Overview

"Marine Neurobiology" is a 10-day course exploring both the central and peripheral nervous systems of a range of aquatic animals (invertebrates, cartilaginous fishes, bony fishes, and marine mammals) in the context of the neural bases of behavior.

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:
The University of Queensland boasts the largest collection of marine neurobiologists in Australia, with most focusing on animals endemic to the Great Barrier Reef.

This course will explore both the central and peripheral nervous systems of a range of aquatic animals (invertebrates, cartilaginous fishes, bony fishes, and marine mammals) in the context of the neural bases of behavior.

Sensory, motor and integrative parts of the central nervous system will be examined to challenge students about how animals communicate, navigate, orient themselves in the water column and how they find food and avoid predation. The physical characteristics of the environment and the neurobiological constraints placed on behavior will also be investigated, drawing upon examples from both shallow water and the deep-sea.

Emphasis will be placed on sensory ecology or the way in which animals see, smell, feel, hear, taste, and electrically and magnetically sense their aquatic environment. Sensory systems of specific models will be explored as an integrated whole and examined using the latest morphological, physiological, and molecular techniques.


Course Objectives:
The goals of the course include an introduction to:

The physical environment in which marine animals live
The central and peripheral nervous systems of a range of marine vertebrates and invertebrates
The currently-known senses (vision, audition, chemoreception, electroreception, magnetoreception, and mechanoreception)
The neural basis of behavior, adaptation, and plasticity
Complex behaviors
Morphological, physiological, and molecular techniques currently used to explore neural processing
Hypothesis-driven research (as individuals and in groups)
Scientific communication


Course Experience:
A combination of lectures, tutorials, field and laboratory-based projects will provide a cohesive introduction to marine neurobiology and behavior with emphasis on addressing problem-based tasks in the context of the physical environment in which marine animals live.

Students will receive an introduction to the nervous systems of marine animals with emphasis on sensory ecology and behavior. Sensory processing, adaptation and plasticity will also be explored in the context of evolution and development.

Group projects will focus on research and discovery, designed to test hypotheses developed during lectures. Students will gain valuable experience in a range of state-of-the-art techniques in neurobiology and be able to apply these to marine models.

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