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Curtin University
Courses Handbook 2014

This handbook contains information for courses and units at Curtin in 2014.
Information for the previous year's courses and units is available at Courses Handbook 2013.

313906 v.2 Coastal and Marine Science Double Degree Major (S&E)


Major/Stream Overview

This major/stream is part of a larger course. Information is specific to the major/stream, please refer to the course for more information.


This Double Degree Major provides students with the knowledge and practical skills to plan and manage human activities while conserving the coastal environment. The emphasis of the course material is on science and management techniques for the aquatic environment. Fields of study include biology, aquatic animal production and management, environmental impact and assessment, aquatic resource management, geology and the physical environment of the coastal zone. The curriculum focuses on the Australian coastal zone, however, international case studies are incorporated. This double major is an opportunity to meet the need for increased research into the coastal environment while managing the sustainability of the current and future anthropogenic activities within the coastal zone.



Major/Stream Entry and Completion Details

Mathematics 2C/2D and a science course of study level 3A/3B are desirable.



Major/Stream Organisation

Major/Stream Learning Outcomes

A graduate of this course can:

1. apply principles and practices of environmental and biological science to the planning and sustainable management of coastal zones

2. apply problem solving, critical thinking and decision making skills to the challenges facing coastal zones under increasing anthropogenic pressures and the adverse effects of climate change

3. locate, extract and interpret relevant evidence and scientific literature to inform decision making relevant to the planning and management of the coastal zone

4. demonstrate the use of written, oral and interpersonal communication skills appropriate to the conduct of a professional engaged in the management of coastal zones in the Australasian region

5. use appropriate technologies and their applications to generate information to inform decision makers involved with resource management, biodiversity monitoring and mapping of the coastal zone, with emphasis on the marine environment

6. apply skills in critical analysis and interpretation of the published literature to the development of lifelong learning skills in environmental management and the science underpinning decision making in the coastal zone. Sustain intellectual curiosity about the environment and humankind's role within it

7. recognise the national and global imperatives driving coastal changes to biological, chemical and physical systems. Integrate international case studies and experiences in the application of knowledge to coastal decision making

8. respect individual human rights and other cultures, particularly as they relate to the range of practices historically and currently employed within the coastal zone in other parts of the world

9. demonstrate professional and ethical practice appropriate to engagement with organisations and individuals involved in all aspects of environmental and coastal zone management, both in a multi disciplinary team environment and as independent stakeholders


Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit
Year 1 Semester 1
307590 v.2   Statistical Data Analysis 101 3.0 12.5
312357 v.1   Cell Biology 101 5.0 25.0
12165 v.2   Mathematics 133 4.0 12.5
  OR  
310532 v.1   Statistical Data Analysis 102 3.0 12.5
  50.0
Year 1 Semester 2
307554 v.1 *   Science Communications 101 2.0 12.5
313500 v.1   Biological Computing 100 2.0 12.5
313537 v.1   Biology 100 5.0 25.0
  50.0
Year 2 Semester 1
314535 v.1   Atmospheric and Oceanographic Sciences 200 25.0
8306 v.9   Quantitative Biology 201 5.0 25.0
314449 v.1   Biological Chemistry 110 6.0 25.0
  OR  
314451 v.1 **   Introduction to Chemistry 180 6.0 25.0
  75.0
Year 2 Semester 2
312399 v.1   Ecotoxicology 202 4.0 25.0
313501 v.1   Land and Water Resources 100 5.0 25.0
314000 v.1   Gene to Phenotype 200 5.0 25.0
  75.0
Year 3 Semester 1
312386 v.2   Marine Habitat Mapping and Remote Sensing 300 5.0 25.0
314501 v.1   Marine Biodiversity 200 4.0 25.0
  50.0
Year 3 Semester 2
314503 v.1   Sustainable Aquaculture 300 4.0 25.0
314504 v.1   Marine Ecology 200 4.0 25.0
  50.0
Year 4 Semester 1
312387 v.1   Environmental Impact Assessment 301 4.0 25.0
314534 v.1   Advanced Marine Science and Technology 300 25.0
  50.0
Year 4 Semester 2
314536 v.1   Terrestrial and Marine Science Field Project 300 4.0 25.0
314537 v.1   Fisheries Science 300 4.0 25.0
  50.0

*    BSc/BComm students must do this unit.

**    Students who have not completed Chemistry Level 3A/B must do this unit





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