bio2eco ecology
ECOLOGY
BIO2ECO
2015
Credit points: 15
Subject outline
In this subject, we will study environmental factors and their effects on organisms; key topics are: evolution and adaptation, properties of populations as well as interactions between organisms, including competition and predator-prey relationships. These concepts will be further illustrated with recently published research work in ecology and relevant video programs. The practical component will re-enforce some of the lecture material and introduce a number of ecological techniques. In addition, practicals will be used to illustrate the diversity of organisms in freshwater, terrestrial and marine ecosystems.
SchoolSchool of Molecular Sciences/LIMS
Credit points15
Subject Co-ordinatorSabine Wilkens
Available to Study Abroad StudentsYes
Subject year levelYear Level 2 - UG
Exchange StudentsYes
Subject particulars
Subject rules
Prerequisites OED1RAL or BIO1CO or approval of unit coordinator.
Co-requisitesN/A
Incompatible subjectsN/A
Equivalent subjectsN/A
Special conditionsN/A
Learning resources
Readings
| Resource Type | Title | Resource Requirement | Author and Year | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Readings | Ecology: An Australian Perspective (2nd edn) | Prescribed | Attiwill,P. & Wilson, B.(2006) | MELBOURNE: OXFORD |
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
01. Elaborate on and illustrate the common principles that govern marine, freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems and interpret a number of important differences between these systems.
- Activities:
- Taught in lectures, topical documentaries and practicals. Assessed in exam and prac reports.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
- Writing(Writing)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
02. Analyse the processes and interactions in freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems (including nutrient cycling, energy flow, biodiversity, population dynamics, inter- and intra-specific interactions, zonation, succession and invasions) and relate them to evolutionary theory.
- Activities:
- Taught in lectures, topical documentaries and practicals. Assessed in exam prac reports and poster.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
- Writing(Writing)
03. Use controlled experiments to investigate some of these processes and interactions in terrestrial, marine and freshwater ecosystems, and report on these using standard scientific report format.
- Activities:
- Taught in practicals. Assessed in exam, prac reports and poster.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy(Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Writing(Writing)
04. Show awareness of research in the field of ecology by giving a presentation of a recently published paper and respond to fellow students presentations.
- Activities:
- Taught in lectures and study of recent publications and preparation session for oral presentation. Assessed in exam and oral presentation.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Speaking(Speaking)
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
- Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
- Ethical Awareness(Ethical Awareness)
Subject options
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Bendigo, 2015, Semester 1, Day
Overview
Online enrolmentYes
Maximum enrolment sizeN/A
Enrolment information
Subject Instance Co-ordinatorSabine Wilkens
Class requirements
PracticalWeek: 10 - 22
One 3.0 hours practical every two weeks on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.
LectureWeek: 10 - 22
Two 1.0 hours lecture per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.
Lecture/FilmWeek: 10 - 22
One 1.0 hours lecture/film every two weeks on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exam (2 hour) | 50 | 01, 02, 03, 04 | |
| Oral presentation (10 mins + 5 mins discussion) | 20 | 04 | |
| Poster | 5 | 02, 03 | |
| Written practical reports (average 500 words each) (5 x 5%) | Hurdle requirement: Students must attend a minimum of 70% of time allotted to practical classes. | 25 | 01, 02, 03 |