School: Science

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

  • Unit Title

    Ecology
  • Unit Code

    SCI1185
  • Year

    2017
  • Enrolment Period

    1
  • Version

    1
  • Credit Points

    15
  • Full Year Unit

    N
  • Mode of Delivery

    On Campus
  • Unit Coordinator

    Dr Robert Allyn DAVIS

Description

This unit introduces students to the fundamental concepts in ecology, with a
particular emphasis on Australian examples.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

  1. Apply appropriate sampling theory and field techniques to the collection of ecological data.
  2. Describe the interrelationships between organisms with populations and communities,
  3. Describe the spatial and temporal patterns of change in communities,
  4. Describe the structure and functioning of ecosystems, especially in terms of nutrient cycling and energy dynamics,
  5. Describe the ways in which communities are classified,
  6. Explain the factors which influence the distribution and abundance of organisms at community and ecosystem level,

Unit Content

  1. Biotic communities, community structure, species diversity, spatial and temporal succession; ecotones and the edge effect; and concept of climax.
  2. Ecological characteristics of selected terrestrial and aquatic habitats.
  3. Sampling theory and ecological survey techniques, use of field equipment, use of basic ecological statistics to analyse collected data.
  4. The biosphere and the ecosystem: its biotic and abiotic components.
  5. The nature of ecosystems: biogeochemical cycles, trophic levels, energy flow, food webs, productivity, and limiting factors.
  6. The scope, subdivisions and roles of ecological science.

Additional Learning Experience Information

Lectures, interactive online learning and laboratories/field practicals

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

ON CAMPUS
TypeDescriptionValue
AssignmentField and laboratory reports35%
TestOnline tests15%
ExaminationFinal examination50%

Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005)

For the purposes of considering a request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005), inherent requirements for this subject are articulated in the Unit Description, Learning Outcomes and Assessment Requirements of this entry. The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the support for students with disabilities or medical conditions can be found at the Access and Inclusion website.

Academic Misconduct

Edith Cowan University has firm rules governing academic misconduct and there are substantial penalties that can be applied to students who are found in breach of these rules. Academic misconduct includes, but is not limited to:

  • plagiarism;
  • unauthorised collaboration;
  • cheating in examinations;
  • theft of other students' work;

Additionally, any material submitted for assessment purposes must be work that has not been submitted previously, by any person, for any other unit at ECU or elsewhere.

The ECU rules and policies governing all academic activities, including misconduct, can be accessed through the ECU website.

SCI1185|1|1

School: Science

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

  • Unit Title

    Ecology
  • Unit Code

    SCI1185
  • Year

    2017
  • Enrolment Period

    2
  • Version

    1
  • Credit Points

    15
  • Full Year Unit

    N
  • Mode of Delivery

    On Campus
    Online
  • Unit Coordinator

    Dr Robert Allyn DAVIS

Description

This unit introduces students to the fundamental concepts in ecology, with a
particular emphasis on Australian examples.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

  1. Apply appropriate sampling theory and field techniques to the collection of ecological data.
  2. Describe the interrelationships between organisms with populations and communities,
  3. Describe the spatial and temporal patterns of change in communities,
  4. Describe the structure and functioning of ecosystems, especially in terms of nutrient cycling and energy dynamics,
  5. Describe the ways in which communities are classified,
  6. Explain the factors which influence the distribution and abundance of organisms at community and ecosystem level,

Unit Content

  1. Biotic communities, community structure, species diversity, spatial and temporal succession; ecotones and the edge effect; and concept of climax.
  2. Ecological characteristics of selected terrestrial and aquatic habitats.
  3. Sampling theory and ecological survey techniques, use of field equipment, use of basic ecological statistics to analyse collected data.
  4. The biosphere and the ecosystem: its biotic and abiotic components.
  5. The nature of ecosystems: biogeochemical cycles, trophic levels, energy flow, food webs, productivity, and limiting factors.
  6. The scope, subdivisions and roles of ecological science.

Additional Learning Experience Information

Lectures, interactive online learning and laboratories/field practicals

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

ON CAMPUS
TypeDescriptionValue
AssignmentField and laboratory reports35%
TestOnline tests15%
ExaminationFinal examination50%

Core Reading(s)

  • P., S. (2014). Ecology : global insights and investigations (2nd ed.). New York, NY.: McGraw-Hill Education.

Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005)

For the purposes of considering a request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005), inherent requirements for this subject are articulated in the Unit Description, Learning Outcomes and Assessment Requirements of this entry. The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the support for students with disabilities or medical conditions can be found at the Access and Inclusion website.

Academic Misconduct

Edith Cowan University has firm rules governing academic misconduct and there are substantial penalties that can be applied to students who are found in breach of these rules. Academic misconduct includes, but is not limited to:

  • plagiarism;
  • unauthorised collaboration;
  • cheating in examinations;
  • theft of other students' work;

Additionally, any material submitted for assessment purposes must be work that has not been submitted previously, by any person, for any other unit at ECU or elsewhere.

The ECU rules and policies governing all academic activities, including misconduct, can be accessed through the ECU website.

SCI1185|1|2