Macquarie University

Advanced Marine Conservation and Management - BIOL893

Marine ecosystems play a crucial role in the health and functioning of our world, and consist of a complex and dynamic interplay of biological, chemical and physical processes. Once thought to be relatively stable in the face of adversity, we now know that most marine systems are fragile and easily disturbed. In this unit we will assess identify important marine habitats, assess what constitutes a 'healthy' habitat, and explore how such habitats can be conserved in the face of adversities such as human exploitation, habitat modification and climate change. This unit takes a problem-solving approach to gain an advanced understanding of such issues through practical work, tutorials and assessments. Students will have first hand experience in designing and carrying out a collaborative research project. The research project will be written up in journal format with the ultimate aim of producing documents of publishable quality. Students will also receive advanced skills for presenting key concepts in marine ecology via novel assessment items such as 100-word summaries, giving short presentations and writing an elevator pitch. This unit enhances knowledge and skills for students intending to continue with higher degree research.