Diversity of Life and Habitats (11772.1)

This unit introduces students to the fundamental skills which underpin environmental science. It provides a foundational understanding of the physical and biological world including geology, soils, plants and animals. The emphasis is on developing the skills required to observe, describe and explain the natural world including habitat description, spatial patterns and interactions between the physical and biological world. Concepts are taught in an applied context, focussing on real-world environmental challenges.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1. Identify and classify the fundamental components of physical environments;
2. Identify and classify the basic structure and function of organisms;
3. Integrate and apply physical, ecological and evolutionary principles to interpret the diversity of life;
4. Demonstrate an understanding of spatial patterns in diversity based on fundamental physical and biological factors; and
5. Describe and explain elements of the natural world using scientific inquiry-based approaches.

Graduate attributes

1. 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
2. UC graduates are global citizens - make creative use of technology in their learning and professional lives
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - evaluate and adopt new technology

Prerequisites

None.

Corequisites

None.

Incompatible units

• None.

Equivalent units

623 Plants and Animals

Assumed knowledge

None.