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

Like all other species on the planet, humans extract energy and materials from their surrounding environment and, as a result of that activity, modify ecosystems. We are part of the earth¿s ecological systems, and our ability to understand and manage our impact on the environment must be based on a sound knowledge of ecosystems ecology.

This first year unit provides an introduction to ecosystems science focussing on the broad-scale factors that shape ecosystems, such as energy transfer, materials cycling, climate and soils and examining the ecological patterns that emerge as a result. This knowledge is then used to assess ecosystem change and human impact on the environment.

Aims

This unit provides you with a fundamental working knowledge of ecological systems and how physical and biological processes shape life on earth, and how this knowledge can be used to better manage environmental impacts.

Objectives

On completion of this unit you will provide evidence of:
1. Collaboration in teams to source and evaluate information and understand issues relating to fundamental ecological processes.
2. Accuracy in collection, synthesis and recording of data in laboratory and field contexts through application of standard scientific reporting methods
3. Applied knowledge of major processes shaping ecological systems and the patterns of biological diversity that emerge.
4. Applied knowledge of the dynamics of ecosystems and the role of human impact in short term and long terms environmental change

Content

This unit provides an introduction to ecosystems science focussing on the broad-scale factors that shape ecosystems. This knowledge is then used to assess ecosystem change and human impact on the environment. Content includes:
- The key factors that influence the structure, function and responses of ecological systems: trophic relationships, biomes, energy transfer and materials cycling, climate, weather and soils, succession, disturbance and resilience.
- Emergent patterns of ecological diversity examined at local, landscape and global scales.
- Natural changes in the structure of ecological systems at ecological and geological time scales.
- The nature and variability of human impacts on different ecosystems (sustainability, renewable resources and pollution).
- Implications of ecological processes for understanding and managing human impacts.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

This unit utilises a small number of formal lectures, a series of workshops, and field and laboratory based exercises to develop your knowledge of ecosystems science. Lectures provide the scientific background for a series of problem solving workshops, and the background required to conduct field and laboratory studies.

Problems addressed in workshops and laboratories will be drawn from the exploration of issues relating to energy transfer, food webs and broad ecological patterns, and conducted in a range of teaching environments from interactive teaching spaces to field sites in the greater Brisbane region.

In the workshops a number of real-world problems will be explored in detail by working in groups to gather, evaluate and synthesise information that can be presented to the class in short group presentations. Individuals then provide a short synthesis of the issue for assessment. Packaged electronic and physical resources will be available to students. Workshop sessions will be facilitated by multiple teaching staff.

Laboratory and field exercises will be used to develop your practical skills in data collection and recording, synthesis and communication.

Assessment

Assessment includes a range of problem solving tasks with a formative group presentation component, laboratory practicals and field reports and an open workbook final examination. The written examination will be based around topics and themes available from the start of semester including a workbook of short answer and process questions around key concepts in ecosystems science and a journal space which allows you to make notes linking the activities in workshops and laboratories with the broad themes of the unit.In this unit, multiple opportunities for feedback are provided in the ongoing workshop and practical/field activities and related assessments, including:
- Formative peer review of solutions to workshop problems
- Individual/group feedback on practical and field reports

Assessment name: Problems Workshops
Description: Three problems will explored in detail throughout the semester in collaborative Problems Workshops. Problems will be drawn from the exploration of issues relating to energy transfer, food webs and broad ecological patterns. Problems will be worked in groups with short group presentations (formative) and individual reports synthesised from the whole of class discussion.
Relates to objectives: 1, 3 and 4
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Throughout semester

Assessment name: Laboratory and Field Reports
Description: Two structured laboratory and guided field exercises will be assessed taken from a larger set conducted throughout the semester. Reporting parameters will be provided to guide you report structure, analytic approaches and interpretive methods. Reports are assessed individually but guided discussion will be undertaken in groups.
Relates to objectives: 2, 3 and 4
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Mid, end of semester

Assessment name: Examination (written)
Description: The final examination assesses your understanding of the big picture of ecosystems science by demonstrating an understanding of the linkages between key concepts, workshops and laboratory activities, and the over-arching themes of the unit.

Examination topics will be provided at the start of semester. The examination will assess student understanding of the major processes, patterns and dynamics of ecosystems, and skills in solving global environmental problems. The examination will be open book ¿ workbook/notes will be allowed, but no textbooks or electronic devices.
Relates to objectives: 3 and 4
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Exam Period

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

To be advised.

Risk assessment statement

There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit. You will be made aware of evacuation procedures and assembly areas in the first few lectures. In the event of a fire alarm sounding, or on a lecturer's instruction, you should leave the room and assemble in the designated area which will be indicated to you. You should be conscious of your health and safety at all times whilst on campus or in the field.

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-Sep-2012