Ecology (ECOL20003)
Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
Overview
| Availability | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
This subject introduces students to the major ecological questions that can be addressed at the levels of individuals, populations, communities and ecosystems. What determines the distribution of individuals of a species? What controls the abundance of populations of a species? What determines the richness and diversity of species in a community? What governs the turnover of matter and energy in an ecosystem?
Making use of aquatic and terrestrial examples, topics include organisms and the physical environment, life histories, population growth and regulation, managing populations, theoretical models, species interactions, community change and energy flows. The practical component will emphasise approaches to the collection and analysis of ecological data, and how to interpret and write scientific reports.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject students should be able to:
- explain the hierarchical structure of ecological systems, and why ecological systems change over time and space;
- define and explain core ecological terms, concepts, and theories, including the role of scale;
- demonstrate an ability to apply ecological reasoning to new situations;
- collect and record ecological data; and
- use basic analytical techniques to understand and communicate ecological data.
Generic skills
This subject should develop generic skills in:
- reading, assimilating and writing about scientific information;
- working in small groups;
- asking realistic scientific questions; and
- collecting, analysing and interpreting scientific data.
Last updated: 9 April 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
Prerequisites
One of
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIOL10001 | Biology of Australian Flora & Fauna | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| BIOL10002 | Biomolecules and Cells | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| BIOL10008 | Foundational Biology: Life's Machinery |
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Summer Term (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
| BIOL10009 | Biology: Life's Machinery | Not available in 2024 |
12.5 |
| BIOL10010 | Foundational Biology: Life's Complexity | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| BIOL10011 | Biology: Life's Complexity | Not available in 2024 |
12.5 |
| ENVS10001 | Natural Environments | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| BIOM10002 | Exploring Biomedicine | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
OR
Pre-2021: One of
- BIOL10003 - Genes and Environment
- BIOL10004 - Biology of Cells and Organisms
- BIOL10005 - Genetics and The Evolution of Life
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Recommended background knowledge
Some experience with data analysis (MAST20031, or equivalent)
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
This subject requires all students to actively and safely participate in laboratory and fieldwork activities. Students who feel their disability may impact upon their participation are encouraged to discuss this matter with the Subject Coordinator and Student Equity and Disability Support. Students are required to independently travel to fieldwork sites.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 9 April 2025
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
Six (6) in-class or online quizzes, held fortnightly
| Throughout the semester | 15% |
In-class peer review of practical worksheets
| From Week 1 to Week 4 | 10% |
Peer review of project methods
| Week 6 | 10% |
Final project report
| Week 11 | 25% |
Written final exam
| During the examination period | 40% |
Last updated: 9 April 2025
Dates & times
- Semester 2
Coordinator Kirsten Parris Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 2 x one hour lectures per week; 1 x 0.5 hours of online lectures per week, 1 x three hour practical class per week Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 22 July 2024 to 20 October 2024 Last self-enrol date 2 August 2024 Census date 2 September 2024 Last date to withdraw without fail 20 September 2024 Assessment period ends 15 November 2024 Semester 2 contact information
Time commitment details
Estimated total time commitment of 170 hours
What do these dates mean
Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:
- Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
- And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
- Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.
Additional delivery details
This subject requires all students to actively and safely participate in laboratory activities.
Last updated: 9 April 2025
Further information
- Texts
- Subject notes
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Major Zoology Major Botany Informal specialisation Plant Science Informal specialisation Science Discipline subjects - new generation B-SCI Informal specialisation Zoology Major Environmental Geography Major Landscape Ecosystem Management Major Engineering Systems Informal specialisation Environments Discipline subjects Major Environmental Science Breadth Track Greening Urban Landscapes Breadth Track Ecology, Evolution and Humanity Breadth Track Ecology Breadth Track Australian Wildlife - Breadth options
This subject is available as breadth in the following courses:
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Commerce
- Bachelor of Design
- Bachelor of Environments
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Animation)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Film and Television)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music Theatre)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Production)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Screenwriting)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Theatre)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Art)
- Bachelor of Music
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
Last updated: 9 April 2025