sci2eco ecological systems

ECOLOGICAL SYSTEMS

SCI2ECO

2015

Credit points: 15

Subject outline

This subject will develop and expand student knowledge and skills in a number of ecological processes that are considered essential to an understanding of agricultural science, its practical application and its relationship to the surrounding environment. Students will explore ecosystems and how certain processes link the living, or biotic, components to the non-living, or abiotic, components. A healthy ecological system is a key indicator of a sustainable environment. Areas explored includes: soil origin, formation, description, classification, chemistry, carbon and organic matter; the physicochemical characteristics of water and their biological applications and implications; the underlying principles and concepts of aquatic science; aquatic ecosystems such as lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams and coastal habitats; nutrient cycles in ecosystem health, energy flows and food chains.

SchoolSchool of Life Sciences

Credit points15

Subject Co-ordinatorPeter Sale

Available to Study Abroad StudentsNo

Subject year levelYear Level 2 - UG

Exchange StudentsNo

Subject particulars

Subject rules

Prerequisites Admission into SBATE

Co-requisitesN/A

Incompatible subjectsN/A

Equivalent subjectsN/A

Special conditionsN/A

Learning resources

Readings

Resource TypeTitleResource RequirementAuthor and YearPublisher
ReadingsAnalytical measurements in aquatic environmentsRecommendedNamiesnik, J & Szefer, P 2010CRC PRESS, NEW YORK, USA.
ReadingsAquatic ecosystems: trends and global prospectsRecommendedPolunin, V 2008CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS, NEW YORK, USA.
ReadingsAustralian soil fertility manualRecommendedPrice, G 20063RD EDN, CSIRO PUBLISHING, COLLINGWOOD, VICTORIA.
ReadingsEcology of aquatic systemsRecommendedDobson, M & Frid, C 2009OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS, NEW YORK.
ReadingsSoils: their properties and managementRecommendedChapman, P & Murphy, B 20073RD EDITION, OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS, UK.
ReadingsStandard methods for the examination of water and wastewater, 21st edn, American Public Health AssociationRecommendedAPHA-AWWA-WEF, 2005AMERICAN WATER WORKS ASSOCIATION & WATER ENVIRONMENT FEDERATION, WASHINGTON, D.C.
ReadingsUnderstanding vineyard soilsRecommendedWhite, R 2009OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS, UK.

Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes

01. Identify ecological concepts, animal and plant interactions, nutrient cycling and ecosystems

Activities:
Lectures and tutorials will be used to explore ecological cycles and interactions. Case studies concerning the formation of soil and ecosystems will be covered.
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)

02. Identify different ecological environments and the techniques used for sampling and monitoring their health

Activities:
Field excursions will be used to demonstrate examples of relationships and interactions in different terrestrial and aquatic environments. Students will be given group exercises to gain depth in their chosen area of study.
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)

03. Describe the relationships between soil water interactions and environments monitoring their health

Activities:
Field studies and laboratory exercises will be used to demonstrate soil water relationships. Parameters for measuring soil health will be explored.
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)

04. Research, comprehend and evaluate new information, concepts and evidence regarding ecological systems from a range of sources

Activities:
Field studies and laboratory exercises will be used to demonstrate soil water relationships. Parameters for measuring soil health will be explored.
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
Ethical Awareness(Ethical Awareness)

Subject options

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Start date between: and    Key dates

Epping, 2015, Semester 2, Day

Overview

Online enrolmentYes

Maximum enrolment sizeN/A

Enrolment information

Subject Instance Co-ordinatorPeter Sale

Class requirements

Laboratory ClassWeek: 31 - 43
Two 2.0 hours laboratory class per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.

WorkShopWeek: 31 - 43
One 2.0 hours workshop per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.

Assessments

Assessment elementComments%ILO*
Assignment (1500 words)3502, 04
Examination (2 hours)3501, 04
Excursion/Field Visits report (800 words)1501
Practical journal (800 words)1503