Fire Ecology and Management

Subject 220-307 (2009)

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

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 3 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

Semester 1, - 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: Twenty-four hours lectures and 36 hours of practical work
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 Kevin Tolhurst
Subject Overview:

On completing this subject, students should be competent in:

  • basic fire-weather forecasting;

  • understanding the principles of fire behaviour and the bases of fire danger ratings;

  • understanding the principles of fire protection;

  • having skills in planning and selecting appropriate fire-protection strategies;

  • understanding the role and impact of fire in forest ecosystems; and

  • having a knowledge of fire law.

The topics to be covered will include:

  • fire history in Australia;

  • combustion theory;

  • forest fire behaviour prediction;

  • fuel hazard assessment;

  • fire weather observation and forecasting;

  • fire danger rating systems;

  • ecological effects of fire in forests;

  • prescribed burning techniques;

  • fire planning;

  • fire suppression strategies and techniques; and

  • fire law and fire management principles.
Assessment: A 3-hour written examination (60%) and practical assignments equivalent to about 2000 words totalling 40%.
Prescribed Texts: None
Recommended Texts:

Information Not Available
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:

Information Not Available
Related Course(s): Bachelor of Forest Science
Bachelor of Natural Resource Management
Bachelor of Natural Resource Management

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