bio2eco ecology

ECOLOGY

BIO2ECO

Not currently offered

Credit points: 15

Subject outline

In this subject, we will study environmental factors and their effects on organisms; key topics are: evolution and adaptation, properties of populations as well as interactions between organisms, including competition and predator-prey relationships. These concepts will be further illustrated with recently published research work in ecology and relevant video programs. The practical component will re-enforce some of the lecture material and introduce a number of ecological techniques. In addition, practicals will be used to illustrate the diversity of organisms in freshwater, terrestrial and marine ecosystems.

SchoolSchool of Molecular Sciences/LIMS

Credit points15

Subject Co-ordinatorSabine Wilkens

Available to Study Abroad StudentsYes

Subject year levelYear Level 2 - UG

Exchange StudentsYes

Subject particulars

Subject rules

Prerequisites OED1RAL or BIO1CO or approval of unit coordinator.

Co-requisitesN/A

Incompatible subjectsN/A

Equivalent subjectsN/A

Special conditionsN/A

Learning resources

Readings

Resource TypeTitleResource RequirementAuthor and YearPublisher
ReadingsEcology: An Australian Perspective (2nd edn)PrescribedAttiwill,P. & Wilson, B.(2006)MELBOURNE: OXFORD

Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes

01. Elaborate on and illustrate the common principles that govern marine, freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems and interpret a number of important differences between these systems.

Activities:
Taught in lectures, topical documentaries and practicals. Assessed in exam and prac reports.
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
Writing(Writing)
Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)

02. Analyse the processes and interactions in freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems (including nutrient cycling, energy flow, biodiversity, population dynamics, inter- and intra-specific interactions, zonation, succession and invasions) and relate them to evolutionary theory.

Activities:
Taught in lectures, topical documentaries and practicals. Assessed in exam prac reports and poster.
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
Writing(Writing)

03. Use controlled experiments to investigate some of these processes and interactions in terrestrial, marine and freshwater ecosystems, and report on these using standard scientific report format.

Activities:
Taught in practicals. Assessed in exam, prac reports and poster.
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy(Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy)
Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
Writing(Writing)

04. Show awareness of research in the field of ecology by giving a presentation of a recently published paper and respond to fellow students presentations.

Activities:
Taught in lectures and study of recent publications and preparation session for oral presentation. Assessed in exam and oral presentation.
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Speaking(Speaking)
Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
Ethical Awareness(Ethical Awareness)

Subject options

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