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This unit examines marine and estuarine ecosystems, their organisms and how these ecosystems function. The lecture/theoretical component commences with an introduction to marine ecology, followed by an examination of various aspects of planktonic, estuarine, intertidal, benthic and coral reef communities. The information is used to illustrate the temporal and spatial structure and functioning of marine ecosystems. An essential part of the unit is a one-week field camp, which will be held in the week preceding the start of Semester 1. Additional training in data analysis is presented through the semester, to support writing the field reports.The aims of the unit are to: 1. introduce students to the special features of marine and estuarine environments and some of the major habitats; and 2. highlight the adaptations organisms have made to marine and estuarine life, highlighting ecological interactions and using local examples.