91157 Marine Algae and Productivity
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Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Result type: Grade and marks
Requisite(s): 91154 Ecology
These requisites may not apply to students in certain courses. See access conditions.
Description
In this subject students dive into the watery world of marine algae, from the microscopic phytoplankton in our oceans to the towering kelp inhabiting our temperate rocky shorelines. Marine algae hold unprecedented importance in our oceans, they are responsible for 50% of the oxygen in our atmosphere, are key players in ocean biogeochemical cycles and as the base of the marine foodweb, sustain all marine life. In this subject, students learn about the biology, physiology and ecology of marine algae. With a focus on problem-based learning and practical experience, students learn to design and execute multifactorial experiments both for the field and laboratory, examining how algae adapt and respond to changing environmental conditions. Students are introduced to assessing the photosynthetic health and physiology of marine algae. Combining theory and practice, this subject integrates lectures, collaborative learning, group discussion, experimental approaches and data analysis techniques, as well as practical research in both laboratory and field settings*, through which students gain insight into how marine algae live, thrive and struggle within marine habitats. At completion of this subject, students are able to explain the role of marine algae in shaping the environment and evaluate how they, in turn, are shaped by the environment. Students gain a secure understanding of the biology, physiology and ecology of marine algae and their unparalleled importance in marine ecosystems.
*Field work will be undertaken during a three-day excursion. Due to this excursion, numbers are limited, and preference is given to second-year marine biology students.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | Identify and describe characteristics of key microalgal and macroalgal groups |
|---|---|
| 2. | Evaluate the physiological condition of algae under different environmental stressors |
| 3. | Design experiments to test the relative importance of different ecological processes that influence algal physiology and ecology in a changing climate |
| 4. | Demonstrate understanding of the significance of marine algae in ocean systems & describe the various roles key algal groups play in oceanic processes |
| 5. | Compare and contrast the main environmental factors and ecological processes that structure marine algal communities |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the development of following course intended learning outcomes:
- Demonstrate theoretical and technical knowledge of the principles of biodiversity and ecosystem function and evaluate and integrate principles of sustainability and conservation to protect biodiversity. (1.1)
- Critically evaluate scientific evidence and literature and apply effective and appropriate experimental design and analytical techniques to discover and hypothesise solutions to new and emerging environmental issues. (2.1)
- Demonstrate professionalism, including personal organisation, autonomy, teamwork, literacy and quantitative skills, while ensuring due consideration to ethical guidelines, work health and safety and environmental impact requirements. (3.1)
- Evaluate evolving concepts in environmental science and apply scientific skills to design creative solutions to contemporary or complex environmental issues by incorporating innovative methods, reflective practices, and self-directed learning. (4.1)
- Communicate effectively and professionally (oral, written, visual), generating defensible, convincing arguments for relaying research findings or articulating complex issues, concepts or skill around environmental science, within a multi-disciplinary setting. (5.1)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
The primary focus of this subject is to understand marine algal biology, physiology and the processes that underpin marine productivity and functioning. Important skills and techniques for quantitative and qualitative analyses will be developed. The subject material will enhance your understanding of experimental design, focussing on interactions among multiple elements in marine systems and how they influence algae. The focus on marine algae and primary production will augment other subjects centred on fish, ocean systems, coral reef ecosystems and coastal management.
This course will aim to develop the following attributes:
1. Disciplinary knowledge
Through the lectures, readings and a series of reflective exercises and group activities, you will be able to explore your understanding of the broader concepts underpinning marine algal biology, physiology and ecology. You will learn to critically evaluate the processes and patterns that underpin ocean primary production. Your assessment tasks will comprise of online exercises, data synthesis and interview-style presentations that will help you to develop a deeper understanding of the fundamental aspects to marine algae. Basic identification skills and physiological assessment of major algal taxa will be tested during lab class, online, and in the field. Your understanding of the role of algae in marine environments will be assessed by how well you integrate your acquired knowledge into your final interview.
