Warning! This subjects requires on campus attendance. Refer to Special Requirements for more information.
Undergraduate RMI-SCB305-2022
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.
$1,903 $2,153
Your upfront cost: $0
Duration
13 weeks
Study method
Online & on-campus
Available loans
- HECS-HELP
- FEE-HELP
Assessments
Subjects may require attendance
Prior study
Required
Start dates
- 29 Aug 2022
QS RANKING 2022
14
Times Higher Education Ranking 2022
23
Subject details
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.
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- 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
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:
- RMI-SCB300-Plant Diversity
- RMI-SCB301-Animal Diversity
- RMI-SCB120-Plant Structure and Function
- RMI-SCB130-Animal Structure and Function
Additional requirements
- Attendance requirements - Practicals - 5 full-day mandatory on-campus practicals in Melbourne.
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.
- Assignments (60%)
- Invigilated Exam (40%)
Current study term: 28 Aug 22 to 27 Nov 22
Check the learning management system (LMS) of your university for textbook details.