91154 Ecology

6cp

Requisite(s): 91101 Cells, Genetics and Evolution OR 91102 Animal Function and Diversity

Management and remediation of the vast array of environmental problems facing the globe require a rigorous, scientific understanding of how ecosystems work. In this second-year subject students are introduced to fundamental ecological principles underpinning the structure and function of ecosystems.

Topics covered include variation in the abundance and distribution of organisms across a range of spatial and temporal scales, the flow of energy and matter through ecosystems (with an emphasis on global variation in primary productivity), species interactions, life-history variation, ecological modelling, and the application of ecological knowledge to the conservation and management of biodiversity.

Theoretical and empirical examples are provided using a broad cross-section of organisms (e.g. invertebrates and vertebrates) and ecosystems (e.g. aquatic and terrestrial). Field work in several different systems (e.g. woodland vegetation, rocky shore habitat) during practical classes is compulsory. This subject is an important link to a range of third-year subjects that require a deep understanding of ecological concepts.

Typical availability

Autumn semester, City campus

Fee information

2007 contribution for post-2004 Commonwealth-supported students: $889.75
2007 amount for undergraduate domestic fee-paying students: $2,250.00
Subject EFTSL: 0.125
Note: The above fees are applicable in 2007 for Commonwealth-supported students who commenced after 2004 and domestic fee-paying undergraduate students only. Pre-2005 Commonwealth-supported 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. Domestic fee-paying 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.