Life History and Evolution of Reef Corals

MB3210 - Life History and Evolution of Reef Corals

An introduction to the biology of corals and physiological processes involved in building reefs. An overview of the life histories of sessile, modular organisms, incorporating current research findings with respect to reproductive strategies and early life histories, algal symbiosis, and the evolutionary biology of corals. Aspects of the functional morphology and physiology of corals will be explored in relation to major issues impacting coral reefs, particularly bleaching and disease. A 2 day field trip to Orpheus Island Research Station will include an introduction to the taxonomy of reef-building corals and to lab and field research methods for the study of reef corals. The subject complements MB5190. Students will be required to attend lectures and practicals for MB3210.

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53911 Graduate Certificate of Science, 106904 Master of Science, 115804 Master of Science (Professional), 119504 Master of Marine Biology, 105006 Graduate Diploma of Science

53911 Graduate Certificate of Science, 106904 Master of Science, 115804 Master of Science (Professional), 119504 Master of Marine Biology, 105006 Graduate Diploma of Science Offerings: All

[Anti-requisite] MB3210 MB3219 MB3330 MB5550

[Anti-requisite] MB3210 MB3219 MB3330 MB5550 Offerings: All

Students enrolling in this subject should have an undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline or have acquired equivalent knowledge through other study. They should have an excellent understanding of biometrics, ecological principles and invertebrate biology, and should have completed SC5202 or equivalent.

Students enrolling in this subject should have an undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline or have acquired equivalent knowledge through other study. They should have an excellent understanding of biometrics, ecological principles and invertebrate biology, and should have completed SC5202 or equivalent. Offerings: All

MB5400 - Life History and Evolution of Reef Corals

Conduct independent research through laboratory and field exercises that incorporate critical analysis and interpretation of scholarly literature and demonstrate high-level data collection and analysis techniques


Analyse and articulate the anatomical features and physiological specialisations of corals that are key to understanding how corals build reefs


Justify scientific results, information, and arguments derived from research data and scientific literature in the coral biology and ecology disciplines verbally


Critique the issues underlying long-term conservation and management of coral reefs


Identify and differentiate between the major families and genera of reef-building corals


Critically apply key concepts of the life history theory of modular organisms to reef corals
