654-302 Experimental Marine Ecology

Experiments involving the use of animals are an essential part of this subject; exemption is not possible.

Zoology 654-201 plus 654-312 (or enrolment in 654-312 in current year).

This subject covers current ecological principles and concepts, particularly as they apply to the marine biota. The major focus is on experimental approaches to ecological questions, emphasising the design and analysis of ecological experiments. An important emphasis of the course is developing the ability to read and assimilate current papers in the ecological literature, and evaluating critically the arguments and data presented in those papers.

This subject builds upon existing generic skills, including an ability to approach and assimilate new knowledge from observation and the literature, and an ability to use that knowledge to evaluate and communicate results. Students should develop their abilities to pose testable hypotheses, to devise appropriate sampling procedures and experimental designs, and to work in field situations. Students should learn how to access information from the primary scientific literature, through both electronic and traditional sources, and gain experience in writing scientific reports and essays.

Written work totalling up to 5000 words, including a report on practical work (60%), peer-review assessment (20%), and response to reviewer's comments (20%), due during first semester immediately following the summer semester in which the subject was undertaken.