ENVS2004
10 units
2000 level
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.
Availability2024 Course Timetables
Callaghan
- Semester 2 - 2024
Ourimbah
- Semester 2 - 2024
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. Source, interpret and critically review the primary literature in ecology.
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: Online Quiz
Written Assignment: Critical Review
Report: Report
Online Open Book Formal Examination: Formal Examination
Contact hours
Semester 2 - 2024 - Callaghan
Computer Lab-1
- Face to Face On Campus 14 hour(s) per week(s) for 1 week(s)
- This is part of the one week laboratory/fieldwork/tutorial intensive during the mid semester break (9-5, Mon-Fri)
- Compulsory Requirement: Students must attend 80% of sessions.
Field Study-1
- Face to Face Off Campus 12 hour(s) per week(s) for 1 week(s)
- This is part of the one week laboratory/fieldwork/tutorial intensive during the mid semester break (9-5, Mon-Fri. Eight hours of this field study is conducted face to face on campus and the remaining 4 hours is face to face off campus.
- Compulsory Requirement: Students must attend 80% of sessions.
Laboratory-1
- Face to Face On Campus 16 hour(s) per week(s) for 1 week(s)
- This is part of the one week laboratory/fieldwork/tutorial intensive during the mid semester break (9-5, Mon-Fri)
- Compulsory Requirement: Students must attend 80% of sessions.
Live Virtual Lecture-1
- Online 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 13 week(s) starting in week 1
Semester 2 - 2024 - Ourimbah
Computer Lab-1
- Face to Face On Campus 14 hour(s) per week(s) for 1 week(s)
- This is part of the one week laboratory/fieldwork/tutorial intensive during the mid semester break (9-5, Mon-Fri)
- Compulsory Requirement: Students must attend 80% of sessions.
Field Study-1
- Face to Face Off Campus 12 hour(s) per week(s) for 1 week(s)
- This is part of the one week laboratory/fieldwork/tutorial intensive during the mid semester break (9-5, Mon-Fri. Eight hours of this field study is conducted face to face on campus and the remaining 4 hours is face to face off campus.
- Compulsory Requirement: Students must attend 80% of sessions.
Laboratory-1
- Face to Face On Campus 16 hour(s) per week(s) for 1 week(s)
- This is part of the one week laboratory/fieldwork/tutorial intensive during the mid semester break (9-5, Mon-Fri)
- Compulsory Requirement: Students must attend 80% of sessions.
Live Virtual Lecture-1
- Online 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 13 week(s) starting in week 1
Course outline
Course outline not yet available.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.