2. Research, inquiry and critical thinking
The weekly online activities are designed to incite critical thinking in the context of developing greater understanding of the theoretical knowledge presented during lectures and through your extended reading. These will be vital in preparing you for your final oral exam. The face-to-face workshops are where key topics will be explored in depth, allowing for further inquiry into the processes and practices that underpin marine algal biology and ecophysiology. In these sessions you will have the opportunity to give short presentations and receive feedback in preparation for your final assessment.
The subject has a strong problem-solving component, where, using CANVAS and an online experimental design simulator and design tool (MEDDLE), you are required to develop an appropriate quantitative sampling and data analysis methodology based on key research questions, relevant to ocean research today. One of the main assessment tasks will be to design a multi-driver experiment that will test how climate change is affecting marine primary productivity using the decision-making tools provided and the online modelling software, before submitting your design in Canvas.
You will develop skills in evaluating the physiological assessment of algae and for analysing information critically and creatively through lab and field-based data collection – assessed in your data journal. Logical thinking and problem-solving skills will be developed through data collection and analysis. Your ability to think critically and link key concepts and current research ideas will be assessed during your final oral assessment.
3. Professional, ethical and social responsibility
You will be encouraged to improve your personal, professional and intellectual development through:
- Scientific curiosity and the attitudes, knowledge and skills necessary for a commitment to life-long learning in science through online and field-based learning designed to provoke enquiry and conceptual thinking – assessed during the informal presentations at workshops and formally with your final interview.
- Gathering, evaluating and using information from sources such as databases, research and review articles, textbooks, catalogues and technical reference books. The use and collation of data will be assessed through correct use of analyses and presentation of the results and findings in the data journal. Correct use of references, data analysis and presentation form a major part of the marking criteria for the journals.
- Teamwork, which helps build interpersonal skills, will be applied and assessed during in-class exercises, group lab projects, your group assignment and field activities.
- Self-assessment and engagement with feedback will be encouraged by providing the opportunity for discussing content during workshops throughout the subject and through the dual submission of your Data Journals and Multifactorial Experimental Designs, where students are given qualitative feedback on how to improve their assignments for final submission.
4. Reflection, Innovation and Creativity
A major focus of this subject is learning how to synthesise and link subject content to develop a broad and complete picture of the role of algae in the marine environment and through this, gain an appreciation for the complexity involved in disentangling climate change effects. Genuine understanding requires frequent reflection and there are several opportunities to hone that skill in this subject. The process of creating a multifactorial experimental design will enable you to develop and practice the skill of knowledge synthesis and provide opportunity for creative and innovative thinking to test your hypothesis. In workshops, you will be encouraged to stretch your thinking and knowledge, helping you to construct the links between algal physiology and ecology. This will ultimately be assessed in your Viva.
5. Communication
Spoken communication skills are cultivated by preparing and participating in the group activities during workshops and field-based practicals, where you will need to clearly and decisively communicate your findings and ideas to the class. These provide practice in delivering comprehensive and clear answers, which will be assessed in your final oral exam.
Your written communication skills will be developed through the preparation of short online exercises based on the topics presented in the lectures and the interpretation component (results and discussion section) of the Data Journal.
In class discussions and exercises will help to develop active listening skills. There will also be opportunity to develop your communication skills through graphical representation, using diagrams and schematics to demonstrate your knowledge and assist with delivering clear, accurate information.
Teaching and learning strategies
This subject will be delivered by way of recorded lectures, weekly readings, online material and face-to-face workshops, which include interactive discussion sessions and group activities, such as collaborating on problem solving tasks. The content delivered during the lectures is enhanced through formative online and in-class activities that allow for reflection and consolidation of key topics. You will undertake these activities weekly. Preparatory activities (available through Canvas) are designed to stimulate group discussion and develop your critical analysis and application of the subject content.
In this subject, there is a strong practical component, including three laboratory practicals on ID and essential physiological assessment, an online experimental design practical and a three-day field trip to Gerringong on the South Coast. During the field trip you will work in teams to undertake observations and collect data. As part of this trip, you will learn to identify intertidal, subtidal, benthic and planktonic algal taxa, an essential practical skill for undertaking field work. You will also perform field-based physiological assessment of macroalgal photosynthesis under a range of environmental gradients, gaining a deeper understanding of the influence of environmental stress on algal physiology and productivity.
