University of Technology SydneyHandbook 2006

91370 Semi Arid Ecology

6cp; block, as a 10- to 14-day excursion, usually in July
Requisite(s): 91153 Catchment Ecosystems AND 91154 Ecology AND 91309 Biodiversity
Recommended studies: A thorough knowledge of basic ecology is a prerequisite for this subject.

This and other extended field electives are normally taken in the senior stages of the degree course. A prerequisite for this subject is that students have a thorough knowledge of basic ecology. The aim is to broaden students' understanding of environmental biology and its management applications by demonstration and experimentation outside the Sydney Basin. The importance of water and water management, rangeland management and national park management of dry areas is included, along with ecological studies of factors determining the structure and composition of Semi Arid flora and fauna.

Enrolment in the subject is restricted by the availability of space in vehicles. Preference is given to Environmental Science students, but is also based on academic performance over Stages 2–4.

Additional subject costs: The approximate cost of this subject to students is $650. For up-to-date costs and excursion dates, refer to Department of Environmental Sciences website at:

Assessment: Assessment involves submission of a log book/journal and a project report or presentation, to be completed after the field excursion.

Typical availability

This subject is offered every third year of a three-year cycle, alternating with 91371 Forest and Mountain Ecology. It will next be offered in Spring semester 2006.

Fee information

2006 contribution for 2005/06 commencing Commonwealth-supported undergraduate students: $872.38
2006 amount for undergraduate domestic fee-paying students: $2,190.00
Subject EFTSL: 0.125
Note: The above fees are applicable in 2006 for 2005/06 commencing Commonwealth-supported and domestic fee-paying undergraduate students only. Pre-2005 Commonwealth-supported undergraduate students should consult the Student contribution charges for Commonwealth supported students webpage.
Not all students are eligible for Commonwealth supported places, and not all subjects are available to Commonwealth supported students. Other students (such as postgraduate students and international students) should refer to the Fees webpage.

Access conditions

Note: The requisite information presented in this subject description covers only academic requisites. Full details of all enforced rules, covering both academic and admission requisites, are available at Access conditions and My Student Admin.