Outline

Overview

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.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Life and Environmental Sciences Academic Operations
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	[12cp of BIOL2XXX] OR [6cp from BIOL2XXX and (MBLG2X72 or GEGE2X01 or GENE2002)]
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	BIOL3916 or BIOL2020 or BIOL2920
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	William Figueira, will.figueira@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Shawna Foo, shawna.foo@sydney.edu.au
	Maria Byrne, maria.byrne@sydney.edu.au
	Ziggy Marzinelli, e.marzinelli@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 25 January 2024

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Supervised exam ?	Final exam Multiple choice, short answer and extended response. Will be in-person.	30%	February exam weeks	2 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Essay Written essay	15%	Week 01 Due date: 19 Jan 2024 at 23:59	1500 words
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Biota Portfolio Presentation Presentation of biota (done and due on trip, due date depends on trip)	7.5%	Week 03 Due date: 01 Feb 2024 at 09:00	5 min
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Biota portfolio Summary of species, done and due on trip (due date depends on group)	7.5%	Week 03 Due date: 31 Jan 2024 at 23:59	2 pages
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Research report Written report	40%	Week 05 Due date: 16 Feb 2024 at 23:59	2000 words
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

Overview of assessments

Below are brief assessment details. Further information can be found in the Canvas site for this unit.

Essay (15%): Students will be required to prepare 1 essay of no more than 1500 words. The essay topic and suggested reading will be provided. These are designed to be challenging and will require a synthesis of information from recent publications. This will be due prior to departure.

Biota Portfolios (15%): Students will choose two coral reef species, one intertidal and one subtidal and complete a portfolio providing information on the taxonomy, biology and ecology of this species. The student will present one of their portfolios to the group in a brief presentation in scheduled class time during the field-intensive part of the unit. Resource material for this work will be available at the field station library.

Research Report (40%): Students, working in groups, will conduct a small research project of their own design during the field-intensive part of the unit. With the help of staff, groups will develop an idea and design and conduct data collection. While peers are encouraged to work together on data analysis and interpretation of results, the project will be written up as INDIVIDUAL WORK in the format of a scientific report.

Final Exam (30%): The final exam may consist of multiple choice, short or essay answer questions. This assessment is compulsory and failure to attend, attempt, or submit will result in the award of an AF grade. If a second replacement exam is required, this exam may be delivered via an alternative assessment method, such as a viva voce (oral exam). The alternative assessment will meet the same learning outcomes as the original exam. The format of the alternative assessment will be determined by the unit coordinator.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100
Distinction	75 - 84
Credit	65 - 74
Pass	50 - 64
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity	Learning outcomes
Multiple weeks	Local lecture sessions (4 x 3hr)	Lecture and tutorial (12 hr)
Multiple weeks	Field trip to Great Barrier Reef. Note class visits reef in two different trips (A and B Groups).	Field trip (70 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: Students are required to attend all components for the full period of each class. Where an absence from a class was due to medical or other special reasons, a special consideration application hast to be lodged with the Faculty of Science.
Swimming and snorkelling: There will be in water activity and you will have to demonstrate that you can swim as well as get checked off as a University of Sydney snorkler. More information on this process can be found on the Canvas site.
Equipment: Full body protection in the water is mandatory. Students will also need snorkel gear (mask, snorkel, fins) and a full wet suit or stinger suit. Students are also required to bring sun screen, hat, drink bottle, towel, firm foot wear and booties and a computer (the internet is available). Students should pack gear in bags that are easily carried and weigh less than 20kg as they will be transferring gear to and from the beach. Further information on what to bring for the field excursion can be found on the Canvas site for the unit.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. appreciate biodiversity of coral reefs and identification (fishes, corals, non-coral invertebrates)
LO2. appreciate the diversity of life histories, habitats and biology among coral reef inhabitants
LO3. understand linkages between coral reef habitats, the pelagic environment and land-based activities
LO4. understand the processes involved in management issues specific tropical ecosystems
LO5. appreciate the influence of climate change and other anthropogenic stressors on coral reef ecosystems
LO6. learn a variety of practical techniques for studying coral reef ecosystems
LO7. develop research skills with field and laboratory equipment
LO8. learn techniques for designing field studies, gathering field data and analytical considerations
LO9. develop scientific writing and analytical skills by producing a research report based on data obtained and analysed to test scientific hypotheses.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Thank you for your valuable feedback. It great to hear that this field course was such a rewarding experience for you. Regarding common themes for areas of improvement: Logisitcs: this is always a challenge with this class and this year proved to be the biggest yet. While little could have been done to aviod the issues that did occur (boat transport cancelled 1 month before the trip and evacuation due to a cyclone), we will work to provide more regular updates in the lead up to the field trip where we are still awaiting updated information to pass on. Final Exam: The processes for face to face exams post-COVID for this class (as a Feb. intensive) were not clearly established and significantly delayed the posting of formal information about the exam. We will ensure this does not happen again next year. There were a few comments about the content of the exam. All content comes from lecture material and is intended to be synthetic across topics, espeically essay questoins. We will provide example exam questions well in advance next year, and raise awareness about this during the lectures.

Additional information

Additional costs

An additional cost of ~$1100 is required to cover transport to and from the field station from Gladstone, QLD. Students are required to get themselves to and from Gladstone, QLD and arrange any accomodation needed in Gladstone. More specific information is available on Canvas.

Site visit guidelines

A risk assessment for the field trip will be made available to students. Acknowledgement of the conditions of this document is required for participation in the field trip.

Work, health and safety

We are governed by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and Codes of Practice. Penalties for non-compliance have increased. Everyone has a responsibility for health and safety at work. The University’s Work Health and Safety policy explains the responsibilities and expectations of workers and others, and the procedures for managing WHS risks associated with University activities.

General laboratory safety rules

No eating or drinking is allowed in any laboratory under any circumstances
A laboratory coat and closed-toe shoes are mandatory
Follow safety instructions in your manual and posted in laboratories
In case of fire, follow instructions posted outside the laboratory door
First aid kits, eye wash and fire extinguishers are located in or immediately outside each laboratory

As a precautionary measure, it is recommended that you have a current tetanus immunisation. This can be obtained from University Health Service: unihealth.usyd.edu.au/

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

BIOL3016: Coral Reef Biology

Intensive February, 2024 [Block mode] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect