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Blue Planet-Intro to Marine Environments (EVSC20004)
Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Semester 1
Overview
| Availability | Semester 1 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
This subject will introduce students to the interrelationships among marine organisms and the ocean they live in and how these interactions are changing as a consequence of human activities. Topics covered include: ocean circulation, productivity and the impacts of climate change; coastal upwelling, food web dynamics and the impacts of fishing; coastal currents, species ranges and the effects of introduced marine pests; and land-sea connections, nutrient cycling and toxic algal blooms. How to study the interactions between the ocean and its flora and fauna will be investigated through a compulsory weekend field excursion on 19 and 20 March to Thirteenth Beach, Barwon Heads.
Intended learning outcomes
The objectives of this subject are to:
- introduce the sciences of marine biology and oceanography,
- demonstrate how various elements of the living marine environment interrelate and are part of the complex system we know as the world’s oceans,
- increase awareness of human impacts on the marine environment, and
- provide basic tools for understanding and studying the marine environment.
Generic skills
The subject builds upon generic skills developed in first year level subjects, including the ability to approach and assimilate new knowledge and an ability to use that knowledge to evaluate theories and communicate ideas. Students should also develop skills in field sampling techniques and to apply these skills to investigate marine environmental issues.
Last updated: 7 September 2023
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
One of
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIOL10002 | Biomolecules and Cells | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| BIOL10003 | Genes and Environment | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| BIOL10004 | Biology of Cells and Organisms | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| BIOL10005 | Genetics & The Evolution of Life | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| BIOL10001 | Biology of Australian Flora & Fauna | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| ENVS10001 | Natural Environments | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 7 September 2023
Assessment
Additional details
A written excursion report (including marine field guide) up to 1500 words due during the semester (40%); a 30 minute mid-semester test (20%); a 2-hour written examination in the examination period (40%).
Last updated: 7 September 2023
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Principal coordinator John Morrongiello Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 31 lectures; 3 tutorials; 16 hours of field practical instruction Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 27 February 2017 to 28 May 2017 Last self-enrol date 10 March 2017 Census date 31 March 2017 Last date to withdraw without fail 5 May 2017 Assessment period ends 23 June 2017 Semester 1 contact information
Time commitment details
170 hours
Additional delivery details
Lectures and compulsory field excursion.
Weekend field excursion on 19 and 20 March to Thirteenth Beach, Barwon Heads.
Last updated: 7 September 2023
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
None
Recommended texts and other resources
- Levinton J.S. Marine Biology: Function, Biodiversity, Ecology
- Garrison T.S. Oceanography: An Invitation to Marine Science
- Subject notes
Participation in a field trip is required for this subject.
This subject is available for science credit to students enrolled in the BSc (both pre-2008 and new degrees),
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Informal specialisation Botany Informal specialisation Zoology Informal specialisation Selective subjects for B-BMED Informal specialisation Science-credited subjects - new generation B-SCI and B-ENG. Major Botany Major Zoology Informal specialisation Environments Discipline subjects Breadth Track Marine Life - Breadth options
This subject is available as breadth in the following courses:
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
Last updated: 7 September 2023