91154 Ecology
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particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source
of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.
Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Result type: Grade and marks
Requisite(s): 91107 The Biosphere OR 91123 Nature and Evolution
Description
Ecology is the study of the relationships between living species and the abiotic environment. Ecology also provides critical evidence on the benefits of functional ecosystems and how human communities can support Earth’s resources in ways that leave the environment healthy for future generations. In this subject, students learn how spatial and temporal variations in the biotic and abiotic attributes of environments determine variation in ecosystems across aquatic and terrestrial biomes.
This subject develops hands-on scientific skills that are vital for ecological careers across the globe. A broad cross-section of living organisms, ranging from plants to animal invertebrates and vertebrates, are used to illustrate complex ecological patterns and processes across the Australian landscape. During field trips to marine intertidal zones and forest ecosystems, and in follow-on on-campus practicals, students collect and explore their own scientific data to better understand the world around them.
This subject is an important link to a range of advanced studies that require both a deep understanding of ecological concepts as well as the ability to collect ecological data and apply ecological knowledge to manage and remediate environmental problems.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | Explain how spatial and temporal variation drives changes in the structures and functions of ecosystems across aquatic and terrestrial biomes. |
|---|---|
| 2. | Explain how variations in environmental conditions and resources (i.e. natural and anthropogenic) characterize the ecological niches of species and influence species distribution and abundance. |
| 3. | Assess and identify different ecological communities and contrast the key types of species interactions. |
| 4. | Explain how life-history strategies are underpinned by trade-offs in evolutionary response to variations in the environment. |
| 5. | Use field methods to non-destructively sample plant and animal species across multiple ecosystems in a scientifically appropriate manner. |
| 6. | Conduct statistical tests to analyse field-collected data, interpret the outcomes in relation to ecological predictions, and communicate the results. |
| 7. | Apply fundamental ecological knowledge to advocate for the conservation of native biodiversity. |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the development of following course intended learning outcomes:
- Demonstrate theoretical and technical knowledge of the principles of biodiversity and ecosystem function and evaluate and integrate principles of sustainability and conservation to protect biodiversity. (1.1)
- Critically evaluate scientific evidence and literature and apply effective and appropriate experimental design and analytical techniques to discover and hypothesise solutions to new and emerging environmental issues. (2.1)
- Demonstrate professionalism, including personal organisation, autonomy, teamwork, literacy and quantitative skills, while ensuring due consideration to ethical guidelines, work health and safety and environmental impact requirements. (3.1)
- Evaluate evolving concepts in environmental science and apply scientific skills to design creative solutions to contemporary or complex environmental issues by incorporating innovative methods, reflective practices, and self-directed learning. (4.1)
- Communicate effectively and professionally (oral, written, visual), generating defensible, convincing arguments for relaying research findings or articulating complex issues, concepts or skill around environmental science, within a multi-disciplinary setting. (5.1)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
Graduate Attributes
1. Disciplinary Knowledge
In all classes, you will learn how spatial and temporal variations in biotic and abiotic attributes of the environment determine the structure and function of ecosystems. This broad knowledge base covers ecological theory and its application in real-world terrestrial, marine and freshwater ecosystems and encourages students to explore how human activities lead to changes in the natural environment.
2. Research, Inquiry and Critical Thinking
You will investigate a series of scientific questions about environmental issues and collect and explore scientific evidence in the field and laboratory practicals. Thinking critically about ecological data is a key part of the subject, and you will learn ways to apply fundamental statistical techniques and to use the scientific method to solve ecological problems. During fieldwork, you will collect your own ecological data following the same approaches as experts around the globe. In doing this, you gain hands-on field experience investigating a variety of plant and animal communities in the Sydney region and interpret the outcomes in an ecological and evolutionary context.
3.Professional, Ethical and Social Responsibility
You will learn core technical skills for the collection and analysis of ecological data. These skills include: design and implementation of plant and animal sampling and surveys; bird, plant and invertebrate identification; the application of statistical techniques; data handling; and graphical literacy skills.
Your grasp of the technical skills – and your ability to evaluate and discuss your findings in a meaningful ecological context – are assessed in assignments during the session which require presentation of data, analytical outcomes as well as interpretations of the emergent patterns. You will receive personalised feedback on your submissions allowing for continual improvement over the course of the session. You will be directly advised of the WHS and ethical issues related to working in field and laboratory situations so that you can perform required tasks safely and effectively.
4. Reflection, Innovation and Creativity
You will learn how to consider the intellectual and practical features of this subject in your everyday life. This subject promotes the ability to be a reflective Lifelong Learner about the natural world with a continued desire to understand ecosystems, the benefits they provide, and the impact human activities have on biodiversity and ecosystem function. Furthermore, given scientific theories continually evolve as our understanding of the natural world deepens, and as this subject reflects upon the changing and progressing nature of ecological theory over time, you will appreciate the importance of continued learning in the field of ecology.
