Overview

AustraLearn and Murdoch University are pleased to offer a 3-week marine science program studying one of the most pristine coral reefs in the world. Students begin their study in Perth, Australia's best kept secret, and then participate in a 12-day field camp at the Ningaloo Reef.  This reef system is just as spectacular as the Great Barrier Reef, but accessible right from the beach! 

The course covers three main areas:

1. The diversity and physical processes of Western Australia marine habitats, with a focus on coral reef environments
2. The biodiversity of reef organisms
3. Biological processes, with a focus on coral reef ecosystems.

Location

Western Australia is one of Australia’s best-kept secrets! The State is adored for its brilliant blue skies, warm sunny climate and white sandy beaches.

Course Destinations

Perth, with a population of approx. 1.6 million and a climate similar to San Diego, CA, offers access to key locations in the Pacific Rim and areas along the Indian Ocean. Inland from Perth are the vineyards of the scenic Swan Valley. The adjacent city of Fremantle, known for hosting the America's Cup, offers yachting enthusiasts a chance to look at the boating and fishing museums and to sample seafood in one of the restored Edwardian buildings.

CORAL BAY

Coral Bay is a small settlement that lies protected from the Indian Ocean by the Ningaloo Reef. It is Australia 's only fringing reef. In contrast to other locations the coral starts right at the water's edge. The fish and the coral are very accessible to all including small children. Fish and coral can be experienced either snorkeling or on one of the Coral viewing boats. It is about 50 km to the North of the tropic of Capricorn, some 120 km south of Exmouth in Western Australia . The weather is mild, without the humidity that is often associated with tropical climates. It is a holiday destination for Western Australians together with some overseas visitors.

NINGALOO REEF

The Ningaloo Reef meets the beach of the North West Cape . It is a virtually untouched barrier reef of 260km length protecting a shallow, brilliant white sandy lagoon of clear tropical waters. One of the rare places on earth where you are able to walk from the beach straight onto a coral reef. More than 500 species of tropical fish and 220 species of coral make up the Ningaloo Reef; a protected marine park. With the sea only up to your knees, allows the many colored fish to swim and feed between your legs. From eighteen months to eighty years of age enjoy the thrill of snorkeling amid the dazzling display of tropical species and colors of fish and coral in the shallows – "like swimming through the stars.” 

Academic Focus

Course Structure

Students will attend a series of 15 one hour lectures, four laboratory classes, four tutorials, followed by a 12-day intensive field camp.

Course Objectives 

On successful completion of this course, students should be able to:

• Describe the physical processes that characterize the Western Australia marine environment
• Explain the key physiological and ecological processes that occur on coral reefs
• List the plants and animals that dominate the tropical marine environment of Western Australia
• Outline the ecological roles of key groups of organisms in the marine environment

Proposed Lecture Topics*

• Oceanography of Western Australia

• Marine chemistry

• Biogeography of the Western Australian marine environment

• Introduction to Western Australian marine habitats

• Coral reefs: structure and origins

• Ecology of coral reefs: organismal interaction

• Reef fish communities

• Corals: biology and reproduction

• Primary production and calcification

• Symbiosis Trophic levels and interactions

• Reefs and Global Climate Change

• Human impact on coral reef ecosystems

• Reef conservation and restoration

• Spatial information and marine science

• Ningaloo Marine Park (optional extra lecture)

• Data analysis techniques (optional extra lecture)

Laboratory/Tutorial Subjects*

• Lagoon/benthos
• Photosynthesis and respiration of marine organisms
• Intertidal communities
• Pelagic fauna, fish and megafauna
• Symbiotic relationships
• Macroalgae and seagrasses
• Plankton dynamics
• Coral community monitoring and analysis

Projects

Assessment

Credit

Program Highlights

• Visit the pristine Ningaloo Reef—just as spectacular as the Great Barrier Reef but accessible right from the beach
• Study and learn in Western Australia, a fabulous destination that is Australia’s best-kept secret
• Learn from faculty at Murdoch University, one of the leading marine and environmental science universities in the Southern Hemisphere
• Gain a deep understanding of coral reef ecology and marine science on Australia’s undiscovered “other” coast
• While on the 12-day excursion to the Ningaloo Reef, you will have a day's whale watching on a charter bus, snorkelling, a chance to swim with manta rays, and a two hour glass-bottomed boat cruise
• Study alongside Australian and fellow International students
  

Who Should Apply

Open to all undergraduate students, but is best suited to those who have taken at least two university-level courses of general biology and those interested in marine science.

Accommodations

Coral Bay: Marine Science on Australia's West Coast short term program will house students at a variety of different venues based on the location of the program.

Students will begin and end their program on the Murdoch University campus. During this time students will be housed at Murdoch Campus Village. Students will placed in shared accommodation (apartments/flats) with other Murdoch University students, these students may be studying other courses at Murdoch and may be from Australia or other countries. The flats have shared living areas and single bedrooms, shared bathroom facilities and each apartment is fully furnished with a fully equipped kitchen. Laundry facilities (coin operated) are also available in the village.

During the field trip portion of the program in Coral Bay (approximately 1000km north of Perth, Australia) students will stay at the Ningaloo Club Backpackers. Students will be housed in multi-share dorm rooms, sharing with other students on the Coral Bay course. There will be shared bathroom facilities and a communal kitchen and internet room. The Ningaloo Club also has a large entertaining area that includes a swimming pool, pool tables and table tennis.

All linens will be provided for students for the entire 3 week course.

You can feel certain that your housing will be safe, secure, and clean, and that you will be satisfied with your short course program choice.

More About Murdoch University

Murdoch University has an outstanding reputation for Marine and Environmental Science, being the first university in Australia to offer environmental science as a program of study.

Since its inception, Murdoch has housed the UN Environmental Technology Centre, one of five in the entire world, and has become the home of the Center for Fish and Fisheries Research, and the Western Australian Marine Science Institute.

Murdoch University is set on a beautifully landscaped campus, which is located approximately 20 minutes by bus (nine miles) from Perth ’s city center and 10 minutes by bus (5 miles) from the popular cafe district of Fremantle.

Travel: Group Flights

AustraLearn works together with STA Travel's group ticket office to arrange group flights for all short course students. This insures that students can travel as a cohesive group to the program destination. Airfare is not included in program fees and payment of airfare is the responsibility of the student, however AustraLearn seeks the lowest possible student rate before reserving seats for participants to purchase, while still maintaining the flexibility that allows students to explore the country or surrounding countries at the conclusion of their short term program.  

Flexible Return Date

Additionally, group flights have a flexible return date. Students may choose their own return date to allow for personal travel after the conclusion of the program. Many students choose to extend their time overseas and travel independently after the program's end. We can provide you with useful travel resources and advice, as well as refer you to travel opportunities that can be pre-booked.

Scholarships Available

Scholarships offered to AustraLearn students through Murdoch University

Murdoch University is sponsoring one $500 AUD scholarship for the 2010 program. A scholarship application will be available once accepted to the program.

Fees

Fee Includes

Fee Semester

Dates

Entry Requirements

University Specific Scholarships

AustraLearn Coordinator

Name: Kimberly Tibbetts Title: Manager, Short Term Programs Department: Short Courses and Specialty Programs BIO: Kimberly is the Manager of Short Term Programs at AustraLearn. Kimberly works with all Short Term Program Participants. Kimberly graduated with a BA in History from the University of Colorado-Boulder. While studying at the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand, Kimberly discovered a love for travel and international education. She has traveled extensively throughout New Zealand and hopes to see more of Australia and Europe. She is very excited about spreading her passion for education and travel.