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Insect Ecology and Behaviour unit (KLA611)

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Unit year 2027

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Location: Hobart

Offered in odd-years only.

Introduction

Insects are central to the functioning of natural and agricultural ecosystems, acting as pollinators, predators, herbivores and prey, while also responding rapidly to environmental change. In this unit, you will explore five contemporary areas of insect ecology and behaviour: reproduction, pollination, predation, herbivory and global insect declines.

Across these themes, you will examine current hypotheses, evaluate the evidence that supports or challenges them, and consider how entomological research can be applied to major environmental and agricultural problems, including sustainable pest management, crop production, biodiversity conservation and insect decline.

You will also work with teaching staff and other students to design and conduct experiments using insects. Through these investigations, you will develop skills in experimental design, collection and analysis of biological, ecological and behavioural data, evaluation of scientific hypotheses, and communication of research findings using appropriate scientific conventions.

Summary

Unit name Insect Ecology and Behaviour
Unit code KLA611
Credit points 12.5
College/School Sciences and Engineering
Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture
Discipline Agriculture and Food Systems
Coordinator Doctor Jonathan Finch
Delivered By University of Tasmania
Level Postgraduate

Sustainable Development Goals

The Unit Coordinator has identified that this unit aligns with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals. We welcome your thoughts and feedback on the alignment of the unit with these goals.

Availability

Location Study period Attendance options Available to
Hobart Semester 1 This unit is available through on-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
  • Key:
  • This unit is available through on-campus delivery On-campus
  • This unit is available through off-campus delivery Off-Campus
  • Available to International Students International students
  • Available to Domestic 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 1 22/02/2027 16/03/2027 19/04/2027 13/06/2027

* 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 2027 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2027 will be available from the 1st October 2026. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

  • Analyse and synthesise contemporary issues in insect ecology and behaviour using advanced biological, ecological and behavioural concepts and scientific evidence.
  • Independently design, justify and conduct experiments to investigate complex questions in insect ecology and behaviour and test scientific hypotheses.
  • Analyse biological, ecological and behavioural data to evaluate hypotheses, uncertainty and alternative explanations in insect ecology and behaviour.
  • Communicate and defend findings from entomological investigations using appropriate scientific conventions and evidence-based argument.

Fee Information

Field of Education Commencing Student Contribution 1,3 Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3 Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3 Domestic Full Fee 4
050101 $613.00 $613.00 not applicable
  • Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
  • HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility3
  • FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility4

1 Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
2 Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
3 Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
4 Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Teaching

AssessmentScientific report (30%)|Term Project: Final Report (30%)|Final Exam (40%)
TimetableView 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.

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