Applied Ecology

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2015:

Estimated total time commitment of 170 hours

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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 tutorial, workshop and excursion 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/

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.

A take home exam due the first week of examination period (50% - 3000 words); one field trip report due week 11 (20% - 2000 words); a short oral presentation due throughout the semester (10% - 5 minutes per student); and two prac reports due week 4 and 9 (20%).

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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, and better understand the link between ecological science and management decision making. 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 practical skills in data analysis for management and conservation, and skills in speaking to a scientific audience with a small group of students.

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.