bio2eco ecology
ECOLOGY
BIO2ECO
2017
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:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,Quantitative Literacy)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Inquiry/Research)
- Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)
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:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,Quantitative Literacy)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Inquiry/Research)
- Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)
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:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,Quantitative Literacy)
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,Quantitative Literacy)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Inquiry/Research)
- Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)
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:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,Quantitative Literacy)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Inquiry/Research)
- Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)
Subject options
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Bendigo, 2017, Semester 1, Day
Overview
Online enrolmentYes
Maximum enrolment sizeN/A
Enrolment information
Subject Instance Co-ordinatorSabine Wilkens
Class requirements
PracticalWeek: 10 - 22
Six 3.0 hours practical per study period 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.
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| One 2-hour exam | 50 | 01, 02, 03, 04 | |
| Oral presentation (10 mins + 5 mins discussion) | 20 | 04 | |
| Poster (equivalent to 300 words) | 10 | 02, 03 | |
| Four written practical reports (400 words each) | 20 | 01, 02, 03 |