Course coordinator
Associate Professor Karen Cheney
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- The Environment School
This course explores the natural functioning of coasts and oceans, and gives students an understanding of the critical role the oceans play in the environmental, social and economic well-being of communities worldwide. With a sharp focus on Australia and the Asia-Pacific, we identify solutions to the grand challenges facing our oceans, from regenerating marine habitats and reversing biodiversity loss to producing sustainable aquatic foods and products; from increasing resilience to sea level rise to capturing carbon and reducing pollution
MARS1000 Living Oceans is open to all science and non-science students, and serves students in Marine Biology, and Coastal and Ocean Sciences BSc Majors.
This introductory course provides students with a fundamental understanding of ﾠthe biological, ecological and physical nature of world’s oceans and coasts .ﾠMARS1001 also explores the most pressing problems facing our oceans and planet, and how the ocean and its inhabitants can provide novel solutions to these and other problems facing humanity.
Each week there will be two x 2-hour Problem-Based Learning (PBL) sessions during which you will be required to submit work via Inspera. All work must be finalised by 5pm Friday of that week. In the PBL sessions, we will have 2 panel discussions in the last two weeks of semester. These sessions will be supplemented by online self-directed learning materials accessible via Blackboard.
In week 9, you will attend a one-day field trip to the Moreton Bay Research Station. You can elect to either attend on Saturday 21st September OR Sunday 22nd September. There will be an additional $45 charge to cover ferry travel and food for the trip. You will be required to organise your own travel to Cleveland by 7.45am on the morning of day you are are going.
The lecture series is divided into five modules:
- The essential role of oceans
- Ocean-coast interactions
- Life in the oceanﾠ
- Ocean habitats
- What the ocean gives, and the toll it takesﾠ
Over the semester, we will:
- explore the most pressing issues facing our oceans and humanity -ﾠincluding planetary and ecosystem health and stability, and nutritional, economic and environmental security,ﾠ
- provide virtual and hands-on experience in marine biology and oceanography,
- develop skills in analysis of the global databases underpinning current and future understanding of our oceans and their inhabitants.
ﾠ
Course requirements
Assumed background
This is an introductory course that can be taken by all students, including non-science students.ﾠﾠWe assume no science background.
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
MARS2014
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Associate Professor Karen Cheney
Professor Helen Bostock
Dr Benjamin Mos
Dr Dylan Cowley
Pbl and fieldtrip coordinator
Mr Andrew Khalil
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Aims and outcomes
The aim of MARS1001 Living Oceans is to provide students with a fundamental understanding of the world’s oceans, and their inhabitants. This is achievedﾠthrough the introduction of the physical, chemical, biological and ecological processes that underpin the role and function of marine habitats and ecosystems at regional andﾠglobal scales.
Students will apply this knowledge and understanding to the grand challenges facing our oceans and humanity -ﾠincluding accelerating environmental change (climate change; pollution) andﾠbiodiversity loss (coral reefs; fisheries) -ﾠto devise solutions that ultimately can drive positive social change and promote healthy andﾠresilient environments, communities and livelihoods - includingﾠmarine habitat restoration, increasing resilience and adaptation to sea level rise, coastal and oceanic carbon-capture,ﾠand the development of blueﾠbioeconomic systems for the production of carbon-neutral marine foods and products (e.g. microalgal and aquaculture systems).
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Describe the fundamental physical, chemical, biological and ecological processes underpinning marine habitats and ecosystems
LO2.
Explain how oceans connect communities and economies worldwide, and are essential for healthy and sustainable environments, industries and livelihoods today and into the future
LO3.
Explain how oceans and its inhabitants affect and are affected by environmental change
LO4.
Articulate the grand challenges facing marine systems, including climate change, habitat destruction, biodiversity loss and pollution
LO5.
