Overview

"Coastal Resource Management" is a 10-day course examining the impact of human activities on coastal ecosystems, and how to manage these impacts in order to ensure sustainable resource use and ecosystem function.

The 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:
Effective management of coastal resources requires an understanding of ecological processes influencing coastal ecosystems, as well as an understanding of the policy framework and political pressures that influence development and human activity in coastal environments.

This field-based course examines the impact of human activities on coastal ecosystems, and how to manage these impacts in order to ensure sustainable resource use and ecosystem function.

The course examines local and international case studies and a hypothetical development that students assess against real-time environmental and socioeconomic conditions.

Course Objectives:
On completion of this course, you should:

Have an understanding of coastal environments and linkages between the physical, ecological, and social components of these environments
Be able to describe how a broad range of human activities affects coastal environments
Have developed an understanding of the multi-disciplinary nature of the management of coastal environments
Be aware of and be able to use a range of tools for coastal planning and management
Have an appreciation of the essential skills for undertaking research as well as for interacting with stakeholders and coastal resource managers
Appreciate the need for and methods of achieving integrated management of coastal environments
Improve essential communication, problem solving and research skills.


Course Experience:
Coastal Resource Management provides a thought-provoking and intellectually stimulating experience closely reflecting the real world of coastal resource management. A large component of the course involves interaction with coastal stakeholders and coastal resource managers; people who are actively involved in the local study environment.

Students will participate in lectures, seminars, and fieldwork which involves the collection of both biophysical and socioeconomic information. With the mentoring support of staff, students are given the opportunity to explore their own perspectives and to test these within the framework of determining the best options for a proposed development.

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

$2,860.00

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: Brisbane and Stradbroke Island, Queensland
Overseas Students:
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