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BS2460 - Fundamentals of Ecology

[Offered in odd-numbered years in JCU Singapore. ]

Credit points: 03
Year: 2019
Student Contribution Band: Band 2
Administered by: College of Science and Engineering

This subject is an introduction to key ecological concepts. General themes will be illustrated using local and global examples from terrestrial, marine, and freshwater ecosystems. Particular emphasis will be placed on the ecological processes that drive the evolution and maintenance of biodiversity, and how this relates to current conservation efforts. Tutorial and practical sessions will centre on fieldtrips that emphasise the practical aspects of collecting quantitative field data to address ecological questions.

Learning Outcomes

  • ability to critically assess ecological hypotheses;
  • appreciation of the relationship between ecological theory and conservation and management of natural populations and communities;
  • be familiar with key concepts in population and community ecology.
Assumed
Knowledge: 		Students enrolling in this subject should have a good understanding of level 1 biology or environmental science.
Prerequisites: 6cp of Level 1 or 2 BZ/BS or EV subjects
Inadmissible
Subject
Combinations: 		AG2006 BZ2880 BZ5440 BZ5880 BZ2440 MB2060 BS5460

Availabilities
Townsville, Internal, Study Period 2
Census Date 29-Aug-2019
Coordinator: Professor Mark McCormick
Lecturers: Professor Stephen Williams, Professor Sean Connolly, Dr Ben Hirsch, Professor Mark McCormick.
Contact hours:
  • 25 hours lectures
  • 7 hours tutorials
  • 3 days fieldwork
Assessment: end of semester exam (30%); tutorial attendance and participation (15%); lecture exams (20%); essays (20%); field trip assessment (15%).
Special Assessment Requirements: Students enrolled in the Environmental Engineering course will attend additional tutorials

JCU Singapore, Internal, Study Period 52
Census Date 08-Aug-2019
Coordinator: Dr Ben Hirsch
Contact hours:
  • 56 hours - Combined Lectures; tutorials; and fieldwork
    Assessment: end of semester exam (30%); tutorial attendance and participation (15%); lecture exams (20%); essays (20%); field trip assessment (15%).
    Special Assessment Requirements: Students enrolled in the Environmental Engineering course will attend additional tutorials

    Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.