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Field Ecology (ZOOL30009)
Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable (login required)(opens in new window)
Contact information
Semester 2
Overview
Availability(Quotas apply) | Semester 2 |
---|---|
Fees | Look up fees |
This is a largely field-based subject, based in one of several possible locations, though generally in the Daintree Rainforest in northern Queensland. The subject provides a capstone research experience in which students undertake a field-based research project around a problem in ecology or evolution. Students will design and execute the project, and will gain hands on experience in basic ecological field methods. They will then analyse their data, and report on their results, in written and oral reporting styles
Students should be aware that this course entails an additional cost associated with travel and accommodation; typically between $1500-$2000.
Students who require this subject in order to complete a major in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, but who are experiencing financial difficulty should contact the subject coordinator to enquire about the possibility of scholarship support.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject, students should be able to:
- translate a general question in ecology or evolutionary biology to a specific context and research question;
- develop a sound experimental or sampling design by eliciting and incorporating group feedback;
- work in a team to apply field research methods to collect and record data;
- apply statistical methods to analyse and interpret data against stated hypotheses;
- communicate research results in both oral and written form, making use of scientific literature to support and contextualise;
- articulate the value that ecological and evolutionary research brings to our basic understanding as well as to the issues faced by human societies; and
- articulate the deep cultural and biogeographic history that shapes Australian landscapes.
Generic skills
This subject builds upon existing generic skills, including:
- an ability to approach and assimilate new knowledge from observation and the literature;
- an ability to use that knowledge to evaluate and communicate results; and
- working in collaborative teams.
The practical and ethical constraints of working on wild animals under field conditions will be emphasized.
Last updated: 15 February 2024
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
Two of
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
ECOL20003 | Ecology | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
MAST20031 | Analysis of Biological Data | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
ZOOL20005 | Animal Structure and Function | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
ZOOL20006 | Comparative Animal Physiology | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
From 2024 onwards
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 |
ZOOL20005 | Animal Structure and Function | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
BIOL20001 | Evolution: Making Sense Of Life | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
Students who complete this subject cannot also gain credit for 654-309 Field Biology of Australian Wildlife (prior to 2010).
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.
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: 15 February 2024
Assessment
Description | Timing | Percentage |
---|---|---|
Individual written report on two focal species
| Week 5 | 15% |
Group (5-8 students per group) in-class oral presentation
| Week 11 | 10% |
Individual research project report
| During the examination period | 75% |
Last updated: 15 February 2024
Quotas apply to this subject
Dates & times
- Semester 2
Coordinator Michael Kearney Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours Four lectures, 60 hours practical work and an oral presentation during a week-long Field-trip held in the mid-semester break in late September. One pre-camp meeting, two tutorials (one pre-camp and one post-camp) and an oral presentation on campus after the camp. Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 22 July 2024 to 20 October 2024 Last self-enrol date 8 July 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
An enrolment quota of 40 students (in undergraduate and post-graduate offering) applies to this subject. For detailed information on the quota subject application process, enrolment deadlines and selection preferences, refer to the Faculty of Science website: https://science.unimelb.edu.au/students/plan-your-bsc-continuing/quota-subjects
This subject is taught during a field camp off-campus. Practical work and lectures will be conducted in the Daintree Rainforest Observatory, during the mid-semester break in late September. A student contribution of roughly $1500 will be required.
This subject requires all students to actively and safely participate in laboratory and field activities. Students undertake fieldtrip experiences that will require them to be physically capable of undertaking outdoor fieldwork in remote locations. This subject involves the use of animals - exemption is not possible, however some research projects, that do not use animals, are available for those with strong philosophical objections - this must be discussed with the coordinator.
Last updated: 15 February 2024
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
There are no specifically prescribed or recommended texts for this subject.
- Subject notes
This subject is available for science credit to students enrolled in the BSc (both pre-2008 and new degrees), BASc or a combined BSc course.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Major Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Major Zoology Major Zoology Informal specialisation Science Discipline subjects - new generation B-SCI Informal specialisation Zoology Informal specialisation Zoology - 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.
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
Additional information for this subject
Quota limit applied - UoM students will be given preference over CAP applicants
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.
Last updated: 15 February 2024