zoo2fe australian fauna and ecology
AUSTRALIAN FAUNA AND ECOLOGY
ZOO2FE
2019
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-ordinatorAngie Haslem
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 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 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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Melbourne, 2019, 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 element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| One 1.5 hour end of semester written theory exam (1500 words equivalent) | 50 | 02 | |
| Practical class participation and group learning activities (600 words equivalent) | 10 | 03, 04, 05 | |
| Two x 1000-word Laboratory reports | 2000 word total equivalent | 30 | 03, 05 |
| 3 x 100-word online quizzes | Total task load is equivalent to 300 words. | 10 | 01 |