606-203 Phytoplankton and Seaweeds of Australia

• Not available for students who have completed 606-202 prior to 2002.

• This subject is required for a marine biology major.

• Formerly known as 606-203 Biodiversity of Protists

Biology 600-141 and 600-142

Topics covered include:

• the classification, morphology, cytology and commercial value of the protistan phyla: 1) the macroscopic green, brown and red seaweeds; 2) the microalgal and phytoplankton classes: diatoms, dinoflagellates, chlorophytes, chrysophytes and other lesser-known but ecologically and phylogenetically significant groups;

• the evolutionary history of protistan organisms; and

• marine ecosystems: the importance of algae to biodiversity and habitats.

After completion of the lecture and practical components of this subject, students will have acquired a knowledge of:

• the variety and classification of algae and other protists;

• techniques for identifying algal organisms; and

• modern cytological research and the pivotal roles ancient bacterial and photosynthetic organisms have played in the evolution of mitochondria and chloroplasts.

Students will become practised at setting up and using the microscope, interpreting and drawing important features of cells and organisms, and relating their observations to published illustrations and descriptions.

In addition to these specific skills, students will gain generic skills in:

• improved communication in report writing and descriptive drawing;

• thinking critically and integrating information from different sources and of different types;

• planning effective work schedules in accomplishing practicals and writing them up on time; and

• application of theoretical principles in diverse, complex biological systems.

A 3-hour written examination at the end of semester and two 2-hour laboratory examinations during term time.