Ecology
Subject 654-219 (2009)
Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook
| Credit Points: | 12.50 | ||||||||||||
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| Level: | 2 (Undergraduate) | ||||||||||||
| Dates & Locations: | This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009: Semester 2, - Taught on campus.
Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here. | ||||||||||||
| Time Commitment: | Contact Hours: Two 1-hour lectures per week; one full day excursion during the semester. Total Time Commitment: 120 hours total time commitment. | ||||||||||||
| Prerequisites: | One of Biology of Australian Flora and Fauna, Biology of Cells and Organisms, Genetics and the Evolution of Life, Natural Environments, or equivalent. | ||||||||||||
| Corequisites: | None | ||||||||||||
| Recommended Background Knowledge: | None | ||||||||||||
| Non Allowed Subjects: | Students who have received credit for either 654-204 or 606-204 (prior to 2009) are excluded from taking this subject for credit. | ||||||||||||
| 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 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 Maxwell Coulson| Subject Overview: |
This subject introduces students to the 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. |
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| Objectives: |
Upon completion of this subject students should have an appreciation of the 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 a community? |
| Assessment: |
Written work as practical reports totalling up to 15 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, 2 nd ed. Blackwell, 2003 |
| 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: | Students enrolled in the BSc (both pre-2008 and new degrees), BASc or a combined BSc course will receive science credit for the completion of this subject. |
| Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: |
Environmental Geographies, Politics and Cultures Environmental Science Landscape Management |
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