BIO3021 Marine biology
Faculty of Science
BIO3021 Marine biology is a level 3, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Science, offered in 2025 in Semester 1 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2025
- Semester 1
- Clayton
- Assessment
- Exam 50%
- and 2 other tasks
This is the 2025 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Requisites
Overview
This unit investigates the organisms and the processes that drive marine ecosystems. We deal with the trophic structure of marine ecosystems, including primary and secondary production, microbial loops, food webs and their importance for marine fisheries. The implications of the characteristic life cycles of marine organisms to their geographical distribution are also considered. These topics are placed in the context of specific marine ecosystems including coastal habitats, coral reefs, open oceans, the deep sea and polar ecosystems. The practical component comprises a field course in February where you will work in small groups on specific aspects of marine biology.
Offerings in 2025
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| First semester | Clayton | On campus |
Assessment
- Revision quizQuiz / Test10%
- Practical reportDemonstration40%
- Examination (2 hours and 10 minutes)Examination50%
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Describe the diversity and ecological importance of marine life;
- 2
Explain the fundamental physiochemical and physiological processes underlying the productivity of marine environments;
- 3
Explain the ecological dynamics of marine ecosystems;
- 4
Discuss the impact of human activity on the sustainability of marine ecosystems;
- 5
Demonstrate advanced scientific skills in project design, data collection, analysis and writing.
Workload and teaching
- Lectures24 hours
- Applied sessions47 hours
- Teaching approachActive learning
- Two 1-hour lectures and
- The equivalent of 3 hours applied sessions/field work per week
Hands on experience in experimental design, data analysis, field work, lab work and group work.
Where it fits
BIO3021 is part of 3 areas of study in the 2025 handbook.
Contacts
- Unit Coordinators
- Prof Dustin Marshall
- Chief Examiners
- Prof Dustin Marshall
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for BIO3021?
BIO3021 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
When is BIO3021 offered?
In 2025, BIO3021 runs in Semester 1 at Clayton.
Does BIO3021 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 50% of the final mark, alongside 2 other tasks.
Which majors and minors include BIO3021?
BIO3021 is part of Ecology and conservation biology; Plant sciences; and Zoology.