Ecology (10231.2)
| Available teaching periods | Delivery mode | Location |
|---|---|---|
| View teaching periods | ||
| EFTSL | Credit points | Faculty |
| 0.125 | 3 | Faculty Of Science And Technology |
| Discipline | Study level | HECS Bands |
| Academic Program Area - Science | Level 2 - Undergraduate Intermediate Unit | Band 2 2021 (Commenced After 1 Jan 2021) Band 3 2021 (Commenced Before 1 Jan 2021) |
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:1. Apply their understanding of ecological theory at the organism, population, community, and ecosystem levels to address key questions in ecology;
2. Use newly developed skills for ecological investigation, including the identification of organisms, collection of data and scientific report writing;
3. Have an understanding and be able to describe the patterns of biological diversity and processes generating them in a range of habitats within Australia (specifically semi-arid and temperate ecosystems);
4. Report on ecological research both verbally and in report form, and; Be able to communicate effectively using well-developed scientific thinking and writing skills; and
5. Undertake an ecological study in the field as part of a team in order to examine specific hypotheses.
Graduate attributes
1. UC graduates are professional - communicate effectively1. UC graduates are professional - display initiative and drive, and use their organisation skills to plan and manage their workload
1. UC graduates are professional - employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills
1. UC graduates are professional - take pride in their professional and personal integrity
1. UC graduates are professional - use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems
1. UC graduates are professional - work collaboratively as part of a team, negotiate, and resolve conflict
2. UC graduates are global citizens - adopt an informed and balanced approach across professional and international boundaries
2. UC graduates are global citizens - behave ethically and sustainably in their professional and personal lives
2. UC graduates are global citizens - communicate effectively in diverse cultural and social settings
2. UC graduates are global citizens - think globally about issues in their profession
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - be self-aware
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - evaluate and adopt new technology
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development
Skills development
Individuals entering our programs bring with them a diversity of attributes and experiences. As students of the University they will develop the qualities of critical thinking, curiosity and reflective practice. They will use foresight, initiative and leadership, and be open to alternative perspectives. As graduates, they will continue to learn and thrive in environments of complexity, ambiguity and change.
Prerequisites
Plants and Animals, 623, and Biostatistics, 10222.Corequisites
Integrated Catchment Science, 10224.Incompatible units
None.Equivalent units
Principles of Ecology, 6920.Assumed knowledge
1st year biology and mathematics.| Year | Location | Teaching period | Teaching start date | Delivery mode | Unit convener |
|---|
Required texts
Lists of recommended texts/readings
Krebs, C.J. (2013). Ecology: The Experimental Analysis of Distribution and Abundance. (6th Ed.) Pearson New International Edition.
OR Krebs, C.J. (2013) Ecology: The Experimental Analysis of Distribution & Abundance Pearson New International Edition VitalSource eText, 6th Edition
Strongly recommended
Engleberg, I.N. and Wynn, D.R. (2013). Working In Groups: Communication Principles and Strategies. 6th Edn. Pearson Education.
Other readings will be available on the Unit Canvas website and eReserve.
Submission of assessment items
Special assessment requirements
To pass the Unit students must have an aggregate mark of 50% or more
Individual student's marks for group assignments may be adjusted (up or down) based on their contribution to the group assignment
Academic integrity
Students have a responsibility to uphold University standards on ethical scholarship. Good scholarship involves building on the work of others and use of others' work must be acknowledged with proper attribution made. Cheating, plagiarism, and falsification of data are dishonest practices that contravene academic values. Refer to the University's Student Charter for more information.
To enhance understanding of academic integrity, all students are expected to complete the Academic Integrity Module (AIM) at least once during their course of study. You can access this module within UCLearn (Canvas) through the 'Academic Integrity and Avoiding Plagiarism' link in the Study Help site.
Use of Text-Matching Software
The University of Canberra uses text-matching software to help students and staff reduce plagiarism and improve understanding of academic integrity. The software matches submitted text in student assignments against material from various sources: the internet, published books and journals, and previously submitted student texts.
Grading
The unit is structured to enable students to demonstrate their full range of skills and depth of understanding and breadth of knowledge of the subject matter covered during the unit. Grades take into account the degree to which students demonstrate their ability to (i) think conceptually, (ii) understand, analyse and solve problems, and (iii) investigate, interpret and create linkages across the various topics covered in the Unit. Students wishing to attain a high grade (e.g. D or HD) need to demonstrate broader and more in-depth understanding of the subject matter than that presented in class (i.e. in lectures). Students are expected to draw on their prior academic knowledge and experiences when preparing their assignments for this unit and the final exam.
Because this unit contains a considerable proportion of group work, students are required to complete the record of work – group member contribution form for each group assessment. These forms can be used to adjust the marks of individual group members up or down based on the contribution made by the individual group member. This process will be explained in more detail in class when assignments are given out and in the assignment sheets.
Further information about marking criteria (including marking rubrics) will be provided on the Unit’s Canvas website.
Learner engagement
The contact hours for each student in this unit consist of 22 hours of lectures (2 hrs x 11 weeks) and 16 hours of tutorials (2 hrs x 8 weeks). The remaining hours of workload are distributed across on campus field work (3h), off campus field work (24h), the mini-conference (4h) and the various assessment tasks and self-directed study.
Inclusion and engagement
Please make contact with Ross as early in the semester as possible.
Participation requirements
Students are expected to participate in all lectures and practical/laboratory classes in this Unit. Lectures and practical classes are designed to provide the information needed to pass the Unit.
The field classes are compulsory. If you have a concern about your participation in these activities (for example, that relates to a health problem or disability or extenuating personal circumstances) please speak to the Unit Convenor as soon as possible
Required IT skills
This unit involves the collection and analysis of data. Familiarity with standard data analysis packages (for example Excel) for storing, visualising and analysing data is essential.
This unit may involve online meetings in real time using the Virtual Room in your UCLearn teaching site. The Virtual Room allows you to communicate in real time with your lecturer and other students. To participate verbally, rather than just typing, you will need a microphone. For best audio quality we recommend a microphone and speaker headset. For more information and to test your computer, go to the Virtual Room in your UCLearn site and 'Join Course Room'. This will trigger a tutorial to help familiarise you with the functionality of the virtual room.
In-unit costs
Students are strongly recommended to purchase the textbook
Students will need to pay approximately $350 towards the cost of food, transport and accommodation for the mid semester field trip.
Work placement, internships or practicums
None
Additional information
Students are expected to attend the seminar series run by the Institute for Applied Ecology. Seminars will be held most weeks and occur during your scheduled seminar time. Details will be available on the Unit Website.
Caveat on delivery
Unforeseen circumstances beyond the unit convener's control could result in changes to the mode of delivery of lectures, tutorials and practicals (where applicable) and assessments. Students will be advised if this occurs and appropriate alternatives will be arranged.
