Marine Botany

(An enrolment quota of 30 students applies to this subject) This subject will introduce students to the biology of marine and estuarine plants (seaweeds, seagrasses and phytoplankton). Fieldwork focuses on the identification, diversity and ecology of Australia's unique marine flora. Topics to be covered include: biodiversity and evolution structure, life history and classification distribution and ecology human impacts and commercial uses gain, spread and loss of photosynthesis in protists role of phytoplankton in the marine environment

• 1Describe and explain the biology, diversity and evolution of Australian marine plants and protists; the unique nature of the Australian seaweed flora; the role of algae in marine ecosystems; the diverse cell biology of marine protists; and current themes in algal research;
• 2Demonstrate practical skills in identifying common seaweeds and marine protists, and in processing, preserving and culturing marine plants and plankton;
• 3Exercise independent critical thought and rational enquiry;
• 4Analyse and evaluate technical literature;
• 5Operate as part of a team to perform scientific tasks and interpret scientific data.