Fire is pivotal to the functioning of Australian ecosystems. This course explores a range of important themes concerning bushfires in Australian and international environments. The inter-dependent relationship between fire regimes and biota is explored using evidence from experiments and theory. Techniques for measuring and modelling fire regimes, including dendrochronology, charcoal sampling and landscape simulation, are then investigated. These are used to understand fire regimes of the past, present and future, including during pre-human, Aboriginal, and European eras. The sensitivity of fire regimes to natural and human factors provides context for exploring the likely effects of climate change and other aspects of global change on future bushfire occurrence. Similarly, it provides context for understanding the role of bushfire management, including prescribed burning, in modifying fire regimes. Finally, these themes are brought together in an analysis of managing likelihood of adverse outcomes from bushfires. Key components of the course are insights into ongoing research being undertaken in the Fenner School, the Department of Archaeology and Natural History, the ANU College of Law, the Bushfire CRC, CSIRO, and an international network of landscape fire modellers.
Note: Graduate students attend joint classes with undergraduates but are assessed separately.
Please note: An enrolment quota applies to this course.
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. Explain the pivotal importance of fire regimes for Australian landscapes and their management, including the importance of fire regimes of the past, present and future during pre-human, Aboriginal and European eras
2. Explain methods for measuring and modelling fire regimes, including dendrochronology, charcoal sampling and landscape simulation
3. Explain how the sensitivity of fire regimes to natural and human factors provides a context for exploring the likely effects of climate change and other aspects of global change on the future occurrence of bushfires
4. Apply principles for managing likelihood of adverse outcomes from bushfires
5. Acquire, demonstrate and generate knowledge on bushfire dynamics, effects, measurement and management
6. Select and research a relevant topic in depth (e.g. literature analysis, computer modelling)
Indicative Assessment
Students must submit one laboratory sheet and attend 80% of reading discussion groups to attain a final grade. Assessment will be based on:
- One-hour mid-block quiz on measurement and biological significance of past, present and future fire regimes in Australian and overseas environments (20%; LO 1, 2, 5)
- 2000-word practical report, either constructing computer simulation model of plant dynamics subject to recurrent fire or analysis of data from a long-term fire ecology experiment (35%; LO 2, 3, 4)
- 3000-word research paper (literature review or computer modelling) on relevant topic agreed with Course Convenor (45%; LO 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) .
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
Summer Session (3-14 February 2014). 65 contact hours taught as a two-week block course, comprising lectures, practicals and field excursions
Requisite and Incompatibility
Preliminary Reading
Bradstock, R.A., Gill A.M. and Williams, R.J. (eds) (2012). Flammable Australia: Fire Regimes, Biodiversity and Ecosystems in a Changing World. CSIRO Publishing, Melbourne.
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. Students continuing in their current program of study will have their tuition fees indexed annually from the year in which you commenced your program. 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 | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1994-2003 | $1650 | |
| 2014 | $2946 | |
| 2013 | $2946 | |
| 2012 | $2946 | |
| 2011 | $2946 | |
| 2010 | $2916 | |
| 2009 | $2916 | |
| 2008 | $2916 | |
| 2007 | $2520 | |
| 2006 | $2520 | |
| 2005 | $2520 | |
| 2004 | $2160 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 1994-2003 | $3606 |
| 2014 | $3762 |
| 2013 | $3756 |
| 2012 | $3756 |
| 2011 | $3756 |
| 2010 | $3750 |
| 2009 | $3618 |
| 2008 | $3618 |
| 2007 | $3618 |
| 2006 | $3618 |
| 2005 | $3618 |
| 2004 | $3618 |
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.
Summer Session
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1399 | 03 Feb 2014 | 04 Feb 2014 | 07 Feb 2014 | 14 Feb 2014 | In Person | N/A |