Course coordinator
Associate Professor Daniel Dunn
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2025 (28/07/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- The Environment School
Introduction to international and Australian approaches to conserving biodiversity values, ecological processes, products, goods & services in marine and coastal zones. Emphasis placed on understanding stressors, and addressing their cumulative impacts through area-based planning tools including marine protected areas, and the social context for marine conservation.
Ours is an ocean world.
Over 70% of Earth's surface is water and a far greater proportion of available habitat is marine and coastal ecosystems. The ecosystem services provided to us by the ocean include, among others, the provision of more than half the oxygen we breathe, the absorption of nearly 35% of the CO2 released into the atmosphere and 80% of the heat added to the climate system by the accumulation of CO2, the provision of greater than 15% of the animal nutrients consumed, the transportation of ~90% of international trade, and a network of global cables that form the backbone of the internet.
Yet we know less about these ecosystems, and protect them less, than terrestrial systems.
This course provides an introduction to how we use, manage, govern and conserve marine and coastal ecosystems. Emphasis is placed on understanding human impacts on coastal and marine ecosystems and how we address those impacts as a society.ﾠ We will cover the international governance frameworks and national policies guiding the conservation and management of marine and coastal ecosystemsﾠand see how these apply in a local context.ﾠ We'll end by focusing on marine and coastal ecosystems as complex socio-ecological systems and the use of conservation planning to address a broad suite of stressors.
This course is co-taught between ENVM2002 and ENVM7002.
Course requirements
Assumed background
As the module of this course in previous years which provided background material on marine biology and ecology has been removed, some knowledge of marine ecosystems is encouraged (e.g., MARS1001).ﾠ Prior year's lectures will be made available for those student's who would like a primer on coastal and marine ecosystems and processes.
Recommended prerequisites
We recommend completing the following courses before enrolling in this one:
MARS1001
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
ENVM2506 or LPWM2000, ENVM7002 (co-taught)
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Associate Professor Daniel Dunn
Associate Professor Angela Dean
Dr Lily Bentley
Guest lecturer
Dr Annie Lau
Dr Tracy Schultz
Demonstrator
Dr Tracy Schultz
Ms Kristine Buenafe
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Timetables are available on MyTimetable.
Students are required to attend or watch the 2-hour lecture and participate in the 1-hour practicals. There is a ﾠfield trip in this course, likely in week 8.
Aims and outcomes
The aims of this course are to:
• provide an appreciation of the environmental, social and political basis of coastal and marine management and its evolution in relation to changing environmental and societal pressures
• develop an understanding of the mechanisms, policies and practices applied to manage marine and coastal environments.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
describe the dominant stressors on coastal and marine environments
LO2.
describe and evaluate the impact of marine and coastal stressors
LO3.
explain the legal, policy and social dimensions that shape planning and management of coastal and marine environments
LO4.
understand area-based management approaches to conserving marine and coastal ecosystems in Queensland and elsewhere
LO5.
understand the social context for marine conservation, and the tools available to generate social and ecological change
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quiz |
Four Online Quizzes
|
20% Each quiz will be equally weighted |
1) Quiz 1: 19/08/2025 10:00 am 2) Quiz 2: 9/09/2025 10:00 am 3) Quiz 3: 26/09/2025 4:00 pm 4) Quiz 4: 31/10/2025 4:00 pm |
| Poster | Stressor Description | 35% |
12/09/2025 4:00 pm |
| Notebook/ Logbook |
Field Participation
|
10% |
19/09/2025 |
| Examination |
Engagement Strategy Final Exam
|
35% |
End of Semester Exam Period 8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025 |
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
Four Online Quizzes
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 20% Each quiz will be equally weighted
- Due date
1) Quiz 1: 19/08/2025 10:00 am
2) Quiz 2: 9/09/2025 10:00 am
3) Quiz 3: 26/09/2025 4:00 pm
4) Quiz 4: 31/10/2025 4:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
Task description
There will be four short quizzes throughout the semester covering the content since the previous quiz. Quizzes will cover online lecture recordings (available on Blackboard), as well as readings and other learning resources made available to students throughout the semester. The online quiz will be short (~15 questions) and timed. It is the student's responsibility to ensure they have a reliable internet connection and functioning PC/laptop/device to ensure that they do not encounter any technical difficulties during the timed quiz.
Quizzes will be opened during weeks 3, 6, 9 & 13 after the lecture
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Quizzes will be completed and submitted in Blackboard, by the due time, on the due date.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
See the Additional assessment information section below for information relating to extension applications.
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).
Stressor Description
- Mode
- Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
- Category
- Poster
- Weight
- 35%
- Due date
12/09/2025 4:00 pm
Task description
THE TASK: You will select a stressor on a marine ecosystem anywhere in the world. Students should select the area based on their interests and the availability of information about the area. Using a combination of scientific articles and grey literature, describe the marine ecosystem, it's main ecosystem services, the stressor impacting the ecosystem, and the types of impacts the stressor is causing.
Students should first research on:
A. The biophysical characteristics of the ecosystem. That includes the biological and physical characteristics of the ecosystem and the ecological condition of the ecosystem, and the vulnerability of the ecosystem to stressors.
B. The anthropogenic stressor (i.e., the human activity). This should include the trends in frequency and magnitude of the activity, and drivers of the stressor (e.g., economic value of the industry, food security, etc.)
C. Impacts. A description of the consequence of the activity for the ecosystem.
Understanding these three aspects will allow students to evaluate the risk certain stressors pose to a given ecosystem.
ASSESSMENT: Design a poster or infographic describing the impact of the stressor on the ecosystem.
The poster/infographic should contain information from each of the elements laid out above (i.e., ecosystem, stressor, and impact).
