UnitLevel 3Undergraduate

BIO3810 Tropical aquatic biology

Faculty of Science

BIO3810 Tropical aquatic biology is a level 3, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Science, offered in 2027 in Semester 1 at Malaysia. It needs BIO2011 or BIO2810.

Credit points
6
Offered in 2027
Semester 1
Malaysia
Assessment
No exam
4 tasks

Reviews

No reviews yet

No reviews yet. Be the first to review BIO3810.

Requisites

After BIO3810

No unit lists BIO3810 as a prerequisite in the 2027 handbook.

Overview

In this unit you will learn the biology of tropical aquatic ecosystems which focuses on South East Asia, (the Malaysian region in particular) but will also encompass aquatic environments in other parts of the tropics. You will examine the ecology and diversity of communities in coral reefs, oceans, sandy and rocky shores, estuaries, lakes, rivers and swamps. You will gain an understanding of the physical and chemical factors that affect these environments. You will study the conservation and management issues such as the impacts of tourism, pollution, fisheries, wetland drainage and river regulation

Offerings in 2027

Teaching periodCampusMode
First semesterMalaysiaOn campus

Assessment

  • Mini reviewWritten
    25%
  • Proposal for an ecological experimentWritten
    20%
  • Marine field trip video assignmentArtefact
    25%
  • Freshwater field trip reportProject
    30%

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Learning outcomes

When you finish this unit, you should be able to:

  1. 1

    Demonstrate knowledge of the diversity and ecology of freshwater and marine environments in the tropics with particular reference to the Malaysian region;

  2. 2

    Demonstrate an understanding of the conservation and management issues relating to aquatic ecosystems;

  3. 3

    Design sampling programs for the analysis of flora and fauna of aquatic habitats;

  4. 4

    Demonstrate the ability to scientifically identify and classify aquatic animals and plants from tropical Malaysian ecosystems;

  5. 5

    Synthesise and communicate advanced scientific concepts in tropical aquatic biology through scientific reports, oral and visual presentations;

  6. 6

    Work collaboratively and effectively in the field in tropical environments.

Workload and teaching

  • Laboratories18 hours
  • Lectures24 hours
  • Tutorials12 hours
  • Teaching approachOnline learning
  • Teaching approachField trips
  • Two 1-hour lectures;
  • One 1-hour tutorial and
  • Six hours of independent study per week, plus
  • One 3-hour practical session for six weeks;
  • Field trip (minimum 3 days or 24 hours) per semester

Learning resources

Required resources

Dudgeon, D. (Ed) 2008, Tropical Stream Ecology. Elsevier

Dudgeon, D. 1999, Tropical Asian Streams. Hong Kong University Press

Krebs, C. J. (1994). Ecology; the experimental analysis of distribution and abundance

Molles CMJ. 2016. Ecology: Concepts and Applications. 7th Edition. McGraw-Hill Education International edition

Moss, B. 1998, Ecology of fresh waters: man and medium, past to future. Blackwell Science Sumich, J.L., 1999, An Introduction to the Biology of Marine Life. WCB/McGraw Hill

Contacts

Chief Examiners
Dr Foo Su Chern
Unit Coordinators
Dr Foo Su Chern

Common questions

What are the prerequisites for BIO3810?

You need BIO2011 or BIO2810 before you enrol.

When is BIO3810 offered?

In 2027, BIO3810 runs in Semester 1 at Malaysia.

Does BIO3810 have an exam?

No. BIO3810 has 4 assessment tasks and no exam.

More details

Credit points
6
Level
3
Study level
Undergraduate
Faculty
Faculty of Science
Organisational unit
Malaysia School of Science
Type
Coursework
EFTSL
0.125
Student contribution
SCA Band 2
Study abroad
Available