env3lec landscape ecology and conservation

LANDSCAPE ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION

ENV3LEC

2020

Credit points: 15

Subject outline

Landscape ecology is the science of studying the relationships between ecological processes in the environment and how these affect plants and animals. Landscapes are large areas characterized by interacting patches or ecosystems, ranging from natural terrestrial and aquatic systems to human-dominated environments. Key research topics in landscape ecology include ecological flows, land use, relating landscape pattern analysis with ecological processes and landscape conservation. Importantly, it contributes significantly to conservation and restoration. Students are introduced to the main concepts of landscape ecology: landscape structure, function and change. The practical implications are introduced, encompassing nature conservation and habitat restoration in fragmented landscapes. Practical work provides an opportunity to gain experience in a range of skills including data collection, collation and analysis of data, interpretation of findings, and preparation of scientific reports. Practicals include observational studies, field data collection and data analysis and a field trip to assess land uses across a broad landscape.

SchoolLife Sciences

Credit points15

Subject Co-ordinatorJohn Morgan

Available to Study Abroad/Exchange StudentsYes

Subject year levelYear Level 3 - UG

Available as ElectiveNo

Learning ActivitiesN/A

Capstone subjectNo

Subject particulars

Subject rules

PrerequisitesN/A

Co-requisitesN/A

Incompatible subjectsN/A

Equivalent subjectsN/A

Quota Management StrategyEnrolment accepted until quota reached

Quota-conditions or rulesN/A

Special conditionsN/A

Minimum credit point requirementN/A

Assumed knowledgeN/A

Career Ready

Career-focusedNo

Work-based learningNo

Self sourced or Uni sourcedN/A

Entire subject or partial subjectN/A

Total hours/days requiredN/A

Location of WBL activity (region)N/A

WBL addtional requirementsN/A

Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes

Graduate Capabilities

Intended Learning Outcomes

01. Design and discuss how landscapes are composed
02. Analyse and evaluate spatial data using relevant statistical methods
03. Design and discuss a landscape and orally present a testable hypothesis and project plan as a team
04. Prepare a well-structured, scientifically accurate report based on field trip data collection
05. Explain and discuss landscape ecology concepts

Subject options

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Start date between: and    Key dates

Melbourne (Bundoora), 2020, Semester 2, Day

Overview

Online enrolmentYes

Maximum enrolment size100

Subject Instance Co-ordinatorJohn Morgan

Class requirements

Field TripWeek: 37 - 37
One 8.00 hours field trip other recurrence on weekends during the day from week 37 to week 37 and delivered via face-to-face.

LectureWeek: 31 - 43
Two 1.00 hour lecture per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.

PracticalWeek: 31 - 43
One 3.00 hours practical per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.

Assessments

Assessment elementCommentsCategoryContributionHurdle%ILO*
Final Exam (2 hrs, short essay questions) (2000 work equivalent)N/AN/AN/ANo40SILO5
Assignment 1: based on practicals in weeks 2-3 (700-word equivalent) Written feedback on performance (both rubric and comments); prac report 1 will have detailed feedback to ensure prac report 2 can be written with enhanced understanding of requirementsN/AN/AN/ANo15SILO1, SILO2
Assignment 2: based on practicals in weeks 4-5 (700 word equivalent) Written feedback on performance (both rubric and comments)N/AN/AN/ANo15SILO1, SILO2
Group presentation (10-mins) based on field trip, topic: land use (approx. 3 mins per student) (350 words) Draft presentations will be checked prior to submission and oral feedback provided on scope, content and interpretation. Written feedback on content (rubric and comment) will be provided.N/AN/AN/ANo15SILO3
Synopsis of scientific papers relating to landscape structure, function and change (x5) (750 words) Written feedback (rubric and comments) provided on intellectual ideas presented in report, as well as scientific writing capability.N/AN/AN/ANo15SILO4