Course Title: Marine Biology

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Marine Biology

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code	Campus	Career	School	Learning Mode	Teaching Period(s)
BIOL2255	City Campus	Undergraduate	135H Applied Sciences	Face-to-Face	Sem 2 2006, Sem 1 2007, Sem 1 2008, Sem 1 2009, Sem 1 2010, Sem 1 2011, Sem 1 2012, Sem 1 2013, Sem 1 2014, Sem 1 2015, Sem 1 2016
BIOL2255	City Campus	Undergraduate	171H School of Science	Face-to-Face	Sem 1 2017, Sem 1 2018, Sem 1 2019, Sem 1 2020, Sem 1 2021, Sem 1 2022, Sem 1 2023, Sem 1 2024
BIOL2315	City Campus	Postgraduate	135H Applied Sciences	Face-to-Face	Sem 1 2013, Sem 1 2014, Sem 1 2015, Sem 1 2016
BIOL2315	City Campus	Postgraduate	171H School of Science	Face-to-Face	Sem 1 2017, Sem 1 2018, Sem 1 2019, Sem 1 2020, Sem 1 2021

Course Coordinator: Associate Prof. Nathan Bott

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925

Course Coordinator Email: nathan.bott@rmit.edu.au

Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

Required Prior Study

You should have satisfactorily completed following course/s before you commence this course.

• ONPS2334 Scientific Skills & Communication (Course ID 038152)
• BIOL2146 Cell Structure & Function (Course ID 014749)
• BIOL2258 Animal Structure & Function (Course ID 038087)
• BIOL2151 Animal Diversity (Course ID 034141)
• BIOL2156 Plant Structure & Function (Course ID 034143)
• BIOL2270 Plant Diversity(Course ID 038104)
• ENVI1009 Ecology(Course ID 003558)
• CHEM1242 Chemistry Principles(Course ID 038158)

Alternatively, you may be able to demonstrate the required skills and knowledge before you start this course.

Contact your course coordinator if you think you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning.

Course Description

This course introduces you to general principles of marine biology and ecology. It also provides an overview of marine environmental problems, and principles for the sustainable use of aquatic resources. Topics will include physical, chemical, and geological aspects of the oceans; surveys of water-column and benthic organisms and their ecology; food web and ecosystem function in various marine habitats; use of marine resources; and environmental issues in marine and coastal ecosystems. The subject also trains students in the preparation of critical scientific reviews. Field exercises (which may be in the environment or virtually online) will introduce students to coastal marine habitats, organisms, and their ecology.  

Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

This course contributes to the following program learning outcomes for BP192P6 Bachelor of Environmental Science

• PLO-2   Scientific knowledge
• 2.1. You will demonstrate a broad and coherent knowledge and understanding of Earth system processes, especially in the hydrosphere, ecosphere, atmosphere and lithosphere and; depth in the underlying principles and concepts in Environmental Chemistry and/or Environmental Biology.
• 2.2. You will understand that environmental science has interdisciplinary connections with other sciences.
• PLO-3   Inquiry and problem solving
• 3.1. You will be able to gather, synthesize and critically evaluate environmental information from a range of sources.
• 3.2. You will be able to design and plan an investigation, including develop a testable hypothesis.
• 3.4 You will be able to collect, accurately record, interpret and draw conclusions from scientific data.
• PLO-4   Communication
• 4.1. You will be able to communicate environmental science results, information, or arguments effectively using a range of modes (oral, written, visual) to different audiences.

This course contributes to the following program learning outcomes for BP229P7 Bachelor of Science (Applied Sciences)

• PLO-1 Understanding science
• 1.2 You will demonstrate an understanding of the role and relevance of science in society
• PLO-2 Scientific knowledge
• 2.1 You will have broad knowledge in your chosen discipline, with deep knowledge in its core concepts
• 2.2 You will have knowledge in at least one discipline other than your primary discipline and some understanding of interdisciplinary linkages
• PLO-3 Inquiry and Problem Solving
• 3.1 You will be able to plan and carry out a research project under supervision, showing the development of some capacity for independent work
• 3.2 You will be able to gather, critically review and synthesise information relevant to a scientific inquiry or research project.
• 3.3 You will be able to choose appropriate tools and methods to solve scientific problems within your area of specialization.
• PLO-4 Communication
• 4.1 You will be able to communicate the solution to a problem or the results of a scientific investigation using effective oral, written and presentation skills.
• PLO-5 Personal and professional responsibility
• 5.1 You will develop a capacity for independent and self-directed work.
• 5.2  You will work responsibly, safely, legally and ethically.

On completion of this course you should be able to:  

1. Explain major elements of marine habitats, ecological processes in marine ecosystems, methods and controversies in the exploitation of marine resources, and environmental threats to coastal and marine ecosystems.
2. Identify some of the more common marine species.
3. Survey populations in marine habitats (from learning that may be done in the environment or virtually online).
4. Analyse and interpret marine ecological data through preparation of graphs, tables, and statistical tests.
5. Read, summarise and critique primary scientific literature.

Overview of Learning Activities

The learning activities in this course include:  

• attendance and participation at scheduled activities;
• completion of practical exercises and participation in tutorial discussions and other activities; 
• completion of written assignments requiring an integrated understanding of the subject matter; and 
• private study, working through the course learning materials and assignments.  

Laboratory practicals and field excursions (conducted in the lab and field if possible, otherwise virtually online) will introduce students to marine habitats and methods of conducting marine surveys, identifying organisms, and collecting and analysing data.  

Overview of Learning Resources

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through myRMIT Studies Course. 

There are services available to support your learning through the University Library. The Library provides guides on academic referencing and subject specialist help as well as a range of study support services. For further information, please visit the Library page on the RMIT University website and the myRMIT student portal.

Overview of Assessment

Assessment Tasks

Assessment Task 1: Analysis of Scientific Literature
Weighting 30%
This assessment task supports CLO 5

Assessment Task 2: Practical Reports
Weighting 35%
This assessment task supports CLOs 2, 3 & 4

Assessment Task 3: Analysis of Course Topics  
Weighting 35%
This assessment supports CLO 1

If you have a long-term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.