University of Sydney Handbooks - 2013 Archive

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Table 1: Marine biology

Table 1 lists units of study available to students in the Bachelor of Science and combined degrees. The units are available to students enrolled in other degrees in accordance with their degree resolutions.

Unit of study Credit points A: Assumed knowledge P: Prerequisites C: Corequisites N: Prohibition Session

Marine Biology

For a major in Marine Biology, the minimum requirement is 24 credit points from senior units listed in this subject area. 12 credit points of intermediate BIOL units are highly recommended, including BIOL2024/2924, BIOL2023/2923, BIOL2021/2921 and BIOL2022/2922.
BIOL3007
Ecology
6    A Although not prerequisites, knowledge obtained from BIOL3006/3906, and BIOL3008/3908 and/or BIOL3009/3909, is strongly recommended.
P 12 credit points of Intermediate Biology; or 6 credit points of Intermediate Biology, and one of (ENVI2111 or ENVI2911) or (GEOS2115 or GEOS2915)
N BIOL3907
Semester 2
BIOL3907
Ecology (Advanced)
6    A Although not prerequisites, knowledge obtained from BIOL3006/3906, and BIOL3008/3908 and/or BIOL3009/3909, is strongly recommended. Students entering this unit of study should have achieved Distinction average.
P Distinction average in 12 credit points of Intermediate Biology; or 6 credit points of Intermediate Biology and one of (ENVI2111 or ENVI2911) or (GEOS2115 or GEOS2915).
N BIOL3007
Semester 2
BIOL3008
Marine Field Ecology
6    A BIOL2018 or GEOS2115. Prior completion of BIOL3006 or BIOL3906 is very strongly recommended.
P 12 credit points of Intermediate Biology; or 6 credit points of Intermediate BIOL and one of (ENVI2111 or ENVI2911) or (GEOS2115 or GEOS2915).
N BIOL3908, BIOL2028, BIOL2928


This unit is only available in odd numbered years (e.g. 2013, 2015, etc). Students are offered alternative Senior field units in even numbered years. Dates:14th July - 21st July 2013. This unit cannot be combined with more than one other BIOL field unit during the degree.
Int July
BIOL3908
Marine Field Ecology (Advanced)
6    A BIOL2018 or GEOS2115. Prior completion of BIOL3006 or BIOL3906 is very strongly recommended.
P Distinction average in 12 credit points of Intermediate Biology; or 6 credit points of Intermediate Biology and one of (ENVI2111 or ENVI2911) or (GEOS2115 or GEOS2915).
N BIOL3008, BIOL2028, BIOL2928


This unit is only available in odd numbered years (e.g. 2013, 2015, etc). Students are offered alternative Senior field units in even numbered years. Dates: 14th July - 21st July 2013. This unit cannot be combined with more than one other BIOL field unit during the degree.
Int July
BIOL3011
Ecophysiology
6    A BIOL2012 or BIOL2912 or BIOL2016 or BIOL2916 or PLNT2003 or PLNT2903
P 12 credit points of Intermediate Biology; or 6 credit points of Intermediate Biology and one of (ENVI2111 or ENVI2911) or (GEOS2115 or GEOS2915).
N BIOL3911


The completion of 6 credit points of MBLG units is highly recommended.
Semester 1
BIOL3911
Ecophysiology (Advanced)
6    A BIOL2012 or BIOL2912 or BIOL2016 or BIOL2916 or PLNT2003 or PLNT2903
P Distinction average in 12 credit points of Intermediate Biology; or 6 credit points of Intermediate Biology and (ENVI2111 or ENVI2911) or (GEOS2115 or GEOS2915). These requirements may be varied and students with lower averages should consult the Unit Executive Officer.
N BIOL3011


The completion of 6 credit points of MBLG units is highly recommended.
Semester 1
BIOL3013
Marine Biology
6    A BIOL2018 or GEOS2115.
P 12 credit points of Intermediate Biology, or 6 credit points of Intermediate BIOL and one of (ENVI2111or ENVI2911) or (GEOS2115 or GEOS2915).
N BIOL3913
Semester 1
BIOL3913
Marine Biology (Advanced)
6    A BIOL2018 or GEOS2115
P Distinction average in 12 credit points of Intermediate Biology; or 6 credit points of Intermediate BIOL and one of ENVI2111 or ENVI2911 or GEOS2115 or GEOS2915.
N BIOL3013
Semester 1
BIOL3016
Coral Reef Biology
6    P 12 credit points from Intermediate science units of study which must include at least 6 credit points of BIOL units; or 6 credit points of BIOL and one of ENVI (2111 or 2911) or GEOS (2115 or 2915).
N BIOL3916, NTMP3001

Note: Department permission required for enrolment
9-16 July 2012
Int July
BIOL3916
Coral Reef Biology (Advanced)
6    A BIOL2018 or GEOS2115
P Distinction average in 12 credit point from Intermediate science units of study which must include at least 6 credit points of Biology; or 6 credit points of Intermediate BIOL and one of ENVI (2111 or 2911) or GEOS (2115 or 2915).
N BIOL3006, NTMP3001

Note: Department permission required for enrolment
9-16 July 2012
Int July

Note: BIOL3016/3916 runs in EVEN years only. It is not offered in 2013.

