ZOO2FE

AUSTRALIAN FAUNA AND ECOLOGY

ZOO2FE

2018

Credit points: 15

Subject outline

This subject covers the evolution, biology and ecology of the major groups of Australian animals. It will examine the ecology of animals at the level of the individual, the population, the community and the ecosystem, within an evolutionary framework. Topics include ecological methods, the concepts of niche and habitat, behavioural ecology and optimality models, predator-prey and host-parasite interactions, population ecology and application to harvest and conservation management, over-exploitation of natural populations, competition, disturbance and processes threatening Australian ecosystems. Many of the practical classes are based almost entirely in the field within Reserves managed by the University or Parks Victoria. They will introduce students to field survey techniques used in terrestrial and aquatic habitats, experimental design and the analysis of data as a basis to inform management decisions.

SchoolSchool of Life Sciences

Credit points15

Subject Co-ordinatorTravis Dutka

Available to Study Abroad StudentsYes

Subject year levelYear Level 2 - UG

Exchange StudentsYes

Subject particulars

Subject rules

Prerequisites BIO1EEB

Co-requisitesN/A

Incompatible subjects ZOO2AFE

Equivalent subjectsN/A

Special conditionsN/A

Learning resources

Readings

Resource TypeTitleResource RequirementAuthor and YearPublisher
ReadingsEcology: an Australian perspective. 2nd edn.PrescribedP. Attiwill & B. Wilson (2006)OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS.

Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes

01. Recall and distinguish information about key concepts in Animal Ecology, using background reading and lecture material.

Activities:
Regular online quizzes.
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)

02. Define and explain key concepts in Animal Ecology.

Activities:
2-hour theory exam: multiple choice and essay questions.
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)

03. Apply scientific method to ecological questions through practical investigations and written reports.

Activities:
Group learning activities (x3) - Students participate in workshops on critiquing scientific papers, experimental design, data analysis and report writing prior to selecting a sampling design, collecting and analysing data and writing a report.
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)

04. Read, critique and explain a journal article to peers.

Activities:
Group learning activities (x 3) - Students participate in workshops and group discussions on reading & critiquing scientific papers.
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)

05. Evaluate published ecological methods and identify an appropriate sampling design to address a research question.

Activities:
Group learning activities (x3) - Students participate in workshops and group discussions on experimental design prior to selecting a sampling design for each project. Short answer questions in practical manual and practical investigations.
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)

Subject options

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Start date between: and    Key dates

Melbourne, 2018, Semester 1, Day

Overview

Online enrolmentYes

Maximum enrolment size210

Enrolment information Quota due to limited lab space. Merit based quota on academic performance.

Subject Instance Co-ordinatorTravis Dutka

Class requirements

LectureWeek: 10 - 22
Two 1.0 hours lecture per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.

PracticalWeek: 10 - 22
One 3.0 hours practical per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.

Assessments

Assessment elementComments%ILO*
One 1.5 hour end of semester written theory exam (1500 words equivalent)5002
Practical class participation and group learning activities (600 words equivalent)1003, 04, 05
Two x 1000-word Laboratory reports2000 word total equivalent3003, 05
3 x 100-word online quizzesTotal task load is equivalent to 300 words.1001