BIO3082 · Global change biology

Overview

This unit studies how human-induced environmental changes, such as climate change, affects organisms and ecosystems. We explore how environmental stresses affect the physiology, behaviour, and ecological interactions of different organisms. In turn, the implications of these changes for biodiversity and human society are also examined. The unit covers a range of organisms (i.e. plants, vertebrates, invertebrates, microorganisms) and biomes (e.g. grasslands, oceans, coral reefs, Antarctica). Throughout the course, we also consider intervention strategies that can increase the sustainability of human development and reduce its impacts on biota.

Areas of study: Ecology and conservation biology Environmental science Plant sciences Zoology

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

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. Demonstrate an understanding the main anthropogenic pressures on biota, including climate change, land use change, pollution, and invasive species.
2. Explain how plants and animals respond to environmental stresses, including by modulating gene expression, metabolism, morphology, and behaviour.
3. Assess how environmental change affects biodiversity, food security, and other ecosystem services.
4. Predict how ongoing environmental changes will affect the ecological distributions and interactions of animals, plants, and microorganisms.
5. Propose and evaluate strategies to prevent or mitigate environmental change and its impacts on biota.
6. Demonstrate critical analytical approaches to scientific research and writing scientific reports.

Workload

• Two hours of lectures per week; • One 3-hour laboratory class per week (for 3 weeks); • One 2-hour laboratory class per week (for 9 weeks) and • 7-8 hours of self-directed study per week

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