Unit Code: BIO823

Unit Name: Advanced Ecosystem and Ecology

Description: The unit will provide an introduction to the concepts and methods of data collection, analysis, interpretation and discussion which is an essential skill for biologists needed to conduct high-class research.

Learning Target Outcomes: On successful completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Demonstrate sufficient knowledge to determine key relationships and interactions among populations, communities and ecosystems. 2. Critically identify and describe the functions of primary/secondary producers, primary/secondary consumers and decomposers in ecosystems 3. Demonstrate knowledge of behavioural ecology and understand energy flows through ecosystems. 4. Critically identify and define secondary succession, eutrophication and climax communities. 5. Describe how humans have impacted natural ecosystems. 6. Use a range of key skills to explain ecosystem conservation and sustainable use of ecosystems.

Prerequisite: Minimum GPA of 3.0 in Bachelor’s Degree in Biology as a major subject or work experience in a related area.

Prerequisite Sentence: N/A

Credit Point: 30

Offered In: Semester 1,2