There will be 14 online lectures, with essential reading, online videos, tasks and information to complete each week. There will be 5x 2h face-to-face (on campus) workshops, where you will hone your knowledge and understanding of key concepts and take part in group learning activities and discussions. In small groups/teams, you will complete an online module for designing multifactorial experiments, before completing your experimental design assessment task in Canvas. Practical skills and experience will be delivered through 3x 3h laboratory practicals studying the diversity and physiology of microalgae and a 3-day field trip to Gerringong rock platform where you will immerse yourselves in field techniques and real-time observations. Verbal feedback will be provided during all face-to-face activities, while written feedback and marks will be provided via Canvas. Several activities and tasks have peer feedback built in.
Content (topics)
This subject will focus on the fundamental biology and ecophysiology of planktonic and benthic marine algae. It will start by defining the major marine algal groups and their key characteristics. It will then go on to discuss their key functions in the marine ecosystem, underpinned by primary production, such as their role as the base of the marine food web, drivers of the oceans biological pump and carbon sequestration, and their role in symbioses with other organisms. We will then explore environmental factors and ecological processes that structure marine algal communities, such as ocean temperature, currents, light, disturbance, herbivory and competition, and look at their ecological function as bioengineers. Upon understanding the unique ecological roles of key marine algal groups, including the specific roles each play in the ocean’s chemical and nutrient cycles, we will look at how climate change may influence and impact the different key groups and ultimately ocean primary productivity. On an excursion to the south coast, we will sample natural systems for marine macro and microalgae and examine the physiological conditions and distribution of key algae groups. Finally, we will cover a variety of experimental approaches used to elucidate physiological and ecological processes in marine communities, focusing on innovations in multifactorial experimental design aimed at encompassing a suite of synergistic changes that are occurring in the environment.
Skills & techniques:
You will learn qualitative and quantitative microalgal techniques, including algal ID, cell counting, physiological and ecological assessment, all of which form a major component of this subject. In conducting these analyses, you will become familiar with or proficient in:
- Light microscopy
- Algal taxonomy
- Flow cytometry
- Basic microalgal biology and physiology
- Photosynthesis assessment
- Field sampling techniques
- Macroalgae ID
- Quantitative assessment of macroalgal cover & morphology
- Multifactorial experimental design
- Data analysis and presentation
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Data journal
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes: 2. Research, inquiry, and critical thinking 3. Professional, ethical and social responsibility 5. Communication |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 2 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 2.1, 3.1 and 5.1 |
| Type: | Portfolio |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 30% |
| Criteria: | Students will be assessed on:
|
Assessment task 2: Multifactorial experimental design
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes: 2. Research, enquiry and critical thinking 3. Professional, ethical and social responsibility 4. Reflection, Innovation and creativity |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 2 and 3 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 2.1, 3.1 and 4.1 |
| Type: | Design/drawing/plan/sketch |
| Groupwork: | Group, group assessed |
| Weight: | 20% |
| Criteria: | Students will be assessed on their:
|
Assessment task 3: VIVA - oral exam
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes: 1. disciplinary knowledge 2. research, inquiry, and critical thinking 3. professional, ethical, and social responsibility 5. communication |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 1, 4 and 5 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1, 2.1, 3.1 and 5.1 |
| Type: | Examination |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 50% |
| Criteria: | Students will be assessed on:
|
Minimum requirements
You are expected to attend the field trip. There is no opportunity to catch up if you miss a practical class.
Recommended texts
Other useful references:
- Lee R (2018) Phycology (5th Edition), Cambridge, Cambridge University Press.
- Hurd CL, Harrison PJ, Bischof K & Lobban CS (2014) Seaweed Ecology and Physiology (2nd Edition), Cambridge, Cambridge University Press.
- Huisman JM (2019) Marine Plants of Australia, Crawley, UWA Publishing.
- Falkowski P & Raven J (2007) Aquatic Photosynthesis (2nd Edition). New Jersey, Princeton University Press.
- Edgar, GJ. 2008. Australian marine life: the plants and animals of temperate waters (2nd edition). New Holland Publishers, Sydney