Sustainable Ecosystems

Course aim

To introduce the principles of ecology and biodiversity and familiarise students with flora and fauna of Australian ecosystems through practical methods of studying plants and animals in the field, the lab and the greenhouse.

Course content

The study of healthy ecosystems begins with an introduction to practical field sampling of plant and animal populations and the physical environment where they survive. Complex ecosystems are described by their structure and function. Ecosystem management topics apply principles of conserving and maintaining integrity through management of fire, pests, biodiversity management and restoration. Basic theory includes topics on ecology and evolution in, Australian ecosystems. Practical lab skills include plant propagation, assessment, and biological survey methods.

Textbook(s)

Knox, B, Ladiges, P, Evans, B and Saint R 2014, Biology: An Australian Focus, 5th edition, McGraw-Hill, Sydney

Prerequisite(s)

Common to all relevant programs
Subject Area & Catalogue Number	Course Name
BIOL 1014	Biodiversity for the Environment

Corequisite(s)

Nil

Teaching method

Component	Duration
INTERNAL, MAWSON LAKES
Seminar	2 hours x 13 weeks
Practical	3 hours x 8 weeks
Field Placement (Fieldwork: 1 guided field trip; 3 self-guided study trips)	N/A x N/A

Note: These components may or may not be scheduled in every study period. Please refer to the timetable for further details.

Assessment

Critical analysis, Quantitative exercise, Report, Technical documentation, Test/Quiz

Fees

EFTSL*: 0.125
Commonwealth Supported program (Band 2)
To determine the fee for this course as part of a Commonwealth Supported program, go to:
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Fee-paying program for domestic and international students
International students and students undertaking this course as part of a postgraduate fee paying program must refer to the relevant program home page to determine the cost for undertaking this course.

Non-award enrolment
Non-award tuition fees are set by the university. To determine the cost of this course, go to:
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Not all courses are available on all of the above bases, and students must check to ensure that they are permitted to enrol in a particular course.

* Equivalent Full Time Study Load. Please note: all EFTSL values are published and calculated at ten decimal places. Values are displayed to three decimal places for ease of interpretation.