CQUniversity Unit Profile.

Australia’s marine and coastal environments represent some of the most pristine and biodiverse conditions in the world, spanning warm tropical conditions in the north through to cold sub-Antarctic waters in the south. A high degree of endemism among the local marine flora and fauna helps to identify Australia’s unique evolutionary history and build our international reputation as a marine diversity hot spot, but it also presents challenges to the sustainable use and enjoyment of marine and coastal environments. In this unit, you will dive deep into the biology and ecology of key marine ecosystems and their inhabitants around Australia, including coral reefs, seagrass meadows, kelp forests, mangrove forests, sand flats, and open oceans. This knowledge will be contextualized by understanding how oceanographic and climate conditions shape marine environments and the resources available. Throughout the unit, you will engage with cutting-edge research through a series of guest lectures and first-hand experience during a residential school.