654-312 Marine Ecology

654-204.

The subject covers current ecological principles and concepts, particularly as they apply to the marine biota. The subject focuses on population dynamics and community ecology of marine organisms, covering biophysical interactions, early life history patterns, recruitment processes, interaction between species, and the role of natural disturbance in marine communities. The use of ecological principles for managing exploited marine organisms is also covered. An important emphasis of the course is developing the ability to read and assimilate current papers in the ecological literature.

This subject builds upon existing generic skills, including an ability to observe critically and to use the results of your observations to pose and answer theoretical questions and to solve practical problems. Students should develop their abilities to pose testable hypotheses, to devise appropriate sampling procedures and experimental designs, and to interpret and evaluate critically the evidence obtained from current contemporary studies. Students should also learn how to access information from the primary scientific literature, through both electronic and traditional sources, and gain experience in writing a scientific essay.

Written essays or project work totalling up to 3000 words due during semester (50%); a 3-hour written examination in the examination period (50%).