental professional practice or scholarship.


On completion of this course you should be able to:  

  1. Explain major elements of marine habitats, ecological processes in marine ecosystems, methods and controversies in the exploitation of marine resources, and environmental threats to coastal and marine ecosystems.
  2. Identify some of the more common marine species.
  3. Survey populations in marine habitats (from learning that may be done in the environment or virtually online).
  4. Analyse and interpret marine ecological data through preparation of graphs, tables, and statistical tests.
  5. Read, summarise and critique primary scientific literature.
  6. Design a scientific investigation, including identifying a problem, formulating research aims, and planning a methodological approach


Overview of Learning Activities

The learning activities in this course include:  

  • attendance and participation at scheduled activities;
  • completion of practical exercises and participation in tutorial discussions and other activities; 
  • completion of written assignments requiring an integrated understanding of the subject matter; and 
  • private study, working through the course learning materials and assignments.  

Laboratory practicals and field excursions (conducted in the lab and field if possible, otherwise virtually online) will introduce students to marine habitats and methods of conducting marine surveys, identifying organisms, and collecting and analysing data.  


Overview of Learning Resources

The course web site provides a syllabus, subject content, instructions and resources for practical activities, guidelines for assessments, and references to additional resources. A textbook is required. 


Overview of Assessment

Note: This course has no hurdle requirements

Assessment Task 1: Analysis of Scientific Literature 
Weighting 30%
This assessment task supports CLO 5

Assessment Task 2: Practical Reports Weightings  
Weighting 20%
This assessment task supports CLOs 2, 3 & 4 

Assessment Task 3: Analysis of Course Topics  
Weighting 35%
This assessment supports CLO 1

 

Assessment Task 4: Research grant proposal 
Weighting 15%
This assessment supports CLO 6