BIO2810 · Introduction to ecological applications

Overview

This unit introduces you to ecological processes in terrestrial ecosystems. You will gain an understanding of how populations of animals and plants survive and interact in their environments. The unit covers fundamental ecological theories and concepts such as biodiversity, population growth, predation, competition, succession, mutualism, nutrient cycling and disturbance. Consideration will be given to how many of these processes operate differently between different environments. You will learn how ecological theories can then be applied in the different environmental conditions: urban, agriculture and/or natural environments. The practical component comprises experimental design and data sampling in the actual/virtual field excursion.

Areas of study: Tropical environmental biology

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

Learning outcomes

1. Summarise your knowledge of the diversity of Earth’s ecosystems and how they function;
2. Describe ecological applications and processes relating to a range of terrestrial environments;
3. Undertake sampling programs to collect ecological data in order to identify and survey the flora and fauna of different tropical habitats;
4. Manage, analyse and critically evaluate scientific data collected in the field;
5. Communicate your findings effectively in the form of written scientific reports;
6. Work collaboratively and effectively in teams in field environments

Workload

• Two hours of lectures and • One-hour tutorial per week plus • A 3D/2N sampling/analyses field excursion

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.