Evaluate and communicate how marine-based approaches can provide solutions to these challenges.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quiz, Tutorial/ Problem Set |
Problem-Based Learning (PBL) Tasks (via Inspera)
|
40% |
PBL questions for week 1 26/07/2024 5:00 pm PBL questions for week 2 2/08/2024 5:00 pm PBL questions for week 3 9/08/2024 5:00 pm PBL questions for week 5 23/08/2024 5:00 pm PBL questions for week 6 30/08/2024 5:00 pm PBL questions for week 7 6/09/2024 5:00 pm PBL questions for week 8 13/09/2024 5:00 pm PBL questions for week 11 11/10/2024 5:00 pm PBL questions for week 12 18/10/2024 5:00 pm PBL questions for week 13 25/10/2024 5:00 pm |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Notebook/ Logbook, Practical/ Demonstration, Tutorial/ Problem Set | Field Trip Report | 20% |
4/10/2024 2:00 pm |
| Examination | End of Semester Exam | 40% |
End of Semester Exam Period 2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024
Students are required to get a grade of at least 50% on the final exam, and a grade of at least 50% overall to pass the course. |
Assessment details
Problem-Based Learning (PBL) Tasks (via Inspera)
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz, Tutorial/ Problem Set
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
PBL questions for week 1 26/07/2024 5:00 pm
PBL questions for week 2 2/08/2024 5:00 pm
PBL questions for week 3 9/08/2024 5:00 pm
PBL questions for week 5 23/08/2024 5:00 pm
PBL questions for week 6 30/08/2024 5:00 pm
PBL questions for week 7 6/09/2024 5:00 pm
PBL questions for week 8 13/09/2024 5:00 pm
PBL questions for week 11 11/10/2024 5:00 pm
PBL questions for week 12 18/10/2024 5:00 pm
PBL questions for week 13 25/10/2024 5:00 pm
Task description
Assignments will be completed for PBL sessions in all weeks EXCEPT for weeks 4, 9 and 19. These assignments will be worth 4% each (10 x 4% = 40% total).
We will be using Inspera Assessment, which provides additional functionality to complement the existing suite of digital learning tools at UQ with a greater range of question types, accessibility provisions, and non-English languages.
Inspera Assessment will be used in MARS1001 LIVING OCEAN for all assessment items.
Students in this course will complete and submit all Inspera Assessment digital items using their own device.
Further details, including an introduction to Inspera functionality, practice opportunities, and where to go for support, will be provided in the Blackboard site for this course in Week 1 of the semester.
Submission guidelines
All assignments will use Inspera Assessment.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
We strongly encourage you to complete the work in class. If you are unable to attend for any reason, the due date is set for 2 days after the PBL, and each PBL will be recorded to enable you to complete the work each week.
Field Trip Report
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Notebook/ Logbook, Practical/ Demonstration, Tutorial/ Problem Set
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
4/10/2024 2:00 pm
Task description
This report will be worth 20% and will consist of a number of questions and activities as part of the fieldtrip.
Please note that UQ is using a new assessment tool, Inspera Assessment. Inspera Assessment provides additional functionality to complement the existing suite of digital learning tools at UQ with a greater range of question types, accessibility provisions, and non-English languages.
Inspera Assessment will be used in MARS1001 LIVING OCEAN for all assessment items.
Students in this course will complete and submit all Inspera Assessment digital items using their own device.
Further details, including an introduction to Inspera functionality, practice opportunities, and where to go for support, will be provided in the Blackboard site for this course in Week 1 of the semester.
Submission guidelines
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.
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.
End of Semester Exam
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024
Students are required to get a grade of at least 50% on the final exam, and a grade of at least 50% overall to pass the course.
Task description
Final exam to be done over a two (2) hour period. It will assess a student's ability to integrate knowledge and understanding from the content taught in lectures, workshops, panel discussions and self-directed learning activities .
The first part of the final exam will consist of four (4) questions worth 7% each, with one question covering Modules 1, 2, 3 and 4 (28%).
The second part of the final exam will consist of a one (1) essay worth 12%. Students will be expected to answer a one (1) essay topic or question from a choice of three (3) topics/questions. These topics/questions will be drawn from to each of the three grand challenges comprising Module 5 (10/30%).
Please note that UQ is using a new assessment tool, Inspera Assessment. Inspera Assessment provides additional functionality to complement the existing suite of digital learning tools at UQ with a greater range of question types, accessibility provisions, and non-English languages.
Inspera Assessment will be used in MARS1001 LIVING OCEAN for all assessment items, including the Final Exam. Students in this course will complete and submit all Inspera Assessment digital items using their own device.
Further details, including an introduction to Inspera functionality, practice opportunities, and where to go for support, will be provided in the Blackboard site for this course in Week 1 of the semester.
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | Any calculator permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Inspera |
| 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
- Students are required to get at least 50% on the combined final exam and quizzes, and a at least 50% overall to pass the course.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Supplementary assessment is available
Courses graded 1-7
Should you fail a course with a grade of 3, you may be eligible for supplementary assessment. Refer to my.UQ 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
Information on applying for an extension can be found here - my.UQ Applying for an extension
Extension applications must be received by the assessment due date and time.
If you are unable to provide documentation to support your application by the due date and time you must still submit your application on time and attach a Word document outlining why you cannot provide the documentation and upload the documentation to the portal within 24 hours.
Please note: While your extension request is being considered, you should work towards completing and submitting your assessment as soon as possible.
If you have been ill or unable to attend class for more than 4 weeks in a semester, we advise you to carefully consider whether you are capable of successfully completing your courses. You might need to consider applying for removal of course. We strongly recommend you seek advice from the Faculty that administers your program.
