Handbook : Unit informationEdith Cowan University

Faculty of Regional Professional Studies (Bunbury)

School: Regional Professional Studies

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

• Unit Title

  Ocean Ecosystems

• Unit Code

  SST3333

• Year

  2015

• Enrolment Period

  1

• Version

  2

• Credit Points

  15

• Full Year Unit

  N

• Mode of Delivery

  On Campus
  Online

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Description

The structure and function of marine ecosystems are deliberated in this unit. Relevant marine biology and marine organism physiology are studied in relation to the dynamic global ocean. Application of these concepts to local south west marine communities is a particular focus.

Equivalent Rule

Unit was previously coded SST3231

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Cooperate in a team situation to make scientific observations and gather data associated with a temperate marine community and/or coral reef community.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the biology and physiology of a variety of marine organisms.
3. Describe the structure and function of a variety of oceanic ecosystems.
4. Discuss the many varied interrelations regarding marine ecology.

Unit Content

1. Cetaceans.
2. Coral communities.
3. Deep sea ecology.
4. Marine ecology.
5. Oceanic productivity.
6. Planktonic communities.
7. Seagrass communities.
8. Sharks.
9. Temperate shallow water reef communities.
10. The Great White Shark (Carcharodon carcharias).
11. The epipelagic nekton.

Additional Learning Experience Information

Lectures, tutorials, group projects and fieldwork. Team work and group collaboration are important aspects of the fieldwork in this unit.

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

Text References

• Nybakken, J. W., & Bertness, M. D. (2005). Marine biology: An ecological approach. San Francisco: Pearson.
• Wright, R. T. (2005). Environmental science. New Jersey: Prentice Hall.
• Trujillo, A. P., & Thurman, H. V. (2011). Essentials of oceanography. New Jersey: Prentice Hall.
• Levinton, J. W. (2001). Marine biology. New York: Oxford University Press.
• Andrew, A. (1999). Under southern seas. Sydney: UNSW.
• Gomon, M., Bray, D., & Kuiter, R. (2008). Fishes of Australia's southern coast. Sydney: New Holland Publishers.
• Gales, N., Hindell, M., & Kirkwood, R. (2008). Marine mammals. Collingwood: CSIRO Publishing.
• Brennan, S., & Withgott, J. (2005). Environment. San Francisco: Pearson.
• Hutchings, P., Kingsford, M., & Hoegh-Guldberg, O. (2008). The Great Barrier Reef. Collingwood: CSIRO Publishing.

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