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Not currently available in 2021

Unit description

Examines the principles and concepts of plant and animal interactions with the abiotic and biotic environment. Consideration is given to the individual, population, community and ecosystem levels of organisation. Aspects of human ecology and human impact on the environment are introduced. Field and laboratory studies will include quantitative analysis and qualitative observations of natural systems and processes, experimental design and critical comparisons of different quantitative sampling and measurement techniques.

Unit content

  • The nature of ecology
  • Organisms and the environment
  • Life history and evolution
  • Populations
  • Species interactions
  • Community ecology
  • Ecosystems ecology
  • Biogeography
  • Landscape ecology
  • Ecological sampling and experimentation, data collection and analysis

Learning outcomes

Unit Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a unit. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes. The unit learning outcomes and graduate attributes are also the basis of evaluating prior learning.

GA1: Intellectual rigour, GA2: Creativity, GA3: Ethical practice, GA4: Knowledge of a discipline, GA5: Lifelong learning, GA6: Communication and social skills, GA7: Cultural competence
On completion of this unit, students should be able to:GA1GA2GA3GA4GA5GA6GA7
1understand basic ecological principles and processes operating at the individual, population, community and ecosystem levelKnowledge of a discipline
2demonstrate skills in qualitative and quantitative analysis and data interpretationIntellectual rigour
3demonstrate skills in experimental design and ecological sampling methods associated with field studies and laboratory experimentationIntellectual rigourKnowledge of a discipline
4demonstrate skills in the oral and written presentation of ecological concepts and data.Intellectual rigourKnowledge of a disciplineCommunication and social skills

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

  1. understand basic ecological principles and processes operating at the individual, population, community and ecosystem level
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
  2. demonstrate skills in qualitative and quantitative analysis and data interpretation
    • GA1: Intellectual rigour
  3. demonstrate skills in experimental design and ecological sampling methods associated with field studies and laboratory experimentation
    • GA1: Intellectual rigour
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
  4. demonstrate skills in the oral and written presentation of ecological concepts and data.
    • GA1: Intellectual rigour
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
    • GA6: Communication and social skills

Teaching and assessment

Notice

Intensive offerings may or may not be scheduled in every session. Please refer to the timetable for further details.

Southern Cross University employs different teaching methods within units to provide students with the flexibility to choose the mode of learning that best suits them. SCU academics strive to use the latest approaches and, as a result, the learning modes and materials may change. The most current information regarding a unit will be provided to enrolled students at the beginning of the study session.

Fee information

Domestic

Commonwealth Supported courses
For information regarding Student Contribution Amounts please visit the Student Contribution Amounts.

Fee paying courses
For postgraduate or undergraduate full fee paying courses please check Domestic Postgraduate Fees OR Domestic Undergraduate Fees

International

Please check the international course and fee list to determine the relevant fees.

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