A poster template will be available on Blackboard. Your poster must be "stand-alone", i.e. understandable by an audience without attending a presentation or referring to supplementary material.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
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.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
See the Additional assessment information section below for information relating to extension applications.
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 Participation
- In-person
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Notebook/ Logbook
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
19/09/2025
Task description
A field notebook will be handed out for the field trip with questions about biodiversity and stressors encountered during the excursion, and covering presentations and discussions on the field trip.
Submission guidelines
The field notebook will be submitted at the end of the field trip, or unless instructed otherwise.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
See the Additional assessment information section below for information relating to extension applications.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
Engagement Strategy Final Exam
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 35%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
Task description
You will be asked to nominate a threat to marine ecosystems, and develop a social strategy to help tackle this threat, including identifying goals, relevant stakeholders, and a strategy to engage them to achieve your goal. 10% of the final mark will be deducted for every 10% excess words (no deduction for <10% over word limit). Further details will be provided in class.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
See ADDITIONAL COURSE GRADING INFORMATION for the hurdle relating to this assessment item.Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | Any calculator permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed book examination - specified written materials permitted |
| Materials | 1 page of notes |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
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.
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 0% |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 30% |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 45% |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 50% |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 65% |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 75% |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 85% |
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):
You must obtain 45% or more on the Engagement Strategy Final 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
Turnitin
By submitting work through Turnitin you are deemed to have accepted the following declaration “I certify that this assignment is my own work and has not been submitted, either previously or concurrently, in whole or in part, to this University or any other educational institution, for marking or assessment.”
All students must ensure they receive their Turnitin receipt on submission of any assessments. A valid Turnitin receipt will be the only evidence accepted if assessments are missing. Without evidence, the assessment will receive the standard late penalty, or after seven days, will receive zero.
In the case of a Blackboard outage, please contact the Course Coordinator as soon as possible to confirm the outage with ITS.
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.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (28 Jul - 03 Aug) |
Lecture |
Lecture 1: The Anthropocene Ocean Welcome & Course Overview (A/Prof Daniel Dunn) The Anthropocene Ocean: Ocean stressors, shifting baselines & sustainability in the 21st century (Dr Lily Bentley) |
Week 2 (04 Aug - 10 Aug) |
Lecture |
Lecture 2: Throw, throw, throw your waste, gently down the stream. Land-based pollution & water quality (Dr Amelia Wenger) |
Practical |
Required Prac: Coastal Pollution Toolkit Small group activity to engage with a new toolkit being used on the ground by practitioners. |
|
Week 3 (11 Aug - 17 Aug) |
Lecture |
Lecture 3: Coastal Erosion Coastal Erosion: causes and solutions (Dr Annie Lau) |
Practical |
Required Prac: The ocean is dead. Long live the ocean! The ocean is dead. Long live the ocean! Group discussion of the debate over the current environmental status of the ocean. |
|
Week 4 (18 Aug - 24 Aug) |
Lecture |
Lecture 4: Food system impacts- from the primacy of overfishing to supremacy of aquaculture Aquatic food system impacts (Dr Lily Bentley) |
Week 5 (25 Aug - 31 Aug) |
Lecture |
Lecture 5: Calculating impacts Identifying and quantifying cumulative impacts (Dr Lily Bentley) |
Practical |
Required Prac: Cumulative impacts Small group activity to evaluate the potential for stressors to impact habitats and test methods for calculating cumulative impacts. |
|
Week 6 (01 Sep - 07 Sep) |
Lecture |
Lecture 6: Offsetting impacts How the mitigation hierarchy and offsets are applied in the marine realm. |
Practical |
Requried Prac: Offsetting impacts in the marine realm Understand how offsets are calculated in the marine realm and apply them to a real world example. |
|
Week 7 (08 Sep - 14 Sep) |
Lecture |
Lecture 7: Policy for place Policy context for area-based management tools (A/Prof Daniel Dunn) |
Practical |
Required Prac: Conservation of migratory species |
|
Week 8 (15 Sep - 21 Sep) |
Lecture |
Lecture 8: What's in your toolkit? Area-based management tools: from Marine Spatial Planning to dynamic management (A/Prof Daniel Dunn) |
Excursion |
Required Field Trip: Moreton Bay Ramsar Site Field trip to Moreton Bay Ramsar internationally important wetland to discuss the debate over the Toondah Harbour development. |
|
Week 9 (22 Sep - 28 Sep) |
Lecture |
Lecture 9: Plans are worthless, but planning is indespensible Coastal & marine conservation planning (A/Prof Daniel Dunn) |
Practical |
Required Prac: Conservation Planning Practicum |
|
Mid Sem break (29 Sep - 05 Oct) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Mid-semester Break No class |
Week 10 (06 Oct - 12 Oct) |
Lecture |
Lecture 10 - Social dimensions of marine conservation Social dimensions of marine conservation (Dr Angela Dean) (Recorded lecture due to the King's Birthday Public Holiday) |
Week 11 (13 Oct - 19 Oct) |
Lecture |
Lecture 11 - Tools for social and ecological change Part I Tools for social and ecological change Part I (Dr Angela Dean) |
Week 12 (20 Oct - 26 Oct) |
Lecture |
Lecture 12 - Tools for social and ecological change Part II Tools for social and ecological change Part II (Dr Angela Dean) |
Practical |
Required Prac: Skills for social change We will work through a suite of real-life scenarios exploring how to engage with diverse stakeholders for effective conservation. |
|
Week 13 (27 Oct - 02 Nov) |
Lecture |
Lecture 13 - Enhancing social benefits of marine conservation Enhancing social benefits of marine conservation (Dr Angela Dean) |
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.