Ecology

Subject ECOL20003 (2010)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2010.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 2 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2010:

Semester 2, Parkville - 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


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 2 x one hour lectures per week; 1 x three hour practical class per week; one full day excursion during the semester.
Total Time Commitment: Estimated total time commitment of 120 hours
Prerequisites:

One of

Or equivalent.
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects:

Students who have received credit for either of the following may not enrol in this subject for credit.

  • 654-204 Ecology: Individuals and Populations (prior to 2009)
  • 606-204 Ecology: Communities and Ecosystems (prior to 2009)

Core Participation Requirements: It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study and reasonable steps will be made to enhance a student’s participation in the University’s programs. This subject requires all students to actively and safely participate in laboratory and field activities. Students who feel their disability may impact upon their participation are encouraged to discuss this with the subject coordinator and the Disability Liaison Unit.

Coordinator

Dr Graeme Coulson, Dr Peter Vesk, Prof Barbara Downes

Contact

Email: 654219@zoology.unimelb.edu.au
Subject Overview:

This subject introduces students to four major ecological questions that can be addressed at the levels of individuals, populations, communities and ecosystems. Making use of aquatic and terrestrial examples, topics include organisms and the physical environment, life histories, population growth and regulation, managing populations, theoretical models, species interactions, community change and energy flows. The practical component will emphasise approaches to the collection and analysis of ecological data, and how to interpret and write scientific papers.

Objectives:

Upon completion of this subject students should have an appreciation of four major questions in ecology and the ways in which they can be addressed: What determines the distribution of individuals of a species? What controls the abundance of populations of a species? What determines the richness and diversity of species in a community? What governs the turnover of matter and energy in an ecosystem?

Assessment:

A written practical report totalling up to 10 pages due during the semester (30%); ongoing assessment of practical exercises and laboratory problems during the semester (25%); a 2-hour written examination during the examination period (45%).

Prescribed Texts:

C R Townsend et al, Essentials of Ecology, 3rd Ed. Blackwell, 2008

Breadth Options:

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

This subject should develop generic skills in: reading, assimilating and writing about scientific information; working in small groups; asking realistic scientific questions; and collecting analysing and interpreting scientific data.

Notes: This subject is available for science credit to students enrolled in the BSc (both pre-2008 and new degrees), BASc or a combined BSc course.
Related Course(s): Bachelor of Science
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Environmental Geographies, Politics and Cultures
Environmental Science
Geography
Geography Major
Landscape Management
Physical (Environmental Engineering) Systems

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