Unit of Study MRNE3006 Reefs (2025)

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Unit Snapshot

Unit type

UG Coursework Unit
Credit points

12
Faculty & College

Faculty of Science and Engineering
Placement

No

Enrolment information

This unit has a compulsory 2 day residential at the National Marine Science Centre, Coffs Harbour. Please refer to https://www.scu.edu.au/timetables for further information.

Unit description

Provides an overview of different reef types from the tropics to temperate waters, covering differences in community structure and function, responses to natural and anthropogenic disturbances including climate change, and management approaches to protect biodiversity. Practicals will include in situ observation of subtropical reefs, and analysis of community patterns for key groups of reef biota.

Unit content

1. Reef types and biodiversity

2. Coral reef origins and communities

3. Subtropical reefs

4. Temperate reefs

5. Natural and human disturbance to reef communities

6. Reef management and restoration

Availabilities

Location	Domestic	International
National Marine Science Centre Coffs Harbour	Term1	Term1
Online	Term1	N/A

Learning outcomes

Unit Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a unit. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes. The unit learning outcomes and graduate attributes are also the basis of evaluating prior learning.

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

demonstrate advanced understanding of the main types of reef and the biota associated with them

apply advanced field sampling techniques and data analysis tools to explain the complex biotic and abiotic processes structuring reef communities

critically evaluate how reef communities are affected by natural and anthropogenic disturbances

synthesize information to describe approaches for sustainable management of reef communities.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching method

Workshop 1 hr (Weekly)

Residential 2 days (Once)

Assessment
Workbook	55%
Proposal	30%
Quiz	15%

Teaching method

Workshop 1 hr (Weekly)

Residential 2 days (Once)

Assessment
Workbook	55%
Proposal	30%
Quiz	15%

Prescribed learning resources

Prescribed Texts

Prescribed text information is not currently available.

Prescribed Resources/Equipment

Prescribed resources/equipment information is not currently available.

Prescribed Learning Resources may change in future Teaching Periods.

Fee information

Domestic

Commonwealth Supported courses
For information regarding Student Contribution Amounts please visit the Student Contribution Amounts.

Fee paying courses
For postgraduate or undergraduate full-fee paying courses please check Domestic Postgraduate Fees OR Domestic Undergraduate Fees.

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