This course deals with the processes determining the abundance of organisms and how population abundance changes through time. The course begins by identifying the demographic characteristics of a population and the techniques used for quantifying these characteristics. The impact of abiotic factors on the nature of population change will be examined. The role of the biotic processes of intra- and inter-specific competition, predation, disease and herbivory on the dynamic behaviour of populations will be discussed. An important component of the course is introducing the quantitative methods and approaches used in population ecology to determine the status of populations and predict population behaviour. To this end, the course consists of weekly tutorials where, as well as being introduced to the use of several software packages, students obtain experience with some of the quantitative techniques introduced in the course.
Note: Graduate students attend joint classes with undergraduates but are assessed separately.
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:
1. Describe the dynamics of species populations using the specialised language of population ecology
2. Explain the role that biotic and abiotic process may play in determining population dynamics and stability
3. Apply a range of quantitative methods relevant to population ecology
4. Analyse and critically evaluate the significance of papers in the primary ecological literature
5. Use the spreadsheet package EXCEL to investigate the behaviour of simple population models.
Other Information
The Biology Teaching and Learning Centre is located in Building 116. Alternatively you can email rsb.studentadmin@anu.edu.au to request a permission code to enrol in this course.Indicative Assessment
Assessment will be based on:
- Essay on the importance of density-dependent processes in fertility control programs (30 %; LO 1, 2, 3,4)
- Practical exam to assess ability to use EXCEL to solve and interpret simple population models (20 %; LO 5)
- Theory exam (50%; LO 1, 2, 3, 4)
- Optional mid-term practice exam designed to familiarise the student with the format of the theory exam (20%). This mark may be used to replace the practical exam mark.
- Two hours of lectures, a 1 hour tutorial and 1.5 hour practical per week.
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
Two hours of lectures, a 1 hour tutorial and 1.5 hour practical per week.
Requisite and Incompatibility
You will need to contact the Biology Teaching and Learning Centre to request a permission code to enrol in this course.
Preliminary Reading
Assessment will be based on:
- Essay on the importance of density-dependent processes in fertility control programs (30 %; LO 1, 2, 3,4)
- Practical exam to assess ability to use EXCEL to solve and interpret simple population models (20 %; LO 5)
- Theory exam (50%; LO 1, 2, 3, 4)
- Optional mid-term practice exam designed to familiarise the student with the format of the theory exam (20%). This mark may be used to replace the practical exam mark.
- Two hours of lectures, a 1 hour tutorial and 1.5 hour practical per week.
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 |
|---|---|
| 2016 | $3480 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2016 | $4638 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4518 | 20 Feb 2017 | 27 Feb 2017 | 31 Mar 2017 | 26 May 2017 | In Person | N/A |
