Requisite(s): 91153 Catchment Ecosystems AND 91270 Plant Physiology and Ecophysiology AND 91121 Aquatic Ecology
In this senior-level field subject, students examine in detail the ecology and geology of a coral reef environment. As part of the study, students carry out a group research project on an area of special interest within the reef environment. The subject requires a literature survey prior to attendance and preparation of a field report following completion of the field work. The subject covers a range of aspects of the marine environment, including chemical, biological, physical and geological oceanography, in addition to the biology of fishes, benthic fauna, plants and sediments.
The subject includes an eight-day excursion to Queensland's Heron Island. Enrolment in the subject is restricted due to the availability of space at the Heron Island Research Station and preference is given to students in BSc Marine Biology.
Additional subject costs: The excursion to Heron Island in 2007 has an approximate cost to students of $600, in addition to return costs to Gladstone. For up-to-date cost and excursion dates refer to the Department of Environmental Sciences' website:
Winter session, City campus