Ecology unit (KPZ163)

Hobart

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 humans impact 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 tasks include a mix of in class and face-to-face assessment, practical reports and tests. 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	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

Note

Please check that your computer meets the minimum System Requirements if you are attending via Distance/Off-Campus.

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	5/7/2026	27/7/2026	30/8/2026	24/10/2026

* 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 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

• Describe the concepts of ecology and their relevance to real world scenarios.
• Apply scientific methods to solve ecological problems.
• Communicate scientific ideas and results in written, verbal and graphic forms.
• Use scientific literature to address fundamental and applied questions in ecology.

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
050999	$1,192.00	$1,192.00	not applicable	$3,575.00

• 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.

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 XPD131

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	Pre-recorded lecture content provided each week, 12 x one hour weekly lectorial and 11 x three hour weekly practical field or laboratory classes, as well as some online self-paced activities.
Assessment	3 x In Class Practical Assessment (15%)|Mating Systems Report (17.5%)|Winkle Size Distribution Report (17.5%)|Module 1 Test (25%)|Module 2 Exam (25%)
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.

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.