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ENV315 - Desert Field Ecology

2021

Sector

Higher Education

Discipline

Environmental Science

ENV201 and SBI209 or equivalent

Unit Description

This advanced ecology unit focuses on the unique characteristics and challenges of studying ecology and managing environments in the Australian arid zone. The unit hinges on a 7-day field intensive during which students will be active participants in field based research which will contribute to ecological understanding of desert environments. The importance of quantitative ecological methods including sound experimental design, and the contribution that ecological science makes toward the conservation and management of arid environments will be emphasized while there will also be opportunity to explore and discuss the human dimensions of land management.

Online enrolment is not available for this unit due to the field trip requirements. Students are required to check enrolment availability with the lecturer. To enrol, Special Enrolment is required through eForms.

Field trip dates for 2021 are Saturday 17 July to Friday 23 July. Students are required to make their own travel arrangements to and from the Alice Springs CDU campus before and after the field course.

Text Book

Bookshop

Unit Learning Outcomes

1.	Critically evaluate and apply current knowledge of desert ecology and ecosystems to inform effective management or understand arid-zone ecological systems.
2.	Evaluate the importance of experimental design for solving complex ecological questions.
3.	Develop expertise in field skills used in ecological, biological and landscape studies.
4.	Plan, implement and manage the collection, compilation and analysis of accurate field data.
5.	Demonstrate leadership through initiative and engaging others to achieve common goals.
6.	Effectively communicate ecological information in a range of formats and for different audiences.

Assessment Overview

	Assessment Task	Value (of total mark)	Related Learning Outcome/s
1.	Online discussion (3 X 250 words)	15%	1,6
2.	Literature review & annotated bibliography (1000 words)	25%	1,6
3.	Presentation (5 - 8 mins)	20%	2,3,4,5,6
4.	Research report (2500 words)	40%	1,2,3,4,6

Unit Availability

Year	Semester	Att Mode	Location	Learning Method	Timetable*
2021	Study Period 2	Internal	Alice Springs Campus	ITV,OLR

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ITV: This unit will be delivered/part-delivered intensively in this teaching period rather than over the full semester.

OLR: Internet access is required for this unit as students are required to access study materials provided on-line through Learnline. Please log into Learnline on the first day of each teaching period. For more information about Learnline, please click here.

Critical Dates

Important Dates for Students

Fee Information:
Fees and Payments
Student Services and Amenities Fees

2021 Domestic Unit Fees (PDF)