sci2eco ecological systems

ECOLOGICAL SYSTEMS

SCI2ECO

2020

Credit points: 15

Subject outline

This subject will develop and expand student knowledge and skills in ecological systems that are considered essential to an understanding of agricultural science, including its practical application and its relationship to the surrounding environment. A healthy ecological system is a key indicator of a sustainable environment. Students will explore biotic and abiotic components of ecosystems and the interactive processes between them. Topics include: the physicochemical characteristics of water and their biological applications and implications; the principles and concepts of aquatic science; aquatic ecosystems such as lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams and coastal habitats; energy flows in food chains and nutrient cycles in natural and agro ecosystems; soil origin and formation; soil physical description; soil chemistry; and soil carbon and organic matter. This subject addresses La Trobe's Sustainability Thinking Essential. Sustainability Thinking entails deep appreciation of how the choices we make affect the natural, economic, social, political and cultural systems.

SchoolLife Sciences

Credit points15

Subject Co-ordinatorGary Clark

Available to Study Abroad/Exchange StudentsNo

Subject year levelYear Level 2 - UG

Available as ElectiveNo

Learning ActivitiesN/A

Capstone subjectNo

Subject particulars

Subject rules

Prerequisites Admission into SBATE or requires Subject Coordinator approval

Co-requisitesN/A

Incompatible subjectsN/A

Equivalent subjectsN/A

Quota Management StrategyN/A

Quota-conditions or rulesN/A

Special conditionsN/A

Minimum credit point requirementN/A

Assumed knowledgeN/A

Learning resources

Analytical measurements in aquatic environments

Resource TypeBook

Resource RequirementRecommended

AuthorNamiesnik, J & Szefer, P

Year2010

Edition/VolumeN/A

PublisherCRC PRESS, NEW YORK, USA.

ISBNN/A

Chapter/article titleN/A

Chapter/issueN/A

URLN/A

Other descriptionN/A

Source locationN/A

Ecology of aquatic systems

Resource TypeBook

Resource RequirementRecommended

AuthorDobson, M & Frid, C

Year2009

Edition/VolumeN/A

PublisherOXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS, NEW YORK.

ISBNN/A

Chapter/article titleN/A

Chapter/issueN/A

URLN/A

Other descriptionN/A

Source locationN/A

Aquatic ecosystems: trends and global prospects

Resource TypeBook

Resource RequirementRecommended

AuthorPolunin, V

Year2008

Edition/VolumeN/A

PublisherCAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS, NEW YORK, USA.

ISBNN/A

Chapter/article titleN/A

Chapter/issueN/A

URLN/A

Other descriptionN/A

Source locationN/A

Soils: their properties and management

Resource TypeBook

Resource RequirementRecommended

AuthorChapman, P & Murphy, B

Year2007

Edition/Volume3RD EDITION

PublisherOXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS, UK.

ISBNN/A

Chapter/article titleN/A

Chapter/issueN/A

URLN/A

Other descriptionN/A

Source locationN/A

Australian soil fertility manual

Resource TypeBook

Resource RequirementRecommended

AuthorPrice, G

Year2006

Edition/Volume3RD EDN

PublisherCSIRO PUBLISHING, COLLINGWOOD, VICTORIA.

ISBNN/A

Chapter/article titleN/A

Chapter/issueN/A

URLN/A

Other descriptionN/A

Source locationN/A

Standard methods for the examination of water and wastewater, 21st edn, American Public Health Association

Resource TypeBook

Resource RequirementRecommended

AuthorAPHA-AWWA-WEF

Year2005

Edition/VolumeN/A

PublisherAMERICAN WATER WORKS ASSOCIATION & WATER ENVIRONMENT FEDERATION, WASHINGTON, D.C.

ISBNN/A

Chapter/article titleN/A

Chapter/issueN/A

URLN/A

Other descriptionN/A

Source locationN/A

Understanding vineyard soils

Resource TypeBook

Resource RequirementRecommended

AuthorWhite, R

Year2009

Edition/VolumeN/A

PublisherOXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS, UK.

ISBNN/A

Chapter/article titleN/A

Chapter/issueN/A

URLN/A

Other descriptionN/A

Source locationN/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

COMMUNICATION - Communicating and Influencing
DISCIPLINE KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
INQUIRY AND ANALYSIS - Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL - Adaptability and Self-Management
PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL - Ethical and Social Responsibility
PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL - Leadership and Teamwork

Intended Learning Outcomes

01. Identify ecological concepts, including ecosystem components, interactive processes, nutrient cycling and energy flow
02. Identify different ecosystems and develop techniques used for sampling and monitoring their health
03. Describe the relationship between physicochemical parameters of soil and water and environmental health
04. Evaluate and interpret physical, chemical and biological parameters of soil and water, for purposes of sound management of agro-ecological systems.

Subject options

Select to view your study options…

Start date between: and    Key dates

Epping (Melbourne Polytechnic), 2020, Semester 2, Blended

Overview

Online enrolmentYes

Maximum enrolment sizeN/A

Subject Instance Co-ordinatorGary Clark

Class requirements

LectureWeek: 31 - 36
One 2.00 hours lecture per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 36 and delivered via face-to-face.

PracticalWeek: 31 - 36
One 2.00 hours practical per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 36 and delivered via face-to-face.

TutorialWeek: 31 - 36
One 1.00 hour tutorial per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 36 and delivered via face-to-face.

Unscheduled Online ClassWeek: 37 - 42
One 2.00 hours unscheduled online class per week on weekdays during the day from week 37 to week 42 and delivered via online.
Students complete online activities (pre- recorded lectures and other materials) prior to the scheduled workshop.

WorkShopWeek: 37 - 43
Two 2.50 hours workshop per study period on weekends during the day from week 37 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.
2 day intensive workshop

WorkShopWeek: 37 - 42
One 2.50 hours workshop per week on weekdays during the day from week 37 to week 42 and delivered via face-to-face.
Students can choose either the face-to-face or virtual (Online) class option.

Assessments

Assessment elementCommentsCategoryContributionHurdle%ILO*
1 x 25-minute online Aquatic Ecosystem Quiz (450 words equivalent) Formative assessment.  Short quiz on material from early aquatic ecosystem lectures and flipped classesN/AN/AN/ANo10SILO1, SILO2
80-minute examination (1,350- words equivalent) 80-minute exam on material from aquatic ecosystem lectures and flipped classesN/AN/AN/ANo30SILO1, SILO2
15-minute (5 minutes/member) Group oral presentation on Excursion/Field Visits (450 word equiv/std Group oral presentation (15 minutes, 5 minutes/member) on group field practical exerciseN/AN/AN/ANo10SILO1, SILO2, SILO3, SILO4
Soil Report (2250 words) This assessment is based on Topics 1 and 8-12. It consists of a written report on measurement of soil ecosystem parameters and their interpretation for sound agro-ecosystem managementN/AN/AN/ANo50SILO1, SILO2, SILO3, SILO4