BIO 3314 Applied Ecology

STAFFING:

REQUISITES:

RATIONALE:

Management of terrestrial ecosystems requires knowledge and understanding of the patterns and processes of animal and plant populations and communities. In addition, knowledge of the structuring and dynamics of natural and disturbed environments are important components of current resource management practices. This course is designed to teach the principles of habitat assessment through knowledge of vegetation structure and dynamics, the basic principles and aims of wildlife management and the inter-relationships between wildlife, vegetation and the environment. The course is of value to environmental scientists, engineers, field biologists, natural resource managers and professional ecologists.

SYNOPSIS:

THIS COURSE IS OFFERED IN EVEN-NUMBERED YEARS ONLY. The course provides knowledge of the habitat ecology, population dynamics and community ecology of terrestrial ecosystems, with an Australian focus. The main theory topics are the biogeography and adaptations of the Australian flora and fauna, principles and advanced applications of ecology and principles of wildlife and vegetation management. Advanced techniques in sampling and analysing animal and plant populations and communities are also explored. Practical work will include compulsory extended field studies.

OBJECTIVES:

On completion of this course students will be able to:

1. demonstrate an understanding of the characteristics of the Australian environment and the evolution of Australia's unique terrestrial flora and fauna;
2. develop an understanding of the biogeography of the Australian flora and fauna in relation to historical and present day factors;
3. demonstrate an understanding of how Australia's vegetation shows pattern on scales related to different influencing factors;
4. describe the physiological and behavioural adaptations of terrestrial vertebrates for coping with fluctuating Australian environments;
5. demonstrate an understanding of and apply major ecological theories, concepts and models to practical problems in wildlife and vegetation management;
6. demonstrate an understanding of and describe the ecological processes operating at the landscape level;
7. apply basic ecological methods to studies of vegetation and wildlife;
8. actively participate in field and laboratory practical sessions and demonstrate competence in the application of advanced ecological methods to the study of terrestrial ecosystems.

TOPICS:

TEXT and MATERIALS required to be PURCHASED or accessed:

ALL textbooks and materials are available for purchase from USQ BOOKSHOP (unless otherwise stated). Orders may be placed via secure internet, free fax 1800642453, phone 07 46312742 (within Australia), or mail. Overseas students should fax +61 7 46311743, or phone +61 7 46312742. For costs, further details, and internet ordering, use the 'Textbook Search' facility at http://bookshop.usq.edu.au click 'Semester', then enter your 'Course Code' (no spaces).

REFERENCE MATERIALS:

STUDENT WORKLOAD REQUIREMENTS:

ASSESSMENT DETAILS:

NOTES:

1.

Examination dates will be available during the Semester. Please refer to the examination timetable when published.

IMPORTANT ASSESSMENT INFORMATION

1. Attendance requirements:
   It is the students' responsibility to attend and participate appropriately in all activities (such as lectures, tutorials, laboratories and practical work) scheduled for them, and to study all material provided to them or required to be accessed by them to maximise their chance of meeting the objectives of the course and to be informed of course-related activities and administration.
2. Requirements for students to complete each assessment item satisfactorily:
   To complete each of the assignments satisfactorily, students must obtain at least 50% of the marks available for each assignment. To complete the examination satisfactorily, students must obtain at least 50% of the marks available for the examination. To complete the practical component satisfactorily, students must submit all the nominated practical reports and obtain at least 50% of the marks available for each report submitted.
3. Penalties for late submission of required work:
   If students submit assignments after the due date without prior approval then a penalty of up to 20% of the total marks gained by the student for the assignment will apply for each working day late.
4. Requirements for student to be awarded a passing grade in the course:
   To be assured of a passing grade, students must demonstrate, via the summative assessment items, that they have achieved the required minimum standards in relation to the objectives of the course by: (i) satisfactorily completing the examination and assignments; and (ii) obtaining at least 50% of the total weighted marks available for all summative assessment items.
5. Method used to combine assessment results to attain final grade:
   The final grades for students will be assigned on the basis of the weighted aggregate of the marks obtained for each of the summative assessment items in the course.
6. Examination information:
   In a Closed Examination, candidates are allowed to bring only writing and drawing instruments into the examination.
7. Examination period when Deferred/Supplementary examinations will be held:
   Any Deferred or Supplementary examinations for this course will normally be held during the next examination period, although at the discretion of the examiner, in consultation with the student(s) an alternative date may be arranged.
8. University Regulations:
   Students should read USQ Regulations 5.1 Definitions, 5.6. Assessment, and 5.10 Academic Misconduct for further information and to avoid actions which might contravene University Regulations. These regulations can be found at the URL http://www.usq.edu.au/corporateservices/calendar/part5.htm or in the current USQ Handbook.

ASSESSMENT NOTES