Warning! This subjects requires on campus attendance. Refer to Special Requirements for more information.

Undergraduate RMI-SCB305-2018

Ecology

Weigh up factors that impact ecosystems, such as fire, invasion and population. Compare different ecological communities with one another. Complete this subject with an understanding of the techniques used when taking ecological samples in the field.

2018

Duration

13 weeks

Student rating

N/A

Study method

Online and other materials

Available loans

FEE-HELP
HECS-HELP

Assessments

Subjects may require attendance

Prior study

Not required

Study terms

27 Aug 2018

Australia's largest dual-sector institute, offering both TAFE and higher education, RMIT University proudly delivers work-related education and practical research relevant to current business and community needs. More than 60,000 students study with RMIT, and many of their degrees are available through Open Universities Australia.

Subject details

What you'll learn

At the completion of this subject students will be able to:

outline the key structural and energy flows in a variety of ecosystems
explain the concepts of succession and dynamism in ecosystems
explain the principles and examples of how population dynamics interact with management of reserves
outline the main factors affecting ecosystems (fire, invasions, competition) and their management
investigate unknown ecosystems for these flows, both qualitatively and quantitatively choose and use appropriate methods to sample terrestrial and aquatic habitats for their main flora and fauna, populations and environmental quality
Choose and use appropriate methods to sample terrestrial and aquatic habitats for their main flora and fauna, populations and environmental quality.

Topics covered

Topics
- Basic ecological principles - ecosystem level; energy flow; productivity; nutrient cycling; community structure; comparing communities
- Basic ecological principles - population level; population sizes and distributions; survey design; population dynamics; management of reserves
- Habitat ecology; sampling techniques for plants and animals in freshwater; marine and terrestrial habitats; environmental quality
- Environment management techniques and problems; control of vegetation; fire ecology; design of reserves; revegetation; pest control; land planning

Entry requirements

Entry Requirements

Equivalent Subjects

You cannot enrol in this unit if you have successfully completed any of the following subject(s) because they are considered academically equivalent:

RMI-SCB302

You are recommended to have completed the following subjects(s) or have equivalent knowledge before starting this unit:

Special requirements

AttendanceDetails - Practicals - 5 full-day mandatory on-campus practicals in Melbourne.

Description

Please note: this subject is currently not accepting enrolments in Study Period 4, 2018.

This subject covers ecological sampling and ecology, including practical skills in ecological sampling techniques and their application to the study of ecological systems and environmental pollution. This subject trains students in the utilisation of ecological sampling techniques in the field to solve applied ecological problems and in preparing critical scientific reports.

Please note the dates below for the compulsory requirements for this subject to attend laboratory classes at RMIT University's Bundoora Campus:

Study Period 3:

Oct 22 - 26, 2018 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM*

*More details will be provided at the commencement of the relevant Study Period and available on Blackboard.

Assessments

Assignments (60%)
Invigilated Exam (40%)

Textbooks

Textbooks are subject to change within the academic year. Students are advised to purchase their books no earlier than one to two months before the start of a subject.

View textbooks

Related degrees

undergraduate RMI-SCI-DEG-2018

Bachelor of Science Applied Sciences