Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

Ecology is the study of the factors that influence the distribution and abundance of organisms. Ecology deals with the basic properties of individuals and the emergent properties of collections of individuals that form populations and the dynamics of these populations and their interactions with populations of other species. An understanding of basic ecological concepts is central to managing species and ecosystems. This unit provides a general overview of autecology and population ecology. It serves the dual role of providing a thorough grounding in ecology for students from all faculties; and laying the conceptual foundation for later subjects in the ecology and environmental science majors that deal with ecosystem processes and management of biological populations.

Aims

To provide students with a thorough theoretical background in the major concepts of plant and animal ecology at a level of biological integration where organisms form assemblages that possess their own measurable attributes.

Objectives

On completion of this unit you will be able to:

1. Understand the basic theoretical background and major concepts in ecology.
2. Use standard methods of quantifying basic ecological parameters and be able to make fundamental computations used for describing population parameters.
3. Locate and review appropriate scientific literature and providing written and oral presentation of this material.
4. Have developed a number of graduate capabilities including discipline knowledge and skills, critical and analytical thinking and problem solving, effective communication and the ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Content

Ecology of individuals: tolerance limits, conditions and resources, dispersal and migration.

Attributes of single populations: age and sex structure, population growth, life tables.

Interactions within trophic levels: competition.

Interactions between trophic levels: predation, herbivory, parasitism, mutualism, decomposers and detritivores.

Theories of abundance: density dependence and independence, and mechanisms controlling population size.

Behavioural ecology: foraging, and aggregation behaviour, mating systems.

Measuring basic population parameters: relative and absolute density measures.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

The unit consists of 2 hours of lectures and a 2 hour practical session per week. Lectures provide the broad theoretical background while practical sessions focus on the derivation and determination of key population parameters, and reinforce the quantitative aspects associated with ecological concepts. Short field exercises may also form a component of the practical work. An independent study module (literature review) will encourage independent research and reinforce written communication skills.

Assessment

You will be expected to undertake a number of assessments related to the learning outcomes of this unit (see below).Feedback will be available on your progress.

Assessment name: Examination (Theory)
Description: End-semester examination. The final examination will be held during the examinations period. The exam will comprise short answer questions and short essays on topics covered in lectures, practical sessions. Summative.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2 and 4.
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Exam Period

Assessment name: Literature Review
Description: Literature review. The literature review is intended to familiarise you with the literature on theoretical and practical aspects of ecology and develop your ability to locate, evaluate and synthesise scientific information. The review will be a concise and critical account of a selected topic based on current primary literature. Summative and formative, written and oral feedback provided.
Relates to objectives: 1, 3 and 4.
Weight: 25%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Mid Semester

Assessment name: Log/Workbook
Description: Laboratory log books / reports. The laboratory log books / reports will contain information pertaining to the pracs completed in the unit, plus details of any field exercises. For each log book or field report there should be an introduction (including aims), reference to the methods used, results, and some discussion/interpretation of the results.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2 and 4.
Weight: 25%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: End Semester

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

Prescribed Text:
1. Begon, M., C.Townsend and J.L.Harper (2006) Ecology: from individuals to ecosystems. 4th ed. Blackwell; Oxford.

References:
1. Andrewartha GH & Birch LC (1984) The Ecological Web: More on the Distribution and Abundance of Animals, University of Chicago Press
2. Krebs JR & Davies N (1993) Introduction to Behavioural Ecology, 3rd edition, Blackwell
3. Krebs, C.J. (2008) The Ecological World View. CSIRO Publishing, Canberra.
4. Krebs, C.J. (1999) Ecological Methodology. 2nd ed. Harper & Collins, New York
5. Molles, M.C. (2005) Ecology: concepts and applications. 3rd ed. McGraw Hill, New York.
6. Ricklefs RE & Miller G (2000) Ecology, 4th edition, WF Freeman

Other resources:
A laboratory coat will be required for some practicals.

Risk assessment statement

The unit consists of classroom-based lectures, practicals, and short field exercises, all of which are extremely low risk activities. Risk assessments for field trips identify several low impact risks, including: travel; slips and trips; animal bites, and animal and plant stings. Students are provided with a health and safety manual detailing health, safety and emergency procedures associated with laboratory and field activities. Students are required to read, understand and put into practice all safety guidelines. Safety considerations associated with field trips will be discussed in pre-trip briefings with printed notes related to safety issues being distributed where appropriate.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 19-Oct-2012