How species are distributed across landscapes and through time depends on a wide variety of factors, including geological processes, dispersal events, changes in climate, and human modification of the environment. This course will provide an introduction to the ecological study of biodiversity and the processes that shape the current and future distributions of species. The course will draw on the disciplines of biogeography, landscape ecology and conservation biology to explain how and why species and ecosystems are where they are, how species respond to landscape modification, and how they might respond to future change.
Key landscape ecology and biodiversity concepts covered in the course will include scale, spatial heterogeneity, island biogeography, metapopulation theory, disturbance, dispersal, habitat fragmentation, and conservation. Some specialised approaches will be examined, such as the use of genetics in biogeography (phylogeography and molecular ecology) and geographical information systems (GIS) in landscape ecology. The course will include both theoretical and practical sessions, including field work during which students will apply ecological survey techniques to gather environmental and wildlife biodiversity data.
The course is highly recommended as a precursor to ENVS3039 Biodiversity Conservation.
Honours Pathway Option
This course can be taken as Honours Pathway, subject to the approval of the convenor. HPO students will be expected to show greater depth of understanding of the content of the course. HPO students will submit alternative advanced versions of practical and excursion reports, equivalent to a minimum of 20% of overall assessment.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:- Describe a variety of environmental processes that influence the past and current distributions of species
- Identify and evaluate our understanding of contemporary processes that threaten biodiversity
- Acquire knowledge and understanding of the key concepts associated with landscape ecology
- Explain the relevance of biogeographical processes to biodiversity
- Understand the main methodological approaches of conservation biologists, biogeographers and landscape ecologists
- Gather and analyse biodiversity data in an environmental context
Indicative Assessment
- Practical exercises 20% [LO 1, 2, 3, 5, 6]
- Presentation / poster 15% [LO 1, 2]
- Field study report 30% [LO 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]
- End of semester theory exam 35% [LO 1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
65 contact hours comprising lectures, tutorials, practicals and an overnight field trip
Requisite and Incompatibility
Majors
Minors
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are an undergraduate student and have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). You can find your student contribution amount for each course at Fees. Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2015 | $3096 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2015 | $4146 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2711 | 16 Feb 2015 | 06 Mar 2015 | 31 Mar 2015 | 29 May 2015 | In Person | N/A |
