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
Intended Learning Outcomes
Subject options
Select to view your study options…
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 element | Category | Contribution | Hurdle | % | 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 classes | N/A | N/A | No | 10 | SILO1, SILO2 |
80-minute examination (1,350- words equivalent) 80-minute exam on material from aquatic ecosystem lectures and flipped classes | N/A | N/A | No | 30 | SILO1, 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 exercise | N/A | N/A | No | 10 | SILO1, 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 management | N/A | N/A | No | 50 | SILO1, SILO2, SILO3, SILO4 |