zoo2fe australian fauna and ecology
AUSTRALIAN FAUNA AND ECOLOGY
ZOO2FE
2016
Credit points: 15
Subject outline
In this unit students examine 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, predator-prey and host-parasite interactions, the concepts of niche and habitat, over-exploitation of natural populations, competition and disturbance and processes threatening Australian ecosystems. Many of the practical classes are based almost entirely in the field within Reserves managed by the University. They will introduce students to field survey techniques used in terrestrial and aquatic habitats, experimental design and the analysis of data.
SchoolSchool of Life Sciences
Credit points15
Subject Co-ordinatorUrsula Ellenberg
Available to Study Abroad StudentsYes
Subject year levelYear Level 2 - UG
Exchange StudentsYes
Subject particulars
Subject rules
Prerequisites (BIO1OF or BIO1MGC) and (BIO1AD or AGR1AAS or BIO1EEB)
Co-requisitesN/A
Incompatible subjects ZOO2AFE
Equivalent subjectsN/A
Special conditionsN/A
Learning resources
Readings
| Resource Type | Title | Resource Requirement | Author and Year | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Readings | Ecology: an Australian perspective. 2nd edn. | Prescribed | P. 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 GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
02. Define and explain key concepts in Animal Ecology.
- Activities:
- 3-hour theory exam: multiple choice and essay questions.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
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:
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
- Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
- Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy(Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Writing(Writing)
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:
- Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy(Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy)
- Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Speaking(Speaking)
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
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:
- Teamwork(Teamwork)
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
- Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
Subject options
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Melbourne, 2016, Semester 1, Day
Overview
Online enrolmentYes
Maximum enrolment size240
Enrolment information Accommodation in practical classes Academic achievement in pre-requisite subjects
Subject Instance Co-ordinatorUrsula Ellenberg
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 element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2-hour theory exam | 50 | 02 | |
| Practical class participation and group learning activities | 15 | 03, 04, 05 | |
| Practical class reports/worksheets/multimedia presentation (equivalent to 3 x 1500 words) | 30 | 03, 05 | |
| Regular online quizzes | 5 | 01 |