Ecology unit (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 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

Specific information on 2027 unit availability will be available in August

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

2027 fee information will be available in August.

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.