Forest Ecosystems

Subject 220-405 (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:

February, - 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 at the Creswick Campus

Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 50 hours of lectures, practical work and tutorials delivered in 2 week intensive teaching block
Total Time Commitment: 100 hours
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 Christopher Weston
Subject Overview:

An introduction to the forests and woodlands of southeastern Australia. The subject aims to provide a sound theoretical and practical understanding of the major ecological processes in forest ecosystems, including a functional appreciation of forest soils. A 3-day field trip and associated practical work will ensure that students obtain direct experience in state-of-the-art methods used to analyze ecosystem processes such as nutrient and carbon cycling.
Objectives:

By the end of the subject students should:

  • understand the ecosystem paradigm including energy flow, organic and inorganic transformation processes in forests
  • have a broad understanding of relationships among vegetation types, climate and soils within forest ecosystems of south-eastern Australia
  • understand the relevance of forests and forest soils in the global carbon cycle and the amelioration of global climate change
  • have gained practical experience in the quantitative analysis of forest biomass, decomposition and respiration processes involved in nutrient and carbon cycling within forests, and between forest ecosystems and the atmosphere
  • be capable of critically evaluating management impacts on forest ecosystem processes maintaining water, air and soil quality.
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): Bachelor of Forest Science (Honours)
Master of Forest Ecosystem Science

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