Ecology

This subject is not offered in 2014.

Estimated total time commitment of 120 hours

One of

None

None

For the purposes of considering applications for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005) and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, this subject requires all students to actively and safely participate in laboratory and fieldwork 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. http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

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.

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?

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%).

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

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 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.

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.