ENVS2004Ecology

Course handbook

Description

This course aims to introduce fundamental concepts and principles of ecology, focusing on population and community dynamics. Through case studies, the course examines the factors affecting the distribution and abundance of species. The basic models of population growth and how these are affected by the environment and complex behaviour patterns are covered. The course examines the question whether population numbers are regulated or merely responding to the environment. It discusses species diversity, introduced species and biological control, and similarity among communities. The use of multivariate analysis methods for studying communities and the application of the island biogeography concept to designs of biological reserves will be discussed. Students will become familiar with the collection and handling of quantitative data and will develop appropriate scientific report writing skills.

Availability

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the course students will be able to:

1. Describe the key factors and processes that underlie the life history traits, spatial distribution and abundance of organisms in their natural environments;

2. Use conceptual and mathematical models to describe and predict population dynamics and the interactions between populations;

3. Use qualitative and quantitative approaches to characterise and analyse community structures and their changes over time;

4. Describe key principles of landscape ecology and their application to conservation management;

5. Collect, analyse, interpret and communicate field and laboratory data;

6. Critically review the ecological literature, develop original research questions and designs and write scientific proposals.

Content

1.   Evolutionary concepts relating to adaptation and natural selection

2.   Population dynamics and regulation

3.   Life history strategies

4.   Competition and predation models

5.   Community structure and succession

6.   Flow of nutrients and energy in ecosystems

7.   Landscape ecology

8.   Methods to collect and analyse ecological data

Requisite

This course replaces BIOL2070. If you have successfully completed BIOL2070 you cannot enrol in this course.

Assumed knowledge

STAT1020 Statistical Reasoning and Literacy or STAT1070 Statistics for the Sciences plus BIOL1001 or BIOL1002, AND BIOL1003 (for Callaghan students) or BIOL1040 and BIOL1070 (or BIOL1050) (for Ourimbah students).

Assessment items

Quiz: Quiz - Class

Written Assignment: Essays/Written Assignments (Research Proposal)

Report: Report

Formal Examination: Formal Examination

Compulsory Requirements

In order to pass this course, each student must complete ALL of the following compulsory requirements:

General Course Requirements:

• Computer Lab: There is a compulsory attendance requirement in this course. - A minimum of 80% compulsory attendance is required. In approved circumstances, reasonable adjustments are made for those students who cannot meet the 80% attendance requirement.
• Field Study: There is a compulsory attendance requirement in this course. - A minimum 80% compulsory attendance is required. In approved circumstances, reasonable adjustments are made for those students who cannot meet the 80% attendance requirement.
• Laboratory: There is a compulsory attendance requirement in this course. - A minimum 80% compulsory attendance is required. In approved circumstances, reasonable adjustments are made for those students who cannot meet the 80% attendance requirement.
• Field Study: Induction Requirement - Students must attend and pass the induction requirements before attending these sessions. - Students must complete a compulsory safety induction
• Laboratory: Induction Requirement - Students must attend and pass the induction requirements before attending these sessions. - Students must complete a compulsory safety induction.

Contact hours

Callaghan and Ourimbah