Applied Ecology (ECOL30005)

Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 2
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Applied Ecology is the science of understanding and managing ecosystems. The subject describes and evaluates the applications of ecological concepts for the conservation and management of natural and human-altered ecosystems. In particular, it identifies the implications of global and local changes for ecosystems, communities and individual species, especially within the Australian environment. It examines approaches to management and conservation of terrestrial resources and ecosystems, the control of pest species, and restoration of modified habitats.

Intended learning outcomes

 At the completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  • describe the ways in which ecological principles and knowledge are applied to the management of terrestrial resources and ecosystems;
  • evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches to managing terrestrial resources and ecosystems;
  • apply scientific principles to analysing conservation problems;
  • conduct practical data analysis for ecological management and conservation;
  • describe the link between ecological science and management decision making; and
  • communicate effectively about ecological management to scientific and public audiences.

Generic skills

This subject builds upon existing generic scientific skills, including:

  • the ability to apply scientific principles to conservation problems;
  • data interpretation, and better understanding the link between ecological science and management decision making; 
  • how to access information from the primary scientific literature, through both electronic and traditional sources;
  • practical skills in data analysis for management and conservation; and
  • presentation skills for speaking to scientific and public audiences.

Last updated: 20 March 2025

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

One of

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
BIOL20001 Evolution: Making Sense Of Life
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
ECOL20003 Ecology
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5

Corequisites


Non-allowed subjects


Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

For the purposes of considering applications for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005) and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, this subject requires all students to actively and safely participate in tutorial, workshop and excursion activities. Students who feel their disability may impact upon their participation are encouraged to discuss this with the Subject Coordinator and the Disability Liaison Unit. http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Last updated: 20 March 2025

Assessment

DescriptionTimingPercentage

A short oral presentation (5 minutes per student)

  • 5 minutes (each)
From Week 4 to Week 610%

3 x short quizzes (200 words each) to be completed during the scheduled practicals (Weeks 2-4, and 6-8).

  • 600 words (equivalent)
From Week 2 to Week 815%

One fieldwork report

  • 1400 words
Week 1135%

A take home exam due the first week of examination period

  • 1600 words
During the examination period40%

Last updated: 20 March 2025

Dates & times

  • Semester 2
    CoordinatorBilly Geary
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hoursTotal of 59 hours - 2 x 1-hour lecture per week for 12 weeks, 1 x 3-hour practical in weeks 2-8 and 10-11 and 8 hours of field trips (overnight/weekend) between weeks 7 to 9
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period28 July 2025 to 26 October 2025
    Last self-enrol date 8 August 2025
    Census date 1 September 2025
    Last date to withdraw without fail26 September 2025
    Assessment period ends21 November 2025

    Semester 2 contact information

    ECOL30005-info@unimelb.edu.au

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.

Last updated: 20 March 2025

Further information

Last updated: 20 March 2025