Ecology in Changing Environments (ECOL30006)
Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
Overview
| Availability | Semester 1 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
This subject explores the relevance of ecological and evolutionary theory for understanding the distributions of species, their interactions, their life history characteristics and how these traits are impacted by changing environmental conditions. Topics include spatial ecology and metapopulations, climatic impacts on distribution and abundance, life history evolution and ecosystem stability and resilience. The skills developed in this subject provide an essential grounding for careers in ecology.
Intended learning outcomes
Upon completing this subject, students will be able to:
- Conduct ecological research relevant to global and local ecological and environmental change;
- Read, comprehend, represent and critically evaluate relevant contemporary ideas and methodologies in ecology in oral and written form;
- Design an experiment appropriate for a given ecological question and interpret data from ecological studies;
- Use computer-based modelling and simulations to investigate contemporary issues in ecology and changing environments.
Generic skills
The subject builds upon existing generic skills, including the ability to:
- Assimilate and critically evaluate new knowledge within a scientific paradigm, and
- Communicate that knowledge to a broad audience.
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAST20031 | Analysis of Biological Data | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
AND
One of
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| ECOL20003 | Ecology | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| BIOL20001 | Evolution: Making Sense Of Life | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Corequisites
Non-allowed subjects
Students who have received credit for 654-313 Ecology in Changing Environments (prior to 2010) may not enrol in this subject for credit.
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 practical class 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.
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: 4 March 2025
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
Tutorial discussion assessed by tutors according to simple rubric, in each of 6 tutorials, every second week | Throughout the teaching period | 10% |
Three written reports, 500 words each, chosen from 4 practicals held approximately fortnightly (3 x 10% each)
| Throughout the teaching period | 30% |
Written examination, mid-semester
| Week 7 | 20% |
Written examination
| During the examination period | 40% |
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Coordinator Hayley Cameron Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 2 x one hour lectures per week; 24 hours of tutorial/practical classes during the semester Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 3 March 2025 to 1 June 2025 Last self-enrol date 14 March 2025 Census date 31 March 2025 Last date to withdraw without fail 9 May 2025 Assessment period ends 27 June 2025 Semester 1 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.
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Further information
- Texts
- Subject notes
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Major Engineering Systems Major Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Informal specialisation Science Discipline subjects - new generation B-SCI Major Genetics Major Genetics Major Zoology Major Marine Biology Informal specialisation Zoology Informal specialisation Zoology Informal specialisation Genetics - Breadth options
This subject is available as breadth in the following courses:
- Bachelor of Commerce
- 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: 4 March 2025