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Experimental Marine Biology (ZOOL30008)

Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability(Quotas apply)
February
FeesLook up fees

This subject explores the techniques and methods of undertaking marine biological research, including experimental and sampling design, data collection, statistical analysis of data, presentation of the research results and peer review. Students will participate in a group project, in which they will design, execute, analyse and interpret observational and experimental studies of marine animals in field and laboratory settings.


Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this subject students should be able to:

  • Translate a general question in marine biology to a specific testable hypothesis;
  • Develop an experimental sampling design;
  • Generate and analyse data;
  • Compose and revise a scientific paper;
  • Compile new knowledge from observation and the literature;
  • Critically review other's written work.

Generic skills

This subject builds upon existing generic skills, including:

  • Ability to approach and assimilate new knowledge from observation and the literature;
  • Ability to use that knowledge to evaluate and communicate results;
  • Ability to pose testable hypotheses;
  • Ability to devise appropriate sampling procedures and experimental designs;
  • Ability to work in field situations;
  • Experience accessing information from the primary scientific literature, through both electronic and traditional sources; and
  • Experience in writing scientific reports and essays.

Last updated: 7 September 2023

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
MAST20031 Analysis of Biological Data
Semester 1 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
 12.5

AND

One of

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
ECOL20003 Ecology
Semester 2 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
 12.5
EVSC20004 Blue Planet-Intro to Marine Environments
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

Students who complete this subject cannot also gain credit for 654-302 Experimental Marine Ecology (prior to 2010)

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

DescriptionTimingPercentage

Report abstract and introduction

  • 1000 words
3 - 4 weeks post fieldwork30%

Report methods, results and discussion (drafted and revised based on assessor comments on abstract and introduction)

  • 2500 words
6 - 8 weeks post fieldwork60%

Completion of peer review assessment form, providing feedback for two complete student reports (200 words each)

  • 400 words (total)
8 - 9 weeks post fieldwork10%

Last updated: 7 September 2023

Quotas apply to this subject

Dates & times

  • February
    CoordinatorsMichael Keough and John Morrongiello
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hours1 day each before and after field work of lectures and tutorial work undertaken on-campus (2 x 6 hrs = 12 hours); and 5 days of practical field work undertaken in metropolitan Melbourne (5 x 8 hours = 40 hours).
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Pre teaching start date15 January 2021
    Pre teaching requirementsStudents are required to spend time reading scientific papers prior to the start of teaching. Papers will be distributed to students via the LMS by 15 January 2021.
    Teaching period 3 February 2021 to 18 February 2021
    Last self-enrol date18 January 2021
    Census date 5 February 2021
    Last date to withdraw without fail12 March 2021
    Assessment period ends19 April 2021

    February contact information

    Email: ZOOL30008@zoology.unimelb.edu.au

Time commitment details

170 hours

Additional delivery details

An enrolment quota of 40 students (in undergraduate and post-graduate offering) applies to this subject. For detailed information on the quota subject application process, enrolment deadlines and selection preferences, refer to the Faculty of Science website: https://science.unimelb.edu.au/students/plan-your-bsc-continuing/quota-subjects

Teaching dates:

Students are required to attend Parkville campus and field work sites in metropolitan Melbourne during the Teaching Period of this subject. The schedule will be communicated via the LMS.

Assessment for the subject is due in semester 1.

Students are required to spend time reading scientific papers prior to the start of teaching. Papers will be distributed to students via LMS by 15 January.

This subject requires all students to actively and safely participate in laboratory and field activities.


Last updated: 7 September 2023

Further information

Last updated: 7 September 2023