BIOL5012 Introduction to Marine Science and Ecology

This aim of this paper is to provide students with an introductory working knowledge of the main components of critical marine systems. 

You’ll be able to fit other, more focused environmental and physiological papers into a larger framework and more easily recognise the linkages between the components of marine biomes. 

The paper covers tropical and sub-topical systems, New Zealand ecosystems, Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic Islands, the deep ocean as well as shallow waters and coastal processes. You’ll also delve into aspects of physical oceanography, including tides, currents and waves, and get the opportunity to undertake a short survey on a species of your choice.

Content includes:

  • Aspects of physical oceanography
  • Components of the marine and terrestrial environment
  • Evolution of the ocean
  • Plate tectonics
  • Hydrological cycle
  • The nature of water
  • Waves, currents and tides
  • Oceanic circulation systems
  • Sediment transport
  • Zonation
  • The deep ocean
  • Community ecology
  • Ecology of temperate and coral reefs, sub-Antarctic islands and polar regions
  • Scientific writing and communication

View Level 5 Marine strand course details