Overview

The Great Barrier Reef serves as the ideal classroom for an exploration of marine invertebrate biology. The 14-day "Tropical Marine Invertebrates" course is one of six different short course opportunities offered by AustraLearn through University of Queensland's Centre for Marine Studies on Australia's Great Barrier Reef. Students from the US and Canada have the opportunity to participate in these unique 10-14 day courses during the North American summer - a fantastic opportunity for anyone interested in marine sciences, environmental management, microscopy, ecology, genetics, neurobiology, zoology or other sciences.

Students may undertake this course either as an add-on (before or after - depending on date of course) to a semester abroad at ANY AustraLearn university OR as a stand-alone program.

Location

The Centre for Marine Studies coordinates research and teaching on the ocean, coast, estuaries and reefs of Queensland for the University. Accessible through the Centre are the diverse marine systems of Queensland, which include pristine coral reefs, rugged rocky shores and clean beaches, salt-marshes, mangroves and seagrasses. The rich life that abounds in the region includes a multitude of invertebrates and fishes, marine turtles, dolphins, dugong and whales. Our teaching and research programs cover the full range of organisms and environments.

The Centre coordinates Heron Island Research Station, the largest research station on the Great Barrier Reef; Moreton Bay Research Station, a modern facility on North Stradbroke Island in Moreton Bay; Low Isles Research Station, a small station on the inner, northern Great Barrier Reef; a suite of vessels of various capacities; and Pinjarra Aquatic Research Station, an aquaculture facility a few kilometres from the main University campus. All Centre for Marine Studies locations feature world class aquatic facilities.

Course Details

Course Outline:
The course will begin with an introduction to the major taxonomic groups of marine invertebrates through lectures, laboratory classes, and field experience.

The second part of the course examines physiological and behavioral processes of marine invertebrates. Through small-group field projects and theory lessons, students will examine first hand the invertebrates of the reef and seek to understand how these animals interact with each other and the reef environment.

Study topics include:
Predation and competition
Feeding mechanisms
Marine parasitology
Invertebrate reproduction
Habitats
Self defence mechanisms
Symbioses
Small groups of students will conduct research projects that will teach research skills, data analysis and culminate in project presentations.


Course Objectives:
Acquire a thorough grounding in the biology, morphology and ecology of major groups of marine invertebrates living on the Great Barrier Reef.
Develop research-level skills such as field work, data recording and analysis, writing and project presentation.
Familiarize themselves with live invertebrate material in both the laboratory and field.
Understand how different invertebrate groups interact with their environment through studying the main life processes of the groups.


Course Experience:
Students will become familiar with the astounding diversity of marine invertebrates characteristic of a tropical reef ecosystem. The structure, biology, ecology, and phylogeny of major groups of invertebrates are dealt with in lectures and laboratory classes, with student group field projects aimed at exploring research questions and developing research skills.

Students will spend considerable time in the water examining the animals and their interactions.

Course Certification

All courses and teachers will be subject to the standard University of Queensland course and teacher evaluation procedures that help ensure maintenance of high academic standards.

Upon completion of study, all international students will receive a University of Queensland crested certificate with the student's details, courses undertaken and academic results. The academic result will be listed as both a percentage and grade in accordance with standard University of Queensland grading scheme. The certificate will be accompanied by a copy of the course profile and assessment criteria for each course completed. (A transcript from the University of Queensland will not be provided.)

The Centre for Marine Studies will assist students and international institutions with any questions that may arise relating to credit by home institutions.

Program Highlights

•Undertake unique, field-intensive short courses in Queensland's spectacular marine environment

•Supplement your existing studies in marine science or ecology in one of the most spectacular living environments in the world

•Learn from the world-class faculty from University of Queensland’s Center for Marine Studies

•Any of these courses are available as a stand-alone course or as an add on to a semester or year abroad in Australia, New Zealand, or Fiji


Who It’s For

A fantastic opportunity for anyone interested in marine sciences, environmental management, microscopy, ecology, genetics, neurobiology, zoology, or other sciences, and open to science students with a biology background. Pre-requisites vary by course—check the requirements for the course you are interested in.

Fees

Program Fees

$3,310.00

Fee Semester

The above fee is an estimate based on the Summer 2007 program fee. Fees are subject to change for future terms.

Facts

Location: Heron Island, Queensland
Overseas Students: 0
Staff: 3
Total Enrolment: 40

Entry Requirements

Applicants must have the required GPA and have completed at least the equivalent of one year of full-time study at the university/college level, including one lower-division biology course.

Required GPA: 3.00