EMSC3019 Coral Reef Field Studies will next be offered as a Spring 2013 Course.

The fieldtrip is tentatively scheduled for 29 November to 8 December 2013. Location is One Tree Island, Queensland. 

The fieldtrip cost is estimated to be $750, plus return transport to Gladstone

This intensive field course aims to provide students with advanced knowledge of modern and fossil carbonate environments, and the role of biological processes in reef building and erosion. It complements EMSC3023 Marine Biogeochemistry and BIOL3116 Marine Ecology, and is for students seeking a profession in the petroleum industry, marine biology, environmental science or geochemistry. Several days will be spent at a coral reef location studying a modern reefal setting, fossil reef depositional environments and relevant biological processes. Activities will include both advanced lectures and field surveys.

On satisfying the requirements of this course students will have gained the knowledge and skills to :

1.  Recognise and map different environments and bio-zones on a carbonate reef platform.

2.  Apply field techniques used to describe and assess carbonate reef ecosystems

3.  Produce maps of the reef flat.

4.  Desecribe the history of deposition of carbonate reef platforms over Holocene time.

5.  Gain a working knowledge of how to do measure carbonate chemistry in the field

6.  Demonstrate understanding of basic biological processes of coral reefs.

7. Identify the major issues facing the future of carbonate reef ecosystems and the strategies that may be used to address these threats.

Indicative Assessment

• Presentation of field map and/or report (60% LO 1-3)
• Theory examination, 2 hours, (40% LO 1 and 4-7)

Summer intensive field course to be held early in January