BIO2208 Introductory Ecology
| Subject | Cat-nbr | Class | Term | Mode | Description | Units | Campus |
| BIO | 2208 | 74669 | 1, 2008 | ONC | Introductory Ecology | 1.00 | Toowoomba |
|---|
| Academic group: | FOSCI |
| Academic org: | FOS002 |
| Student contribution band: | 2 |
| ASCED code: | 010905 |
Contents
- Staffing
- Requisites
- Rationale
- Synopsis
- Objectives
- Topics
- Texts
- Reference materials
- Student workload
- Assessment details
- Important assessment information
- Assessment notes
- Other requirements
- Production date
-
PDF version
STAFFING
Examiner: Martine MaronModerator: Andrew Le Brocque
REQUISITES
Pre-requisite: BIO2103 and STA2300RATIONALE
Knowledge of ecological systems and processes and their contribution to our understanding of the effects of human activities on biodiversity and the environment has become essential for graduates in all disciplines. This course aims to provide a basic understanding of the fundamentals of ecological theory and practice, and is of particular relevance to students wishing to pursue careers in biology, environmental science, natural resource management, environmental education and engineering. For ecology and sustainability students, this course will provide the foundation for more advanced ecology courses in their programme.
SYNOPSIS
This course provides knowledge on the principles and applied aspects of sampling organisms from a variety of natural systems, the fundamental ecology of populations, communities and ecosystems, and the analysis and interpretation of ecological patterns. Practical work in the course will investigate sampling strategies and methods for a wide variety of organisms, population life history and dynamics of species, and community structure and composition in disturbed and natural habitats. Practical work may include compulsory extended field studies.
OBJECTIVES
On completion of this course students will be able to:
- 1.
- demonstrate an understanding of the contribution of ecological principles to biodiversity and conservation through the study of biological invasions, species extinctions and landscapes (Report 2, Exam);
- 2.
- demonstrate an understanding of major Australian ecosystems (Report 2, Quiz, Exam);
- 3.
- demonstrate competence in practical ecology in a variety of field situations and in the laboratory (Reports 1, Quiz, Exam);
- 4.
- demonstrate an understanding of the basic concepts of sampling organisms (Report 2, Quiz);
- 5.
- demonstrate a basic understanding of, and competence in, methods used to analyse ecological data (Reports 1 and 2, Quiz).
TOPICS
| Description | Weighting (%) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | The Nature of Ecology : levels of ecological organisation; concepts & limitations; organism & environment. |
8.00 |
| 2. | Quantitative Ecology: experiments & analysis of ecological data, sampling theory, estimating abundance and biomass; sampling mobile organisms. |
24.00 |
| 3. | Populations: density and dispersal, population regulation, life history strategies, and metapopulations. |
20.00 |
| 4. | Species Interactions: Inter-specific competition, mutualism, commensalism, amansalism, herbivory and predation |
8.00 |
| 5. | Communities: community concept; community structure and roles of organisms; richness and diversity; ecological niche. |
8.00 |
| 6. | Succession and Disturbance: community development, primary vs secondary succession, models of succession, disturbance and fire. |
8.00 |
| 7. | Biodiversity Landscapes and Conservation: biological diversity, extinction, invasions, conservation biology. |
24.00 |
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).
Krebs, CJ 2001, Ecology: the experimental analysis of distribution and abundance, Addison-Wesley, San Francisco.
Le Brocque, A & Maron, M 2007, BIO2208 - Ecology practical notes and supplementary materials (Available: USQ StudyDesk).
(this item will be made available electronically on the StudyDesk.)
REFERENCE MATERIALS
Reference materials are materials that, if accessed by students, may improve their knowledge and understanding of the material in the course and enrich their learning experience.
Attiwill, P & Wilson, B 2003, Ecology: an Australian perspective, th edn, Oxford University Press, South Melbourne.
Dytham, C 2003, Choosing and using statistics: a biologists guide, 2nd edn, Blackwell Science, Oxford.
Ebert, TA 1998, Plant and animal populations: methods in demography, Academic Press, San Diego.
Fowler, J, Cohen, L & Jarvis, P 1998, Practical statistics for field biology, 2nd edn, Wiley, Chichester.
Krebs, CJ 1999, Ecological methodology, 2nd edn, Benjamin/Cummings, Menlo Park.
Mackenzie, A, Ball, AS & Virdee, SR 1998, Instant notes in ecology, Bios Scientific Publishers, Oxford.
STUDENT WORKLOAD REQUIREMENTS
| ACTIVITY | HOURS |
| Examinations | 2.00 |
| Field Trips or Excursions | 18.00 |
| Lectures | 34.00 |
| Private Study | 60.00 |
| Quiz Questions | 1.50 |
| Report Writing | 35.00 |
| Tutorials | 20.00 |
ASSESSMENT DETAILS
| Description | Marks out of | Wtg(%) | Due date | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| REPORT 1 | 15.00 | 15.00 | 03 Mar 2008 | (see note 1) | |
| REPORT 2 | 25.00 | 25.00 | 03 Mar 2008 | (see note 2) | |
| QUIZ | 20.00 | 20.00 | 03 Mar 2008 | (see note 3) | |
| 2 HR CLOSED EXAMINATION | 40.00 | 40.00 | END S1 | (see note 4) | |
NOTES
- 1.
- Further details about the due dates and assessments for Reports 1 will be provided by the Examiner.
- 2.
- Further details about the due dates and assessments for Reports 2 will be provided by the Examiner.
- 3.
- Further details about the due dates and assessments for Quiz will be provided by the Examiner.
- 4.
- Examination dates will be available during the Semester. Please refer to the examination timetable when published.
IMPORTANT ASSESSMENT INFORMATION
- 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. To maximize their chances of satisfying the objectives of the practical component of the course, students should attend and actively participate in the laboratory sessions in the course. - 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 practical component satisfactorily, students must submit all of the nominated practical reports and obtain at least 50% of the marks available for each report submitted. (Depending on the requirements in Statement 4 below, students may not have to satisfactorily complete each assessment item to receive a passing grade in this course). - Penalties for late submission of required work:
If students submit assignments after the due date without (prior) approval of the examiner then a penalty of 5% of the total marks gained by the student for the assignment may apply for each working day late up to ten working days at which time a mark of zero may be recorded.. No assignments will be accepted after model answers have been posted. - Requirements for student to be awarded a passing grade in the course:
To be assured of receiving a passing grade a student must achieve at least 50% of the total weighted marks available for the course. - 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. - Examination information:
In a Closed Examination, candidates are allowed to bring only writing and drawing instruments into the examination. - Examination period when Deferred/Supplementary examinations will be held:
Any Deferred or Supplementary examinations for this course will be held in the next examination period or as advised by the Examiner. - 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
| 9. | The due date for an assignment is the date by which a student must despatch the assignment to the USQ. The onus is on the student to provide proof of the despatch date, if requested by the Examiner. Students must retain a copy of each item submitted for assessment. This must be produced within five days if required by the Examiner. In accordance with University's Assignment Extension Policy (Regulation 5.6.1), the examiner of a course may grant an extension of the due date of an assignment in extenuating circumstances. |
| 10. | In order to attend laboratory classes, students must provide and wear appropriate personal protective equipment. This shall include a laboratory coat, closed in shoes, and safety glasses. Such equipment must be approved by supervising staff. Failure to provide and wear the appropriate safety equipment will result in students being excluded from classes. |
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
- A Course Assignment Cover Sheet must be signed and attached to the front of any assignments/reports.
- All assignments/reports must be word-processed and follow the formatting requirements provided.
This version produced 28 Aug 2009.