bio2eco ecology
ECOLOGY
BIO2ECO
2019
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 Subject 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:
- Discussed in lectures and by watching topical documentaries, and practiced in lab/field classes
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:
- Discussed in lectures and watching topical documentaries, and practiced in lab/field classes
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:
- Practised in practicals.
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:
- Introduced in lectures and associated reading material. Students also need to study a recent publications and preparation session for oral presentation.
Subject options
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Bendigo, 2019, 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
One 2.0 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 end of semester exam, (2,000-words equiv.) | 50 | 01, 02, 03, 04 | |
| Oral presentation (5-10 mins + 5 mins discussion) (total 500-words equivalent) | 10 | 04 | |
| Poster (300-words equivalent) | 10 | 02, 03 | |
| Four written practical reports (400-words each) | 30 | 01, 02, 03 |