Handbook : Unit informationEdith Cowan University

Faculty of Health, Engineering and Science

School: Natural Sciences

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

  Ecology

• Unit Code

  SCI1185

• Year

  2015

• Enrolment Period

  1

• Version

  1

• Credit Points

  15

• Full Year Unit

  N

• Mode of Delivery

  On Campus
  Online

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Description

This unit introduces students to the fundamental concepts in ecology, with a particular emphasis on Australian examples.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Apply appropriate sampling theory and field techniques to the collection of ecological data.
2. Describe the interrelationships between organisms with populations and communities,
3. Describe the spatial and temporal patterns of change in communities,
4. Describe the structure and functioning of ecosystems, especially in terms of nutrient cycling and energy dynamics,
5. Describe the ways in which communities are classified,
6. Explain the factors which influence the distribution and abundance of organisms at community and ecosystem level,

Unit Content

1. Biotic communities, community structure, species diversity, spatial and temporal succession; ecotones and the edge effect; and concept of climax.
2. Ecological characteristics of selected terrestrial and aquatic habitats.
3. Sampling theory and ecological survey techniques, use of field equipment, use of basic ecological statistics to analyse collected data.
4. The biosphere and the ecosystem: its biotic and abiotic components.
5. The nature of ecosystems: biogeochemical cycles, trophic levels, energy flow, food webs, productivity, and limiting factors.
6. The scope, subdivisions and roles of ecological science.

Additional Learning Experience Information

Lectures, interactive online learning and laboratories/field practicals

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.

Text References

• ^ McGraw Hill e-connect platform access
• ^ Stiling P. (2014) Ecology: Global Insights and Investigations (2nd ed.). McGraw-Hill Education/New York
• Attiwill, P. and Wilson, B. (2006) Ecology: An Australian Perspective (2nd ed.). UK/Oxford University Press
• Krebs, C. (2009) Ecology: the experimental analysis of distribution and abundance (6th ed.). San Francisco/Benjamin Cummings
• Stiling, P. (2014). Ecology: Global Insights and Investigations (2nd ed.). McGraw-Hill Education/New York

^ Mandatory reference

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