Coral Reef Ecology & Conservation (BIOL3215)

Course overview

Prior to 2022, this course was titled: Marine Ecology and Conservation

Ecology & conservation of marine and estuarine plants and animals. Emphasis on the dynamics & interactions of populations, assemblages & communities in marine environments, including an examination of theory, methods & approaches used to study these systems (including field activities). Appreciation of the threats that impact marine ecosystems and how this can affect people. Understanding the degree to which evolutionary adaptation can build resilience to the effects of climate change. Detailed exploration of cutting-edge conservation issues and practices including marine reserve design and the importance of blue carbon.

The vast majority of the global population lives within coastal areas. Coral reefs harbour the greatest marine biodiversity on Earth, and hundreds of millions of people depend on them for food, livelihoods, cultural benefits, and coastal protection. Yet, these ecosystems are among the world’s imperilled by climate change, and the conservation of reefs is both an urgent need and an enormous challenge.

This course explores the ecology and conservation of coral reefs as well as the threatened species that inhabit them, including turtles and dugongs. It takes advantage of Queensland's position and includes a week-long field trip to UQ's famous field station on the edge of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) at Heron Island.

Coral reefs are highly complex, and the course reveals their intricate ecology, focusing on globally significant problems such as resilience, climate change, and extinction. Importantly, the course digs into cutting edge conservation approaches both at the broader ecosystem scales, such as the use and abuse of Marine Protected Areas, and the challenges in protecting endangered fauna like dugong.

Students will develop important transferable skills, which include learning how to interpret data as an ecologist, how to critique or synthesize ideas, and how to design and undertake field research. Our approach to delivering this course involves a flexible range of teaching methods, including online materials, in-class discussions, practical field experiences, lab studies, and workshops. Practical exercises include critiquing field data, synthesizing research proposals, analysis and reporting of field activities, and learning how to interpret results using your ecological knowledge. Importantly, you will have an opportunity to improve your field knowledge of corals, fishes, and other marine life in these incredible ecosystems.

Course requirements

Assumed background

Recommended prerequisite subjects:

ﾠ

Prerequisites

You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:

MARS2014 or MARS2001

Recommended prerequisites

We recommend completing the following courses before enrolling in this one:

BIOL2006 or BIOL2106 and BIOL2010

Recommended companion or co-requisite courses

We recommend completing the following courses at the same time:

BIOL3023

Incompatible

You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:

MARS3011 or MARS3002

Course contact

Course staff

Timetable

The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.

Additional timetable information

Dates of the Heron Island field trip are either 20-26th September or 21-27th of September, depending on which cohort you are assigned (we go up in two groups separated by 24 hours). The field trip is optional but if you do not attend you will have to collaborate with a project team who is on the island and help from the main campus (e.g., extracting and processing data, literature review, etc).

There is a cost of $900 to attend the field trip, though it is heavily subsidised also. This helps cover the costs of transportation and food.

Aims and outcomes

Marine Ecology and Conservation aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to solve complex problems arising in marine and estuarine ecosystems, due to human influences, such as coastal development and climate change. The course also highlights the core theoretical aspects of marine ecology and practical conservation issues that will give students a head-start if choosing a career in research or conservation. Specifically on completion students will be able to:

1. ﾠIdentify the factors important for the sustainable function of marine and estuarine ecosystems and important threats to these systems
2. ﾠUnderstand of the ecology of plants and animals in marine and estuarine ecosystems
3. ﾠHave a comprehensive grounding in the principles and practice of marine ecology, including experimental design, data analysis, and data interpretation.
4. ﾠUnderstand core concepts in marine conservation and the degree to which management interventions can have positive impacts.
5. Gain a strong 'real world' understanding of conservation issues.
6. Experience coral reefs in the field and implement research projects

Assessment

Assessment summary

A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.

