Science, Technology and Engineering

School of Life Sciences

Department of Environmental Management & Ecology

Alpine Ecology field trip

WEM2/3ALP - 15 credit point subject

Includes a 7 day field trip to Falls Creek, Victoria

Co ordinator: Dr Dennis Black

Subject dates: Monday 16th January to Friday 16th March 2012

Field trip dates: Sunday 12th to Saturday 18th February 2012

Field trip cost is $400 (must be paid by Tuesday 20th December 2011, covers accommodation and travel (not food) for the field trip)

Those taking the subject will spend half a day travelling by bus from the Albury-Wodonga campus to Falls Creek, Victoria, and another half day on the return journey. Five full days will be spent on the High Plains studying the ecology of the flora and fauna and aspects of the physical environment.

To book a place on this field trip you must follow the procedures on the application form by Wednesday 2nd November. Click here for application form.

The field work will explore alpine and sub-alpine ecosystems in detail during daytime excursions, team based research work, and through evening discussions and lectures. Pre-trip materials including background reading will be provided online. Your knowledge of the concepts and details will be assessed before the fieldtrip to Falls Creek. Post field trip commitments will involve completion of a report based on the project work you have conducted. The course will cover aspects of alpine geology, hydrology, soils, and aquatic and terrestrial plant and animal communities. Current and potential future threats to alpine ecosystems will also be addressed. This subject is an introduction to field research and will be suitable for aspiring park managers, ecologists and anyone interested in a career working in science and the environment.

For further information please contact Ms Rachel Gorman, 0260249885; r.gorman@latrobe.edu.au

In 2012 the subject is only available for students enrolled in the Bachelor of Animal and Veterinary Bioscience (WEM3ALP) (based on academic merit) and Bachelor of Science in Environmental Management & Ecology (WEM2ALP).

Subject Census date - Friday 3rd February 2012. Students who withdrawal from the subject after Thursday 22nd December 2011 will not be refunded the $280 accommodation component of the fieldtrip.