Coral Reefs in a Changing Climate

Tropical coral reefs are one of the world’s most diverse and important ecosystems. However coral reefs are also very sensitive ecosystems. Over the last few years we have seen mass bleaching events and unprecedented levels of coral mortality around the world. Like many other ecosystems, coral reefs are under threat from a warming and acidifying ocean. To mitigate against future damage, we need to understand these threatened ecosystems, how they are affected by the physical and chemical environment, and how threats can be reduced to converse the coral reef systems.


This course aims to provide you with that broad understanding of the systems, threats and conversation efforts. You will learn about the components that make up a coral reef system: the coral animal/plant symbiosis, fish, algae, invertebrates and larger mammals, and the interactions between them. You will also learn about the physical environment: temperature, ocean currents, ocean chemistry that strongly affect the coral system, the climate change and how all these systems are being affected by climate change. Finally, you will investigate major threats faced by coral reefs and explore how we can manage and conserve these ecosystems.


The course will be delivered in a combination of online and on-field modes. You will be able to access online modules to gain an understanding of the coral ecosystems and prepare for the field trip at Lady Elliot Island Reef Resort. On the island you will be introduced to the incredible flora and fauna and conduct a field experiment on the reef.


The course will include a compulsory field trip to Lady Elliot Island that will incur personal costs to students.