Marine Biology

For a major in Marine Biology, the minimum requirement is 24 credit points from senior units listed in this subject area. 12 credit points of intermediate BIOL units are highly recommended, including BIOL2024/2924, BIOL2023/2923, BIOL2021/2921 and BIOL2022/2922.
BIOL3007 Ecology

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Assoc Prof D Hochuli Session: Semester 2 Classes: 2x1 hr lectures/week, 1x3 hr practical/week Prerequisites: 12 credit points of Intermediate Biology; or 6 credit points of Intermediate Biology, and one of (ENVI2111 or ENVI2911) or (GEOS2115 or GEOS2915) Prohibitions: BIOL3907 Assumed knowledge: Although not prerequisites, knowledge obtained from BIOL3006/3906, and BIOL3008/3908 and/or BIOL3009/3909, is strongly recommended. Assessment: 1x2hr exam, group presentations, 1xessay, 1xproject report (100%) Associated degrees: B A, B A (Adv)(Hons), B A (Adv)(Hons), M B B S, B An Vet Bio Sc, B Env Sys, B Med Sc, B Sc, B Sc (Marine Science), UG Study Abroad Program.
This unit explores the dynamics of ecological systems, and considers the interactions between individual organisms and populations, organisms and the environment, and ecological processes. Lectures are grouped around four dominant themes: Interactions, Evolutionary Ecology, The Nature of Communities, and Conservation and Management. Emphasis is placed throughout on the importance of quantitative methods in ecology, including sound planning and experimental designs, and on the role of ecological science in the conservation, management, exploitation and control of populations. Relevant case studies and examples of ecological processes are drawn from marine, freshwater and terrestrial systems, with plants, animals, fungi and other life forms considered as required. Students will have some opportunity to undertake short term ecological projects, and to take part in discussions of important and emerging ideas in the ecological literature.
Textbooks
Begon M, Townsend CR, Harper JL (2005) Ecology, From individuals to ecosystems. Wiley-Blackwell.
BIOL3907 Ecology (Advanced)

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Assoc Prof D Hochuli Session: Semester 2 Classes: See BIOL3007 Prerequisites: Distinction average in 12 credit points of Intermediate Biology; or 6 credit points of Intermediate Biology and one of (ENVI2111 or ENVI2911) or (GEOS2115 or GEOS2915). Prohibitions: BIOL3007 Assumed knowledge: Although not prerequisites, knowledge obtained from BIOL3006/3906, and BIOL3008/3908 and/or BIOL3009/3909, is strongly recommended. Students entering this unit of study should have achieved Distinction average. Assessment: 1x2hr exam, presentations, 1xessay, 1xproject report (100%) Associated degrees: B A, B A (Adv)(Hons), B A (Adv)(Hons), M B B S, B Med Sc, B Sc, B Sc (Marine Science), UG Study Abroad Program.
This unit has the same objectives as BIOL3007 Ecology, and is suitable for students who wish to pursue certain aspects in greater depth. Entry is restricted, and selection is made from the applicants on the basis of their previous performance. Students taking this unit of study participate in alternatives to some elements of the standard course and will be encouraged to pursue the objectives by more independent means in a series of research tutorials. Specific details of this unit of study and assessment will be announced in meetings with students in week 1 of semester 2. This unit of study may be taken as part of the BSc (Advanced) program.
Textbooks
As for BIOL3007
BIOL3008 Marine Field Ecology

