Course overview
The aim of this course is 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. 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.
Course learning outcomes
- Describe the role of biodiversity in ecosystems and its importance in world biomes.
- Describe the interrelationships between plants and animals in natural and artificial habitats.
- Identify and categorise flora and fauna in the field.
- Measure plant and animal populations and communities and analyse numerical data in study groups.
- Propagate plants and seeds in the lab and the greenhouse.