Extensions with Student Access Plans (SAP)
For extensions up to 7 days, your SAP is all that is required as documentation to support your application. However, extension requests longer than 7 days (for any one assessment item) will require the submission of additional supporting documentation e.g., a medical certificate. A maximum of two applications may be submitted for any one assessment item, unless exceptional circumstances can be demonstrated. All extension requests must be received by the assessment due date and time.
We will use Inspera Assessment for this course.
Inspera Assessment provides additional functionality to complement the existing suite of digital learning tools at UQ with a greater range of question types, accessibility provisions, and non-English languages.
Inspera Assessment will be used in MARS1001. The assessment item(s) could include non-invigilated/invigilated on-campus assessment/exam/quiz and students will complete these using their own device. Further details, including an introduction to Inspera functionality, practice opportunities, and where to go for support, will be provided in the Blackboard site for this course.
If you don't have a suitable device for your assessment, please go to the Library site for information on Short-Term Laptop loans.
Submission of assignments by EMAIL will NOT BE ACCEPTED.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE USE (AI)
The assessment tasks in this course evaluate students’ abilities, skills, and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
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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
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
Other learning resources will be linked with specific self-directed learning exercises in Blackboard and PBL sessions, and will be announced in conjunction with these learning activities.
Additional costs
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
Field trip costs |
For the one day fieldtrip, you will be required to contribute $45 for expenses, including ferry travel and lunch. |
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 (22 Jul - 28 Jul) |
Problem-based learning |
Introduction to the MARS1001; and the oceans we need A/Prof. Karen Cheney Week 1: two PBL sessions that will : (i) explain the value of this course, (ii) introduce Australian and global perspectives in the context of the "UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development 2021-2030", iii) explore humanity and the ocean, by learning more about the 'Blue Assembly' multi-year program at the UQ Art Museum. |
Multiple weeks From Week 2 To Week 3 |
Problem-based learning |
Module 1. The essential role of the ocean A/Professor Helen Bostock 2 weeks. Four PBL sessions and self-directed learning exercises that: (i) explain the origin and formation of ocean basins and mapping the seafloor (ii) describe physicochemical nature of the world's oceans and how they are studied (iii) explain how oceans interact with the atmosphere and continents, and drive the global carbon cycle (iv) explain how the oceans influence and are influenced by climate change. |
Week 5 (19 Aug - 25 Aug) |
Problem-based learning |
Module 2. Ocean-coast interactions Dr Dylan Cowley. 1 week. Two PBLs and self-directed learning exercises that: (i) describe how waves and tides are produced and how they interact with coasts (ii) explain past and future changes in climate and sea level (iii) explain how coastlines change due to their environmental setting (iv) explore how climate change and sea level rise will impact the coast. |
Multiple weeks From Week 6 To Week 7 |
Problem-based learning |
Module 3. Life in the ocean Dr. Ben Mos. 2 weeks. Four PBL sessions and self-directed learning exercises that: (i) explain the origin, abundance and diversity of marine life. (ii) describe the distribution and function of animals, plants, algae and microbes in the ocean (iii) provide basic skills in analysing databases used to study marine life |
Week 9 (16 Sep - 22 Sep) |
Fieldwork |
Moreton Bay Fieldtrip We will be running a ONE day fieldtrip to the Moreton Bay Research Station on Saturday 21st September and Sunday 22nd September (please attend only one day). An additional cost will be $45 to cover transport (ferry to North Stradbroke Island) and food. You will gain field based experience investigating ocean and coastal interactions, ocean habitats, and life in the ocean. You will also learn a range of field sampling techniques and analyse biological samples. Details about the field trip are available at the start of semester. Students unable to attend the field trip to Moreton Bay Research Station will be required to undertake an alternative assessment activity on campus during scheduled PBL sessions in week 10. Further details to be announced in class. |
Week 11 (07 Oct - 13 Oct) |
Problem-based learning |
Module 4. Ocean habitats A/Prof. Karen Cheney 1 week. Two PBLs and self-directed learning exercises that: (i) describe the diversity and distribution of coral reefs, with focus on Australia and (ii) describe the approaches being taken to conserve coral reefs in Australia and worldwide. |
Multiple weeks From Week 12 To Week 13 |
Problem-based learning |
Module 5. What the ocean gives, and the toll it takes A/Prof. Karen Cheney 2 weeks. Two PBLs, two panel discussions and self-directed learning exercises that: (i) identify various marine pollutants and investigate their impact on marine biodiversity and ecosystems, and coastal communities (1 week) (ii) explain the importance of sustainable marine foods and products to create positive change (1 week). |
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 - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.