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof Ross Coleman Session: Int July Classes: Intensive 8 day-field course held in the pre-semester break. Prerequisites: 12 credit points of Intermediate Biology; or 6 credit points of Intermediate BIOL and one of (ENVI2111 or ENVI2911) or (GEOS2115 or GEOS2915). Prohibitions: BIOL3908, BIOL2028, BIOL2928 Assumed knowledge: BIOL2018 or GEOS2115. Prior completion of BIOL3006 or BIOL3906 is very strongly recommended. Assessment: Discussion groups, research project proposal, biodiversity survey report, data analysis and checking, research project report (100%) Associated degrees: B A, B A (Adv)(Hons), B A (Adv)(Hons), M B B S, B Med Sc, B Sc, B Sc (Marine Science), UG Study Abroad Program.
Note: This unit is only available in odd numbered years (e.g. 2013, 2015, etc). Students are offered alternative Senior field units in even numbered years. Dates:14th July - 21st July 2013. This unit cannot be combined with more than one other BIOL field unit during the degree.
This field course provides a practical introduction to the experimental analysis of marine populations and assemblages. Students gain experience using a range of intertidal sampling techniques and develop a detailed understanding of the logical requirements necessary for manipulative ecological field experiments. No particular mathematical or statistical skills are required for this subject. Group experimental research projects in the field are the focus of the unit during the day, with lectures and discussion groups about the analysis of experimental data and current issues in experimental marine ecology occurring in the evening.
Textbooks
No textbook is prescribed but Coastal Marine Ecology of Temperate Australia. Eds. Underwood, A.J. & Chapman, M.G. 1995. University of New South Wales Press, provides useful background reading.
BIOL3908 Marine Field Ecology (Advanced)

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof Ross Coleman. Session: Int July Classes: One 8 day field course held in the pre-semester break, plus 4x1 hr tutorials during semester 2. Prerequisites: Distinction average in 12 credit points of Intermediate Biology; or 6 credit points of Intermediate Biology and one of (ENVI2111 or ENVI2911) or (GEOS2115 or GEOS2915). Prohibitions: BIOL3008, BIOL2028, BIOL2928 Assumed knowledge: BIOL2018 or GEOS2115. Prior completion of BIOL3006 or BIOL3906 is very strongly recommended. Assessment: Discussion groups, research project proposal, biodiversity report, data analysis and checking, research project report (100%) Associated degrees: B A, B A (Adv)(Hons), B A (Adv)(Hons), M B B S, B Med Sc, B Sc, B Sc (Marine Science), UG Study Abroad Program.
Note: This unit is only available in odd numbered years (e.g. 2013, 2015, etc). Students are offered alternative Senior field units in even numbered years. Dates: 14th July - 21st July 2013. This unit cannot be combined with more than one other BIOL field unit during the degree.
This unit has the same objectives as Marine Field Ecology BIOL3008, and is suitable for students wishing to pursue certain aspects of marine field ecology in a greater depth. Entry is restricted and selection is made from applicants on the basis of past performance. Students taking this unit of study will be expected to take part in a number of additional tutorials after the field course on advanced aspects of experimental design and analysis and will be expected to incorporate these advanced skills into their analyses and project reports. This unit may be taken as part of the BSc(Advanced).
Textbooks
As for BIOL 3008.
BIOL3011 Ecophysiology

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof Seebacher. Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2x1 hr lectures/week, 1x4 hr practical/week. Prerequisites: 12 credit points of Intermediate Biology; or 6 credit points of Intermediate Biology and one of (ENVI2111 or ENVI2911) or (GEOS2115 or GEOS2915). Prohibitions: BIOL3911 Assumed knowledge: BIOL2012 or BIOL2912 or BIOL2016 or BIOL2916 or PLNT2003 or PLNT2903 Assessment: 1x1.5 hr exam (40%), field trip seminar (30%), laboratory report (30%) Associated degrees: B A, B A (Adv)(Hons), B A (Adv)(Hons), M B B S, B Med Sc, B Sc, B Sc (Marine Science), UG Study Abroad Program.
Note: The completion of 6 credit points of MBLG units is highly recommended.
Ecophysiology is a conceptually based unit of study that covers physiological interactions between animals and their environments. The unit focuses on the evolution of physiological capacities and how these may explain the ecology and biogeography or organisms. Lectures are based on the current primary literature. Lecturers have active research programs on the topics they cover and will present original research findings where appropriate. Examples are mainly from insects, vertebrates, and marine organisms. As part of the practical component, students design their own original research projects to be conducted during a week-end long field trip, and during self-directed laboratory sessions.
BIOL3911 Ecophysiology (Advanced)

