Universität Wien

300092 UE Introduction to Coral Reef Biology (2025W)

10.00 ECTS (6.00 SWS), SPL 30 - Biologie
Continuous assessment of course work
Moodle
Mo 24.11. 16:45-18:15 Seminarraum 1.4, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.013, Ebene 1

Registration/Deregistration

Note: The time of your registration within the registration period has no effect on the allocation of places (no first come, first served).

Details

max. 15 participants
Language: German, English

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

Preparatory Meeting: Monday, 06.10.2025, 16:45 - 18:15, Seminarraum 1.5, UBB Djerassiplatz 1; attendance obligatory!

A preparatory seminar will be held in Vienna from 24th of November, 2025 to 26th of January, 2026 (see "dates").

The practical part of the course will take place from 2nd to 13th of February 2026 at Sesoko Marine Research Station, Okinawa (Japan). Costs will be approximately € 1.400.- . Further information will be given in the preparatory meeting (see above).

  • Monday 06.10. 16:45 - 18:15 Seminarraum 1.5, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.012, Ebene 1 (Kickoff Class)
  • Monday 01.12. 16:45 - 18:15 Seminarraum 1.4, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.013, Ebene 1
  • Monday 15.12. 16:45 - 18:15 Seminarraum 1.4, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.013, Ebene 1
  • Monday 12.01. 16:45 - 18:15 Seminarraum 1.4, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.013, Ebene 1
  • Monday 19.01. 16:45 - 18:15 Seminarraum 1.4, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.013, Ebene 1
  • Monday 26.01. 16:45 - 18:15 Seminarraum 1.4, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.013, Ebene 1

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

The preparatory seminar in Vienna will cover different aspects of coral reef biology and associated habitats. The practical part of the course familiarizes students with the biodiversity and ecology of marine organisms in subtropical coral reefs as well as mangroves. The general part will introduce to coral reefs and associated habitats, with coral as well as other invertebrates and fish identification. The second part deals with field methods suitable for investigating topics such as reef status, fish distribution, and zonation of intertidal habitats. Organisms in their habitats are observed by snorkeling and/or, with appropriate certification, SCUBA diving. Underwater photography is an important aid for subsequent identification of most taxa.
Daily summary presentations and oral presentations of group work results enhance learning efficiency and communication skills.

Assessment and permitted materials

Assessment is based on four partial performances:
1. active participation
2. oral presentation
3. final exam on knowledge of taxa (oral)
4. open book (written) exam (usage of literature and other sources - offline as well as online - is allowed)

Oral presentations will be given during the practical part of the course in Sesoko.
The final exam on knowledge of taxa will take place on the last day of the course (13th of February, 2026).
The written exam will be conducted online after the practical part of the course (date will be agreed upon).

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

Since the course focuses strongly on practical work and skills, attendance is mandatory throughout.

The partial performances are weighted as follows:
active participation max. 20 points
oral presentation max. 20 points
final exam on knowledge of taxa max. 20 points
open book (written) exam max. 20 points

Grades:
00-40: 5
41-50: 4
51-60: 3
61-70: 2
71-80: 1

Examination topics

Contents of the course (see also documents provided in Moodle and Literature).

Reading list

Miscellaneous (identification) literature (will be made available during the course).

Association in the course directory

CoBeNe 4, MAN 3, MBO 7, MEC-6, MEC-9, MES5, MNB3, MNB6, MZO W4, MZO4, UF MA BU 01

Last modified: We 01.10.2025 12:07