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

Undergraduate RMI-SCB305-2023

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.

From

$1,987 $2,237

Your upfront cost: $0

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Duration

13 weeks

Study method

Online & on-campus

Available loans

HECS-HELP
FEE-HELP

Assessments

Subjects may require attendance

Prior study

Required

Start dates

28 Aug 2023

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2023

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

- 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

Equivalent subjects

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

RMI-SCB302 (Not currently available)

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

Additional requirements

Attendance requirements - • Includes three days of mandatory laboratory exercises at RMIT University, Melbourne Mandatory lab practicals are scheduled to run for this subject at the RMIT City Campus (Melbourne, Australia) to be advised

Description

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.

Assessments

Assignments (60%)
Invigilated Exam (40%)

Textbooks

For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).