Bushfire & Biodiversity

Subject 220-503 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

June, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable

Intensive teaching mode

Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 24 hours lectures and 36 hours practical work delivered in a 2 week teaching block.
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Dr Tina Bell
Subject Overview:

The course covers the basic effects of fire on aspects of biodiversity and nutrient cycling in ecosystems. Managers are committed to developing science-based ecological burning strategies which achieve both biodiversity and asset protection objectives. Increased knowledge of the ecological impacts of fire on plants, animals and micro-organisms facilitates a better understanding of how more effective management can be achieved.

Objectives: By the end of the subject students should:
  • have an understanding of the nature of plant responses to fire; particularly with regard to seeders and resprouters, seed storage and dispersal and the consequences of repeated fire
  • have an understanding of the response of animals to fire as individuals, populations and assemblages (communities)
  • have an appreciation that these impacts operate at the ecosystem level, depending on attributes of the species concerned and landscape factors such as connectivity and habitat condition
  • have a knowledge of the interaction between fire, plants, organic matter inputs, animals and micro-organisms in the context of nutrient cycling
  • have a better understanding of landscape-scale management, where current scientific knowledge is incorporated into planning, monitoring and legislation
Assessment:

Several small daily "quizzes" - 20%, Literature review assignment (2000 words) - 30%, Major assignment (3500 words) - 50%.

Prescribed Texts: None
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Links to further information: http://www.forests.unimelb.edu.au/subjects.html
Related Course(s): Master of Forest Ecosystem Science

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