Marine and Maritime Studies General

Tilly SpadacciniDecember 1, 2017March 18, 2022

Marine and Maritime Studies General information video

The Marine and Maritime Studies General course provides students with the opportunity to study the sea and how people interact with it. Practical learning experiences equip students with a broad range of skills and knowledge. Students develop seamanship skills, nautical skills and water-based skills. Students investigate oceanography concepts to explore the interdependence between components of the marine environment, and consider issues around the sustainable management of Western Australian fisheries.

Year 11 General Course

Unit 1

This unit introduces students to marine science through the examination of water properties and methods used to conduct water testing. In oceanography, students learn about wind formation, tides, waves and currents, including Western Australian ocean currents. Students examine Western Australian recreational and commercial fishing issues, and how they are managed through rules and regulations.

Students gain an understanding of maritime studies, including the properties, purposes and uses of maritime construction materials in relation to the challenges of a marine environment. Nautical terminology, including the basic parts of boats, will be introduced, and students gain an understanding of aspects of small craft, such as buoyancy and design of pulley systems.

Through a practical approach, students gain an understanding of the concepts and safe practices of either snorkelling and diving or sailing. Science inquiry skills will be developed through the design process of investigate, devise and evaluate, in relation to marine construction materials. Students will also be involved in practical activities to collect and analyse data related to water properties, winds, tides, waves and currents.

Unit 2

This unit introduces students to the marine ecosystem, with a focus on the four main zones, and the adaptations of marine life to survive in each zone. Western Australian examples of marine life will be identified and classified into the major groups. Food webs for each ocean zone will be studied. Students examine the importance of marine protected areas, marine parks, reserves and sanctuary zones, and the role of Western Australian agencies and organisations in the protection and management of marine life.

Students gain an understanding of maritime studies, including the design features of marine or maritime equipment and methods of maritime construction. Features of small craft propulsion systems are studied and students gain an understanding of aspects of small craft, such as steering and gear systems.

Through a practical approach, students gain an understanding of the concepts and safe practices of either snorkelling and diving or sailing. Science inquiry skills will be developed through the design process in relation to design features of marine or maritime equipment and methods of maritime construction. Students use ecosystem surveying techniques to collect and analyse data related to marine ecosystems, and classification keys to identify marine organisms found there.

Assessments

Science Inquiry/Scientific Skill/Investigation
25%
Practical
50%
Extended Response
5%
Test
20%
External Task
15%
Students will be required to complete an externally set task developed by the School Curriculum and Standards Authority.

Year 12 General Course

Unit 3

This unit investigates Western Australian marine ecosystems, with a focus on estuaries, mangroves, coral reefs and seagrass meadows. Students identify the key species and food webs for each of these ecosystems, as well as examine adaptations of organisms living in mangrove ecosystems. Environmental and resource management will focus on aquaculture as a solution to declining fish stocks.

Students gain an understanding of maritime studies, including the characteristics of construction materials, design and construction of water craft, and repair of fibreglass craft. The basic parts of the outboard motor, including features of two-stroke and four-stroke motors, will be studied, as well as features of small craft systems, including bilges, electrical, fuel, mooring lines and anchoring equipment.

Through a practical approach, students gain an understanding of the concepts and safe practices of power boating. Science inquiry skills will be developed through the design process in relation to construction materials used, and variations in design of water craft. Students will also be involved in practical activities to collect and analyse data related to trip planning, such as weather maps and aquaculture systems.

Unit 4

This unit examines global surface ocean currents, atmospheric circulation systems and the impact of climate change on global sea levels, thermohaline circulation and marine ecosystems. The process of coastal erosion and coastal engineering structures is studied. Students study types of marine tourism activities with a focus on the importance and impacts of ecotourism.

Students gain an understanding of maritime studies, including common forms of construction material protection, and the possible side effects of using these materials. Aspects of small craft maintenance, including the use of a maintenance log, fuel and ignition, cooling system and engine diagnostics, are studied.

Through a practical approach, students gain an understanding of the concepts and safe practices of power boating. Science inquiry skills will be developed through practical activities to collect and analyse data related to coastal erosion and coastal engineering structures, construction material protection and maintenance of small craft.

Assessments

Science Inquiry/Scientific Skill/Investigation
15%
Practical
40%
Extended Response
10%
Test
20%
External Task
15%
Students will be required to complete an externally set task (15%) developed by the School Curriculum and Standards Authority.

Courses