Handbook : Unit informationEdith Cowan University

School: Science

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

• Unit Title

  Studies in Ecology

• Unit Code

  SCB3201

• Year

  2019

• Enrolment Period

  2

• Version

  2

• Credit Points

  15

• Full Year Unit

  N

• Mode of Delivery

  On Campus
  

• Unit Coordinator

  Prof Raymond Henry FROEND

Description

The major ecological principles and techniques and their application in the field will be covered. The unit uses a problem-solving approach, set in a local context, as the framework for investigating patterns of distribution and abundance of organisms and the relationship to their biotic and abiotic surroundings. The application of these concepts and techniques to Australian ecosystems is a particular focus.

Prerequisite Rule

Students must have passed 1 unit from SCI2116 Diversity of Life, SCI2118 Australian Biota.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Apply experimental field techniques and a knowledge of ecological systems to progress towards the answering of local ecological questions.
2. Appreciate the dynamic nature of ecology by analysing and understanding the central role of hypothesis-testing and the place of controversy in the discipline.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the major concepts, theories and knowledge elements relevant to population and community ecology, by using them to analyse, and derive potential solutions to real-world ecological problems.
4. Demonstrate the collective skills, knowledge and confidence to participate effectively in programs involving biological monitoring and/or ecological problem-solving.
5. Use a diversity of strategies to reflect on their learning in ecology, and on the effectiveness of the learning strategies they use as novice ecologists.
6. Use appropriate mathematical and statistical tools in a discerning and critical way to summarise and analyse ecological data.

Unit Content

1. Biodiversity and the nature and structure of biological communities: concepts of functional groups, guilds and keystones.
2. Field studies and experimentation in ecology; their application to ecological questions set within the local landscape, experimental design, ecological methods for community analysis and distribution, field study techniques.
3. The nature of controversy in ecology; approaches to problem solving, the place of observations, inferences and conclusions, ecological knowledge and its scope and applications to conservation biology.
4. The problems of abundance and distribution of populations: analysis and field techniques, potential biotic and abiotic determinants, species interactions.
5. The scientific paper, poster and consultants report as genres for presenting ecological information; approaches to writing and data presentation, drafting and editing techniques.

Learning Experience

Students will attend on campus classes as well as engage in learning activities through ECU Blackboard.

For more information see the Semester Timetable

WIL - Field Experience

Students will undertake, and be assessed on, authentic activities through engagement with industry and community partners.

Students experience an environment where they observe and/or participate in the application of theoretical knowledge and skills in a professional setting, under the supervision of an expert or professional in the field. Examples include study tours, observation, shadowing, fieldwork, industry tours.

Additional Learning Experience Information

This unit that uses technology enhanced learning with a mix of lectures, laboratory sessions, and fieldwork. The lecture slots include workshops, case studies, lectures, student presentations, class discussions, guest speakers and other relevant activities. The laboratory sessions and fieldtrips involve data collection and analysis, the use of statistical software packages, self-directed readings and critical analysis. The unit is designed to provide students with the tools to understand and develop their scientific communication skills through the production of a scientific paper and a conference poster. Students are expected to come to class prepared by completing reading and weekly activities so as to contribute to class interaction. Resources for this unit are all available via Blackboard. The lecturer's role in this unit is primarily to guide and facilitate learning.

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

Core Reading(s)

• Smith, T. M., & Smith, R. L. (2015). Elements of ecology (9 ed.). Boston, Mass: Pearson Education Limited. Retrieved from https://ecu.on.worldcat.org/oclc/1002640211
• Smith, T. M., & Smith, R. L. (2015). Elements of ecology (9 ed.). Boston, Mass: Pearson Education Limited. Retrieved from https://ecu.on.worldcat.org/oclc/1002640211