Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013

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

Rationale

The science of ecology examines the distribution and abundance of organisms at a number of organisational levels from individuals to landscapes. At each of these levels there are separate and distinct attributes that require investigation and explanation. One important level of organisation is the ecosystem. An essential component of ecological studies is to examine these ecological systems and how they are shaped by the interaction between their constituent species and the physical environment. This unit builds on aspects animal and plant diversity and ecology covered in previous units to examine how the interrelationships between key physical, ecological, biological and geological processes shape ecological systems.

Aims

To develop an understanding of the structure and function of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, and especially the processes that have shaped Australia's major ecological systems.

Objectives

On completion of the unit you will be able to:

1. Integrate knowledge from biological, physical and ecological disciplines to examine the processes influencing major ecological systems, and describe important ecological processes in these ecosystems.
2. Describe and discuss the significant evolutionary phases and environmental adaptations of the Australian flora and fauna and how these factors influence current biogeographical distributions.
3. Note human use and impact on ecological systems, and identify key components of the management of terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems.
4. Be able to integrate skills in monitoring and assessing ecological interactions for solutions to real problems and effectively communicate this information.

Content

This unit emphasises the physical and ecological properties that are common to all ecological systems, but also identifies those properties that are unique to particular systems. Content will cover:

• Physical and biological processes that develop and maintain the structure and characteristics of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.


• Major differences between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems


• Factors that shape Australia's landforms, climate and soils and the effects these have had on the evolution and functioning of Australian ecosystems


• Principal components and adaptations of the modern Australian flora and fauna.


• Evolutionary history of Australian ecosystems, including theories pertinent to explanations of biogeographical distributions, and significant phases in the evolution of the Australian flora and fauna.


• Impact and management in terrestrial, marine and freshwater systems.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

The unit will consist of 2 hours of lectures and an average of two hours of practical work (distributed between laboratory and field work) per week. Lectures provide the broad theoretical background while practical and field work will place theoretical work in context and provide students with hands-on experience in techniques used to examine ecological and physical properties of ecological systems, and in the management of these systems.

Assessment

There will be three assessment items in the unit: a final theory examination and two scientific reports.

NOTE: ASSESSMENT FOR STUDENTS NOT UNDERTAKING THE FIELD TRIPS

If you do not undertake the field trips the reports (based on group data made available after the field trip) will contribute 40% of the assessment in the unit, and an additional report (worth 20%) must be completed.Summative and formative feedback will be provided by written and oral feedback for all assessment items.

Assessment name: Examination (Theory)
Description: End of semester examination. The exam will comprise short answer questions and short essays on selected topics from the lecture and practical sessions.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Exam Period

Assessment name: Report
Description: Two scientific reports will be produced that provide a complete analysis and interpretation of a selected component of the field work completed for the unit.
Relates to objectives: 1, 3, 4
Weight: 60%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Mid & 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

Texts and References:
There is no single text that covers all elements of this unit. Recommended readings for the unit will be drawn from many primary sources, including books and journal articles.

Costs:
Students are advised that there may be travel, sustenance and accommodation costs associated with the field trip.

Risk assessment statement

The unit consists of classroom-based lectures, discussions and practicals, 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: 20-Jun-2012