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.
School: School of Molecular Sciences/LIMS
Credit points: 15
Subject Co-ordinator: Sabine Wilkens
Available to Study Abroad Students: Yes
Subject year level: Year Level 2 - UG
Exchange Students: Yes
Subject particulars
Subject rules
Prerequisites: OED1RAL or BIO1CO or approval of subject coordinator.
Co-requisites: N/A
Incompatible subjects: N/A
Equivalent subjects: N/A
Special conditions: N/A
Learning resources
Readings
| Resource Type | Title | Resource Requirement | Author and Year | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Readings | Ecology: An Australian Perspective (2nd edn) | Prescribed | Attiwill,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:
- Discussed in lectures and by watching topical documentaries, and practiced in lab/field classes
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:
- Discussed in lectures and watching topical documentaries, and practiced in lab/field classes
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:
- Practised in practicals.
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:
- Introduced in lectures and associated reading material. Students also need to study a recent publications and preparation session for oral presentation.