Key facts
UNE unit code: ECOL311
*You are viewing the 2024 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 2 - On Campus
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- Yes
- No
- 6
Unit information
If you have an interest in botany and ecology and want to extend your skills and knowledge in plant community ecology and fire ecology, this unit is for you. You will be introduced to key ecological concepts that related to the description and dynamics of Australian plant communities.
With a focus on the features of fire-prone Australian vegetation, you will explore definitions and classification of communities, community description in time and space, disturbance and succession.
A six-day field excursion to the semi-arid Pilliga Forest allows you to hone valuable practical skills and apply them in real-world scenarios. You will learn how to use various methods of sampling and data analysis, vegetation classification and statistical modelling of vegetation dynamics. Work performed during the field trip will form the basis of your major project for this unit.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 2 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
| Trimester 2 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
| Start | Finish | Duration | Attendance | Offerings | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29 July 2024 | 02 August 2024 | 5 days | Mandatory Intensive School | All offerings | On campus and online students must attend the 5-day mandatory intensive school. Students will be required to meet in Armidale on day one to attend the 4-day field trip. The 5th day will be held on-campus. An optional 6th day on-campus will be available to students wishing to brush up on Australian grass ID and taxonomy. |
Enrolment rules
Notes
On campus and online students must attend the 5-day mandatory intensive school. Students will be required to meet in Armidale on day one to attend the 4-day field trip. The 5th day will be held on-campus. An optional 6th day on-campus will be available to students wishing to brush up on Australian grass ID and taxonomy.
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:
- demonstrate a broad and coherent technical and theoretical knowledge of plant community ecology and the ability to apply it in a practical environment;
- demonstrate practical skills and experience in dealing with plant community ecology;
- critically analyse ecological data and apply it to the description of plant communities, vegetation classification and modelling vegetation dynamics;
- demonstrate initiative and judgement in the application of appropriate approaches to ecological analysis and classification; and
- critically review and appraise scientific literature to present a coherent and sustained argument and to disseminate research results.
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 | Report - Analysis of data No. Words: 1500 |
| Practical Project | Yes | 50% | All offerings | No. Words: 3000 (equivalent) |
| Quizzes | Yes | 30% | All offerings | Two (2) quizzes |
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.
Experimental Design and Data Analysis for Biologists
ISBN: 9780521009768
Quinn, G.P. and Keogh, M.J., Cambridge University Press 2007
Text refers to: All offerings
Mixed Effects Models and Extensions in Ecology with R
ISBN: 9781441927644
Zuur, A., Ieno, E.N., Walker, N., Saveliev, A.A. and Smith, G.M., Springer 2009
Text refers to: All offerings
Community Ecology
ISBN: 9781405124119
Morin, P.J., Wiley 2nd ed. 2011
Text refers to: All offerings
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