Key facts
UNE unit code: ECOL204
*You are viewing the 2024 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - On Campus
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- Yes
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
Your ability to collect and analyse biological data efficiently and correctly is a core skill in ecology. The correct methods depend on the research question, available resources (e.g. equipment, time and money) and the logistic constraints of survey/experimental design.
This unit introduces you to data collection methods that are valuable in many scientific disciplines. You will learn sampling methods and survey designs for assessing changes along ecological gradients, linking these with modern techniques for data analysis and presentation.
Topics include the fundamental requirements of survey and experimental designs (e.g. randomisation, replication), types of ecological data, commonly used methods to sample plants and animals, and technical skills for field surveys.
You will also learn to analyse and present ecological data, focusing on correct interpretation of results, and strengths and limitations of various sampling and analytical methods.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
| Trimester 1 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
| Start | Finish | Duration | Attendance | Offerings | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 09 April 2024 | 12 April 2024 | 4 days | Mandatory Intensive School | All offerings | The Intensive School is mandatory for online and on campus students. |
Enrolment rules
Notes
The School of Environmental and Rural Science considers all practical/laboratory/tutorial activities as essential to student learning. Attendance and participation in all practical/laboratory/tutorial classes (sessions) is mandatory - exemptions will not be granted without supporting evidence
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- design a survey or ecological experiment with adequate replication and randomisation, and identify potential flaws in design, sampling methods and analysis;
- survey environmental variables, plants and animals in a standard, rigorous way using conventional methods in the field;
- apply these methods to assessing changes along ecological gradients (e.g., altitude, latitude, human disturbance);
- use graphical packages and computing software in the environmental sciences with confidence; and
- plot, analyse and interpret data from ecological surveys and experiments using conventional graphical and statistical techniques.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assignment 1 | Yes | 20% | All offerings | No. Words: 1500 |
| Assignment 2 | Yes | 30% | All offerings | No. Words: 2000 |
| Final Exam | Yes | 30% | All offerings | No. Words: 2200 |
| Mid-Trimester Quiz | Yes | 20% | All offerings | |
| Practical | Yes | All offerings | The School of Environmental and Rural Science considers all practical/laboratory/tutorial activities as essential to student learning. Attendance and participation in all practical/laboratory/tutorial classes (sessions) is mandatory - exemptions will not be granted without supporting evidence |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Recommended material is held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
The Analysis of Biological Data
ISBN: 9781319325343
Whitlock, M.C.and Schluter, D., Macmillan Learning UK 3rd ed. 2020
Text refers to: All offerings
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