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Day 1 - field trip and on campus activities
Field Trip Activity - Water Sampling and Global Positioning Systems (GPS)
Mr Michael Howard, Laboratory Manager, School of Environmental & Life Sciences
Mr Ron Ninnis, Research Associate, School of Environmental & Life Sciences
The aim of the field activity is to assess the health of the ecosystem by measuring physical, chemical and biotic parameters. As part of the investigations we will look into water quality and the flora and fauna of sections of the catchments area.
Students will gain experience by conducting sampling exercises using both classic techniques and up to date equipment, whilst gaining experience with the usage of GPS. Experienced and knowledgeable Charles Darwin University academic and technical staff will be leading the activities
Field Trip Activity - ‘Mangroves and their Invertebrate Fauna’
Dr Keith McGuinness, Senior Lecturer Zoology, School of Environmental & Life Sciences
“Some people don’t like mangroves, regarding them as muddy, mosquito and crocodile infested swamps. In the past their removal was seen as a sign of progress. So what is the point of preserving them?
For a start, an estimated 75 percent of fish caught commercially spend some time in the mangroves or are dependent on food chains which can be traced back to these coastal forests. Mangroves also protect the coast by absorbing the energy of storm driven waves and wind. The only two yachts undamaged by Cyclone Tracey in Darwin in 1974 had sheltered in a mangrove creek. While providing a buffer for the land on one side, mangroves also interact with the sea on the other. Sediments trapped by roots prevent silting of adjacent marine habitats where cloudy water might cause corals to die. In addition, mangrove plants and sediments have been shown to absorb pollution, including heavy metals.” (Environment Protection Agency, 2005)
In this activity, students will take a short walk through the mangroves of Rapid Creek, learning something of their features, flora and fauna. Activities will introduce mangrove plant and animal identification.
Dr Richard Noske, Senior Lecturer Vertebrate Ecology, School of Environmental & Life Sciences
This activity will demonstrate ecological relationships (mutualism and commensalism) and the food chain between three organisms.
The tiny mangrove-specialised Red-headed Honeyeater feeds on nectar from the flowers of the Rib-fruited Mangrove to obtain its energy requirements for breeding. The flowers of this mangrove, in turn, depend on honeyeaters, for cross-pollination and reproduction. Miniscule Honeyeater Flower Mites (a bit like ticks) depend on both. Find out why!
We will use fine mist-nets to trap honeyeaters so that we can examine their condition. They will also be individually marked with leg bands, and then released as part of an ongoing research project on the survival and movements of this and other tropical species. We will also examine the amazing "explosive" pollen release mechanism of Rib-fruited Mangrove flowers to see how superbly adapted it is to bird pollination. Finally we will look for those mites. Bring your magnifying glasses!
Exercise & Sports Science Activity – Physiological Testing
Dr Paul Finn, Senior Lecturer Exercise and Sport Science, School of Environmental & Life Sciences
Dr Stuart Semple, Lecturer Exercise and Sport Science, School of Environmental & Life Sciences
Exercise and Sport Scientists are experts in understanding how human bodies respond to exercise and how to make a difference to the quality of life for all people.
Exercise and Sport Scientists use exercise as an intervention to improve health and fitness, enhance physical performance and prevent and rehabilitate injury in both healthy and physically challenged populations. In this activity students will investigate and learn about the 3D gait analysis and then do a body composition assessment. Students will also perform blood pressure testing and measuring.
Aquaculture Tour
Kathy Kellam, Technical Officer – Aquaculture, Primary Industries and Community Services Industry Division
Students will tour the complex to see the animals under culture these include Barramundi, Fresh Water Crayfish, and Crabs in large recirculation systems.
We will explain how the systems operate. We will include feeding of the Barramundi approx 1m in length. Students will also look at preserved larval crustaceans under the microscope and live feeds. Sessions to be conducted by Lecturers and Technical Staff and course information and contacts provided.
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