Courses & Units
Ecology KPZ163
Introduction
This unit aims to provide you with an understanding of fundamental concepts in ecology focusing on the ways in which organisms interact with their environment. It will explore this organism-environment interaction at different levels of biological organisation – from individuals to populations to communities to ecosystems. It will also explore how human are impacting the ecology of other organisms through global change. In lectures, these principles will be highlighted by presentation and discussion of the history and theory of ecology, recent examples and advances from the literature, and detailed case studies. The practical classes are designed to develop understanding of the scientific method including research design, data analysis and synthesis with a specific focus on applying the scientific method to address key questions in ecology. Assessment include a mix of in class assessment, practical reports and an exam. This unit is taught in a blended mode with an emphasis on face to face delivery.
Summary
| Unit name | Ecology |
|---|---|
| Unit code | KPZ163 |
| Credit points | 12.5 |
| College/School | College of Sciences and Engineering School of Natural Sciences |
| Discipline | Biological Sciences |
| Coordinator | Associate Professor Geoff While |
| Available as an elective? | Yes |
| Delivered By | University of Tasmania |
| Level | Introductory |
Availability
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | On-Campus | International | Domestic | |
| Launceston | Semester 2 | On-Campus | International | Domestic | |
Key
- On-campus
- Off-Campus
- International students
- Domestic students
Note
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Units are offered in attending mode unless otherwise indicated (that is attendance is required at the campus identified). A unit identified as offered by distance, that is there is no requirement for attendance, is identified with a nominal enrolment campus. A unit offered to both attending students and by distance from the same campus is identified as having both modes of study.
Key Dates
| Study Period | Start date | Census date | WW date | End date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 2 | 22/7/2024 | 16/8/2024 | 9/9/2024 | 27/10/2024 |
* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).
Unit census dates currently displaying for 2024 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2024 will be available from the 1st October 2023. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).
Learning Outcomes
- Describe the concepts of ecology and their relevance to real world scenarios.
- Explain how ecological principles can be examined using scientific methods.
- Communicate scientific ideas and results in written, verbal and graphic forms.
- Use scientific literature to address fundamental and applied questions in ecology.
Fee Information
The 2024 Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) rates are still being finalised by the Government and we will update the domestic fee information as soon as we have more details.
Requisites
Mutual Exclusions
You cannot enrol in this unit as well as the following:
JFA101 AND JFA102 AND KPA160 AND KPA151 AND KPZ165 AND KPA150 AND XPD131Teaching
| Teaching Pattern | Lecture content provided each week, 13 x one hour weekly lectorial and 10 x three hour weekly practical field or laboratory classes, as well as some online self-paced activities. |
|---|---|
| Assessment | Slater Practical Report (5%)|Lectorial Quizzes (10%)|Mating Systems Report (12.5%)|Winkle Size Distribution Report (12.5%)|Abiotic and Biotic Factors Report (20%)|Examination (40%) |
| Timetable | View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable |
Textbooks
| Required |
Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes. |
|---|---|
| Recommended | Urry, L.A. et al. (2017) Campbell Biology, 11th Edition (Australian version). Pearson. | Links | Booktopia textbook finder |
The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.