sci2eco ecological systems
ECOLOGICAL SYSTEMS
SCI2ECO
2015
Credit points: 15
Subject outline
This subject will develop and expand student knowledge and skills in a number of ecological processes that are considered essential to an understanding of agricultural science, its practical application and its relationship to the surrounding environment. Students will explore ecosystems and how certain processes link the living, or biotic, components to the non-living, or abiotic, components. A healthy ecological system is a key indicator of a sustainable environment. Areas explored includes: soil origin, formation, description, classification, chemistry, carbon and organic matter; the physicochemical characteristics of water and their biological applications and implications; the underlying principles and concepts of aquatic science; aquatic ecosystems such as lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams and coastal habitats; nutrient cycles in ecosystem health, energy flows and food chains.
SchoolSchool of Life Sciences
Credit points15
Subject Co-ordinatorPeter Sale
Available to Study Abroad StudentsNo
Subject year levelYear Level 2 - UG
Exchange StudentsNo
Subject particulars
Subject rules
Prerequisites Admission into SBATE
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 | Analytical measurements in aquatic environments | Recommended | Namiesnik, J & Szefer, P 2010 | CRC PRESS, NEW YORK, USA. |
| Readings | Aquatic ecosystems: trends and global prospects | Recommended | Polunin, V 2008 | CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS, NEW YORK, USA. |
| Readings | Australian soil fertility manual | Recommended | Price, G 2006 | 3RD EDN, CSIRO PUBLISHING, COLLINGWOOD, VICTORIA. |
| Readings | Ecology of aquatic systems | Recommended | Dobson, M & Frid, C 2009 | OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS, NEW YORK. |
| Readings | Soils: their properties and management | Recommended | Chapman, P & Murphy, B 2007 | 3RD EDITION, OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS, UK. |
| Readings | Standard methods for the examination of water and wastewater, 21st edn, American Public Health Association | Recommended | APHA-AWWA-WEF, 2005 | AMERICAN WATER WORKS ASSOCIATION & WATER ENVIRONMENT FEDERATION, WASHINGTON, D.C. |
| Readings | Understanding vineyard soils | Recommended | White, R 2009 | OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS, UK. |
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
01. Identify ecological concepts, animal and plant interactions, nutrient cycling and ecosystems
- Activities:
- Lectures and tutorials will be used to explore ecological cycles and interactions. Case studies concerning the formation of soil and ecosystems will be covered.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
02. Identify different ecological environments and the techniques used for sampling and monitoring their health
- Activities:
- Field excursions will be used to demonstrate examples of relationships and interactions in different terrestrial and aquatic environments. Students will be given group exercises to gain depth in their chosen area of study.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
03. Describe the relationships between soil water interactions and environments monitoring their health
- Activities:
- Field studies and laboratory exercises will be used to demonstrate soil water relationships. Parameters for measuring soil health will be explored.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
04. Research, comprehend and evaluate new information, concepts and evidence regarding ecological systems from a range of sources
- Activities:
- Field studies and laboratory exercises will be used to demonstrate soil water relationships. Parameters for measuring soil health will be explored.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
- Ethical Awareness(Ethical Awareness)
Subject options
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Epping, 2015, Semester 2, Day
Overview
Online enrolmentYes
Maximum enrolment sizeN/A
Enrolment information
Subject Instance Co-ordinatorPeter Sale
Class requirements
Laboratory ClassWeek: 31 - 43
Two 2.0 hours laboratory class per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.
WorkShopWeek: 31 - 43
One 2.0 hours workshop per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assignment (1500 words) | 35 | 02, 04 | |
| Examination (2 hours) | 35 | 01, 04 | |
| Excursion/Field Visits report (800 words) | 15 | 01 | |
| Practical journal (800 words) | 15 | 03 |