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: A/Prof Seebacher Session: Semester 1 Classes: See BIOL3011. Prerequisites: Distinction average in 12 credit points of Intermediate Biology; or 6 credit points of Intermediate Biology and (ENVI2111 or ENVI2911) or (GEOS2115 or GEOS2915). These requirements may be varied and students with lower averages should consult the Unit Executive Officer. Prohibitions: BIOL3011 Assumed knowledge: BIOL2012 or BIOL2912 or BIOL2016 or BIOL2916 or PLNT2003 or PLNT2903 Assessment: 1x1.5 hr exam(40%), field trip seminar (30%), independent project report (30%) Associated degrees: B A, B A (Adv)(Hons), B A (Adv)(Hons), M B B S, B Med Sc, B Sc, B Sc (Marine Science), UG Study Abroad Program.
Note: The completion of 6 credit points of MBLG units is highly recommended.
Ecophysiology (Advanced) shares the same lectures as BIOL 3011 Ecophysiology, but it includes an independent project in place of the laboratory report (equivalent of 30% of Ecophysiology). The content and nature of the independent project varies and students are encouraged to design their own project.
BIOL3013 Marine Biology

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr W Figueira Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2x 1hr lectures/week, 1x4 hr practical/week. Prerequisites: 12 credit points of Intermediate Biology, or 6 credit points of Intermediate BIOL and one of (ENVI2111or ENVI2911) or (GEOS2115 or GEOS2915). Prohibitions: BIOL3913 Assumed knowledge: BIOL2018 or GEOS2115. Assessment: Practical reports, data exercises and exams (100%) Associated degrees: B A, B A (Adv)(Hons), B A (Adv)(Hons), M B B S, B Med Sc, B Sc, B Sc (Marine Science), UG Study Abroad Program.
We will examine in detail processes that are important for the establishment and maintenance of marine communities. Lectures will expose students to the key ideas, researchers and methodologies within selected fields of marine biology. Laboratory sessions and field excursions will complement the lectures by providing students with hands-on experience with the organisms and the processes that affect them. Students will develop critical analysis and scientific writing skills while examining the current literature.
BIOL3913 Marine Biology (Advanced)

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr W Figueira Session: Semester 1 Classes: See BIOL3013. Prerequisites: Distinction average in 12 credit points of Intermediate Biology; or 6 credit points of Intermediate BIOL and one of ENVI2111 or ENVI2911 or GEOS2115 or GEOS2915. Prohibitions: BIOL3013 Assumed knowledge: BIOL2018 or GEOS2115 Assessment: Practical reports, data exerices and exams (100%) Associated degrees: B A, B A (Adv)(Hons), B A (Adv)(Hons), M B B S, B Med Sc, B Sc, B Sc (Marine Science), UG Study Abroad Program.
Qualified students will participate in alternative components of the BIOL3013 Marine Biology unit. The content and nature of these components may vary from year to year.
BIOL3016 Coral Reef Biology

Credit points: 6 Session: Int July Classes: Fieldwork 80 hours block mode. Prerequisites: 12 credit points from Intermediate science units of study which must include at least 6 credit points of BIOL units; or 6 credit points of BIOL and one of ENVI (2111 or 2911) or GEOS (2115 or 2915). Prohibitions: BIOL3916, NTMP3001 Assessment: Participation in field work, essay, project report and an exam (100%) Associated degrees: B Med Sc, B Sc.
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Note: 9-16 July 2012
Coral Reef Biology is an intensive unit held at a research station on the Great Barrier Reef. The unit focuses on the dominant taxa in coral reef environments and the linkages between them. Emphasis is placed on the biological adaptations for life in tropical waters and the ecological, oceanographic and physiological processes involved. Aspects covered include: processes influencing the distribution of coral reefs, symbiosis, reef connectivity, lagoon systems, nutrient cycling and the impacts of climate change and other anthropogenic pressures on the world's corals reefs.
BIOL3916 Coral Reef Biology (Advanced)

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor Maria Byrne Session: Int July Classes: See BIOL3016. Prerequisites: Distinction average in 12 credit point from Intermediate science units of study which must include at least 6 credit points of Biology; or 6 credit points of Intermediate BIOL and one of ENVI (2111 or 2911) or GEOS (2115 or 2915). Prohibitions: BIOL3006, NTMP3001 Assumed knowledge: BIOL2018 or GEOS2115 Assessment: participation in field work, essay, project report and exam (100%) Associated degrees: B Med Sc, B Sc.
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Note: 9-16 July 2012
This unit has the same objectives as BIOL3016, Coral Reef Biology, and is suitable for students who wish to pursue certain aspects of tropical marine biology in greater depth, with a focus on the GBR. Entry is restricted, and selection is made from the applicants on the basis of their previous performance. Students taking this unit of study will pursue individual projects in consultation with, and under the guidance of, the course coordinator. The aim is to design a project relating to the particular interests of the student. The nature of these projects will vary from year to year. This unit of study may be taken as part of the BSc (Advanced) program.