Assessment details

Written synthesis of a short proposal (done in class)

• Identity Verified
• In-person

Mode

Written

Category

Paper/ Report/ Annotation

Weight

10%

Due date

20/08/2025 2:00 pm

Task description

Submission guidelines

Online submission by Turnitin only by the due date and time. No hard copy or assignment cover sheets are required. Submission via email is not accepted.

The Turnitin submission procedure is as follows: 1. Access the Assessment folder on the course Blackboard site 2. Upload an electronic version through Turnitin the assessment Turnitin site 3. You will be sent a receipt, retain the receipt as proof of submission.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

If you are unable to attend class due to exceptional circumstances, a second submission class may be arranged on 3rd September 2025 (2 weeks later).

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

You are required to submit assessable items on time. If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item, then 10% of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item (the assessment ‘marked from’ value) will be deducted as a late penalty for every day (or part day) late after the due date.

For example, if you submit your assignment 1 hour late, you will be penalised 10%; if your assignment is 24.5 hours late, you will be penalised 20% (because it is late by one 24-hour period plus part of another 24-hour period). 

Field Report

Mode

Written

Category

Paper/ Report/ Annotation

Weight

40%

Due date

17/10/2025 2:00 pm

Other conditions

Student specific.

See the conditions definitions

Task description

Submission guidelines

Online submission by Turnitin only by the due date and time. No hard copy or assignment cover sheets are required. Submission via email is not accepted.

The Turnitin submission procedure is as follows: 1. Access the Assessment folder on the course Blackboard site 2. Upload an electronic version through Turnitin the assessment Turnitin site 3. You will be sent a receipt, retain the receipt as proof of submission.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

You are required to submit assessable items on time. If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item, then 10% of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item (the assessment ‘marked from’ value) will be deducted as a late penalty for every day (or part day) late after the due date.

For example, if you submit your assignment 1 hour late, you will be penalised 10%; if your assignment is 24.5 hours late, you will be penalised 20% (because it is late by one 24-hour period plus part of another 24-hour period). 

End of semester exam

• Hurdle
• Identity Verified
• In-person
• Online

Mode

Written

Category

Examination

Weight

50%

Due date

End of Semester Exam Period

8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025

Other conditions

Time limited.

See the conditions definitions

Task description

Hurdle requirements

Exam details

Submission guidelines

Deferral or extension

You may be able to defer this exam.

Course grading

Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.

Additional course grading information

Assessment Hurdle

In order to pass this course, you must meet the following requirements (if you do not meet these requirements, the maximum grade you will receive will be a 3):

• Students must obtain 50% or more in the End of Semester Exam.

Supplementary assessment

Supplementary assessment is available for this course.

Should you fail a course with a grade of 3, you may be eligible for supplementary assessment. Refer to the UQ website for information on supplementary assessment and how to apply.

Supplementary assessment provides an additional opportunity to demonstrate you have achieved all the required learning outcomes for a course.

If you apply and are granted supplementary assessment, the type of supplementary assessment set will consider which learning outcome(s) have not been met.

Supplementary assessment can take any form (such as a written report, oral presentation, examination or other appropriate assessment) and may test specific learning outcomes tailored to the individual student, or all learning outcomes.

To receive a passing grade of 3S4, you must obtain a mark of 50% or more on the supplementary assessment.

Additional assessment information

Applications for Extensions to Assessment Due Dates

Read the information contained in the following links carefully before submitting an application for extension to assessment due date.

For guidance on applying for an extension, information is available here: https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/applying-assessment-extension

For the policy relating to extensions, information is available here (Part D): https://policies.uq.edu.au/document/view-current.php?id=184

Please note the University's requirements for medical certificates here: https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/uq-policies-and-rules/requirements-medical-certificates

Learning resources

You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.

Library resources

Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.

Additional learning resources information

Most of the lectures are accompanied by a list of references and often the PDFs. It is expected that students will read original scientific articles.

Learning activities

The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.

Policies and procedures

University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:

• Student Code of Conduct Policy
• Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
• Assessment Procedure
• Examinations Procedure
• Reasonable Adjustments for Students Policy and Procedure

Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.