5. Communication
You will further develop your written and oral communication skills that draw on the use of relevant sources of information in the style of practicing ecologists. Constructive feedback is provided throughout the session to allow you to strengthen your communication skills. You are also encouraged to seek and make use of ecological literature throughout the course. In-class attendance and consultation with your teachers is vital and provides you with the opportunity to interact with experienced ecologists and fellow students to discuss scientific methodology and theoretical ideas in ecology. All topics related to the field and laboratory practicals are explored with you on request.
Teaching and learning strategies
Lectures
During the lectures, you will learn about spatial and temporal variations in biotic and abiotic attributes of the environment and how they determine the structure and function of ecosystems. This broad knowledge base is drawn from the research literature and you will have the opportunity to engage in short discussions with your peers during the lecture regarding the material and about real-world cases during class. You will continually reflect on new research data and apply the skills you learn from both the practical sessions and other resources to real life ecological problems. Lectures are delivered online and will include collaborative discussions and check-in points for general subject questions.
Field Trips
During field work, you collect your own ecological data using appropriate technical and professional skills. You will work collaboratively in small groups and practice how to collaborate in effective and equitable ways to ensure all data are collected in the available time. Prior to field trips, you are provided with identification guides for species, as well as guidance on efficient and scientifically-valid data collection across different ecosystems and safely working in the field.
Laboratory Practicals
The laboratory practicals include planning sessions where we explore the best-practice strategies you can use to collect field data from different ecosystems in Australia. Following each field trip, you will then work on your own field-collected data to statistically analyse and interpret your real-world findings. You will be able to show your teaching associates during the practical classes that you can complete analytical tasks individually to confirm integrity of out-of-class tasks in assessments. Laboratory practicals will assist you in understanding and interpreting real-world ecological data and ultimately assist you with your assignment submissions.
Online Learning
The online modules during the semester consist of online pre-work, involving carefully curated scientific information that set the ecological contexts for the classes ahead and learning how to analyse and visualise your field data using open access R and RStudio software and approaches that environmental organisations and research groups around the world rely upon.
A core aim of this subject is to help you to further develop your communication skills to succeed at university and in your future career. During the course of this subject, you will complete a milestone assessment task that will, in addition to assessing your subject-specific learning objectives, evaluate your levels of academic and professional communication.
Content (topics)
You are introduced to ecological principles underpinning the structure and function of ecosystems. Theoretical and empirical examples are provided using a broad cross-section of organisms and ecosystems to demonstrate unifying ecological themes. On completion of this subject, you will have begun to learn how to bridge the gap between disciplinary ecological knowledge and real-world conservation of biodiversity.
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Principles of Ecology Report
| Intent: | This assessment item addresses the following graduate attributes: 1. Disciplinary knowledge 2. Research, Inquiry and Critical Thinking 4. Reflection, Innovation, Creativity 5. Communication |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 1, 2, 3, 4 and 7 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1, 2.1, 4.1 and 5.1 |
| Type: | Presentation |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 35% |
| Criteria: | Detailed assessment criteria for the Principles of Ecology Report will be available on Canvas. Students will be assessed on:
English Language Proficiency - Milestone Task: This task includes a milestone assessment component that evaluates your academic and professional communication. You may be guided to further language support after the completion of this subject if your results in this milestone task indicate you need more help with your language skills. |
Assessment task 2: Ecology in Action
| Intent: | This assessment item addresses the following graduate attributes: 1. Disciplinary knowledge 2. Research, Inquiry and Critical Thinking 3. Professional, Ethical and Social Responsibility 4. Reflection, Innovation, Creativity 5. Communication |
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| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1, 2.1, 3.1, 4.1 and 5.1 |
| Type: | Demonstration |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 30% |
| Criteria: | Ecology in Action is designed to test student competencies in the key ecological skills taught and developed during this subject. This assessment requires attendance on campus and cannot be completed online. Detailed assessment information will be available on Canvas. |
Assessment task 3: Data Analysis Exercises
| Intent: | This assessment item addresses the following graduate attributes: 1. Disciplinary knowledge 2. Research, Inquiry and Critical Thinking 5. Communication |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 3, 5 and 6 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1, 2.1 and 5.1 |
| Type: | Exercises |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 35% |
| Criteria: | Detailed assessment criteria for the Data Analysis Exercises will be available on Canvas. Students will be assessed on:
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Minimum requirements
It is highly recommended you engage with lectures and online modules during the semester to stay on track with your progress.
This subject also has expert-led practical laboratories on campus and field trips to different locations in NSW. There are assessment items and skills-based competencies connected with these activities and you will not be able to complete certain tasks if you do not attend these classes.
Recommended texts
The following recommended text-books will be in Closed Reserve in the UTS Library during the session:
Begon M, Howarth RW, Townsend CR (2014) Essentials of Ecology. Fourth Edition. Blackwell Publishing.
Attiwill P, Wilson B (2006) Ecology: An Australian Perspective. Oxford University Press.