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ENV515 - Desert Field Ecology

2023

Sector

Higher Education

Discipline

Environmental Science

Undergraduate level ecology and statistics

Unit Description

This practical, 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 emphasised 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 field trip requirements. Students are required to check enrolment availability with the Unit Coordinator. To enrol, Special Enrolment is required through eForms.

Field trip dates for 2022 are Monday 18th July to Sunday 24th 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.	Synthesise complex and diverse information from the literature and primary field based data to inform effective management of desert ecosystems or promote understanding of desert ecology.
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 a professional level of leadership and initiative to engage others to achieve common goals.
6.	Effectively communicate ecological information for different audiences and in a range of formats including a report in the form of a journal article.

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*
2023	INT-4	Internal	Alice Springs Campus	ITV,OLR
2023	INT-4	External	External Studies	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
2023 Domestic Unit Fees (PDF)