Marine Biodiversity and Biogeography (ECOL30007)

Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 1
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The oceans cover 71% of the earth’s surface and support an incredible diversity of life. This subject provides a comprehensive and contemporary overview of the biodiversity and biogeography of marine animals, plants and micro-organisms. It then explores the role that ecology and evolution play in shaping patterns of abundance, demography, biodiversity, and ecosystem functioning in the marine realm. 

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  • identify common marine organisms to broad taxonomic groups using key diagnostic features and apply this knowledge to understand patterns of biodiversity and biogeography;
  • construct an argument (written and verbal) for how ecological and evolutionary processes produce patterns of variation in abundance, distribution, diversity and biogeography within and among marine species;
  • critically evaluate methods and study designs used in marine research;
  • design an experiment appropriate for a given question in marine biology and interpret data from relevant studies;
  • synthesise primary scientific literature to identify key knowledge gaps and opportunities in our understanding of marine biodiversity and ecosystem functioning; and
  • effectively communicate key scientific concepts in marine biology and their real-world application in understanding patterns of abundance, demography, biodiversity, and ecosystem functioning in the marine realm through written presentations and class discussion.

Generic skills

On completion of this subject students should have developed the following generic skills:

  • the ability to understand current scientific literature, to identify knowledge gaps, and to explain the important concepts to non-scientists;
  • the ability to critique methods and study designs used in research;
  • the ability to read and synthesize current primary scientific literature and produce concise pieces of scientific writing; and
  • the ability to approach and assimilate new knowledge from observation.

Last updated: 20 March 2025

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
EVSC20004 Blue Planet - Intro to Marine Biology
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5

AND

A minimum of one of

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
ECOL20003 Ecology
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
ZOOL20005 Animal Structure and Function
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
MAST20031 Analysis of Biological Data
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: 20 March 2025

Assessment

DescriptionTimingPercentage

Completion of assigned pre-class reading and writing tasks associated with five of six tutorials (100 words each). Due in weeks 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11.

  • 100 words (each)
From Week 1 to Week 1112.5%

Two written reports (2 x 500 words) based on practical classes . First report due between weeks 6 to 8, and second report due between weeks 10 to 12.

  • 500 words (each)
From Week 6 to Week 1225%

Mid-term written examination

  • 30 minutes
From Week 6 to Week 712.5%

Written examination

  • 2 hours
During the examination period50%

Last updated: 20 March 2025

Dates & times

  • Semester 1
    CoordinatorJohn Morrongiello
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hours42 hours, comprising of: 24 x 1 hour lectures, 6 x 1 hour tutorials, 4 x 3 hour practicals.
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period 3 March 2025 to 1 June 2025
    Last self-enrol date14 March 2025
    Census date31 March 2025
    Last date to withdraw without fail 9 May 2025
    Assessment period ends27 June 2025

    Semester 1 contact information

     john.morrongiello@unimelb.edu.au

Time commitment details

170 hours

What do these dates mean

Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:

  • Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
  • And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
       -  Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
     

    Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.

Last updated: 20 March 2025

Further information

Last updated: 20 March 2025