Applied Ecology

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2012:

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

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

• 654-308 Conservation Biology (prior to 2010)
• 121-306 Applied Ecology (prior to 2010)

The subject describes and evaluates the applications of ecological concepts for the conservation and management of natural and man-made ecosystems. In particular, it identifies the implications of global and local changes for ecological communities and habitats, especially within the Australian environment. It examines approaches to management of terrestrial and aquatic habitats, including the role of genetics, the effects of habitat fragmentation; the control of pest species, and restoration of damaged habitats

At the completion of this subject, students should understand the ways in which ecological knowledge is used in managing terrestrial and aquatic habitats. Students should appreciate the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches.

Two written assignments totalling up to 5000 words due during the semester (90%); a 10-minute oral presentation at the end of semester (10%).

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

• Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Environments
• Bachelor of Music

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.

This subject builds upon existing generic skills, and should help students develop their abilities to apply scientific principles to conservation problems, and enhance their skills in data interpretation. Students should also learn how to access information from the primary scientific literature, through both electronic and traditional sources.

The tutorial component of this subject should allow students to develop skills in speaking to a scientific audience with a small group of students. This will include arrangement of content among speakers and presentation of material (using appropriate media) by taking part in formal debate of a controversial topic in conservation biology.