Habitat Change in Morton Bay

This Marine Studies Habitat Change in Morton Bay scenario takes second year University of Queensland students on a virtual field trip to prepare them for a real research task. It addresses an identified need for more research experience in the first years of undergraduate study. The resource is a case in field research and guides students through the processes involved: the preparation, the collection of data and the analysis of that data.

Students work in groups as a 'professional' with a brief. In order to complete their project, they must make decisions critical to the experiment design. They can research various locations within Morton Bay and select suitable sites to study. When the sites are selected they 'travel' to these locations and collect sample quadrats for data collection. On identifying species within the sample quadrats, they complete a statistical analysis of the data.

The scenario is interactive and colourful. It provides an active learning solution, introducing students to the practice of research so that students can get the most from the experience when they do go out and get their feet wet.