Heron Island field course 2012
Field course details
Physiology of marine organisms
12-21 December 2012
Located 72 km northeast of Gladstone and 539 km north of Brisbane, Heron Island is a small coral cay which is part of the Great Barrier Reef. Comprising just 16.8 hectares and a mere 1.8 km in circumference the island is surrounded by reefs which can be explored during low tide. The coral cay is a natural laboratory for the student interested in zoology to gain some insight into the physiology of marine organisms while at the same appreciating the faunal diversity offered by coral reefs.
Biological calendar
Turtle egg laying begins. Bird life is extremely active. Wedge-tailed Shearwaters can be seen digging and repairing nesting burrows. It is the start of their breeding season. Black Noddies' eggs can be seen in the nest.
Details & costs
The trip cost is approximately A$1400 which covers: Return travel to Gladstone by chartered bus (5 star - video, rest-room and air-conditioned), fast catamaran service to and from Heron Island, accommodation at Heron Island Research Station, all meals (catered), plenty of time for snorkelling.
Outbound journey: Students travelling by bus depart on Wednesday 12 December at 7.30 am from La Trobe University, arrive at Heron Island at 1pm, Thursday 13 December. Return journey: Depart Heron island at 1pm, Thursday 20 December; arrive La Trobe University at 6pm, Friday 21 December.
Payment
If you apply for this field course on the component selection form, a cash deposit of A$50 is due by 2 March, 2012. On acceptance into the field course, you will be advised via your student email account of your "Customer Reference Number" and the balance due by 20 July 2012. Final payment of the balance must be made by 27th of July, either by our secure online payment facility (https://pnpnet.qvalent.com/latrobeconf) or in person (cash or money order made payable to La Trobe University). The early payment is required so students will know if they have been accepted for the field course.
Note: The Heron Island Field Course will count for credit for ZOO3EPA or ZOO3EPB. Component offered only if sufficient students enrol: min 25, max 36. Acceptance is based on academic performance in second year Zoology. This component is offered at the end of 2012 for students enrolled in third year in 2012. If the minimum quota is not met, then the field course will be opened to the student cohort who will be enrolling in third year for 2013.
Important information
Demand for places is high. Ensure that you have enrolled and paid the appropriate deposit(s) by the required date/s. All costs are correct at the time of publication. The Department reserves the right to vary costs if necessary. Deposits are non-refundable after the date for final payment and final payments are non-refundable. Payment does not include fees for tuition. It is your responsibility to check that you have been accepted into this component. A list will be posted on the third year noticeboard outside the third year lab by the 16 March 2012.
Further information
Contact Dr Giuseppe Posterino: G.Posterino@latrobe.edu.au
For detailed information about 3rd year course components, go to 2012 components.
