Course Title: Ecology

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2015

Course Code: EASC5057

Course Title: Ecology

School: 155T Vocational Health and Sciences

Campus: City Campus

Program: C4327 - Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation

Course Contact: Namrita Kaul

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4309

Course Contact Email: namrita.kaul@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Paul Bailey

paul.bailey@rmit.edu.au

Nominal Hours: 30

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

None

Course Description

The purpose of this module is to provide students with the knowledge and skills to be able to recall and apply key principles underpinning issues of concern about any specific type of environment


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

VU20954 Ecology

Element:

1 Explain the levels of classification used in plant and animal taxonomy

Performance Criteria:

1.1 The major levels of classification used in plant and animal classification are named
1.2 The scientific requirements needed for two organisms to be
placed into the same species are summarised
1.3 The correct use of classification keys for both plants and animals are demonstrated
 

Element:

2 Outline the general characteristics of ecosystems

Performance Criteria:

2.1 The major components and terminologies associated with any type of ecosystem are identified
2.2 The biotic and abiotic features and other major components in specific ecosystem contexts are identified
 

Element:

3  Interpret food chains and webs

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Specific features and major components of food chains and webs are categorised
3.2 Energy flow through an ecosystem is described
3.3 The different types of special symbiotic relationships that can occur within any ecosystems are listed
3.4 Nutrient recycling through living systems is described
 

Element:

4 Discuss key issues involved in major current ecological problems caused by humans

Performance Criteria:

4.1 The key issues surrounding an ecological problem caused by human activity is discussed
4.2 A detailed description of a major ecological problem and its environmental impact is provided using appropriate scientific terminology.
 

Learning Outcomes



Details of Learning Activities

Classroom worksheets, Practicals, Research, Field Data Gathering, Class Discussion, Guest Speakers


Teaching Schedule

 

Week No Week Beginning Topic  Activity Due date
1 9 Feb                  Introduction
What is an Ecosystem?
Abiotic & Biotic components
Food webs		 Field trip: urban park ecosystem   Assessment  task 1
 
2 16 Feb

Ecology of populations and communities

    
3 23rd Feb

Classification and naming of organisms 

 Identifying and classifying water bugs. Building a food web  Assessment Task 2
 
4 2nd March

Key issues of Human Disturbance
Implications for ecosystems
 

    
5

9th March

 Revision & Museum visit  
6 16th March  Assessment Week  

 

 Assessment Task 3
 

Theory Test (1hr)
 





 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

There are no prescribed texts. Learning materials will be made available in class and on Blackboard


References

Odum, Basic Ecology,  (Eugene Pleasants) at   574.5 O27 in RMIT Library


Other Resources


Overview of Assessment

Assessment for this course may include worksheets, reports, assignments and tests.

 
 


Assessment Tasks

Assessment schedule


Assessment Task 1: Describing the major components of an ecosystem and associated management issues (25%)  Week 1
 

Assessment Task 2: Identifying freshwater invertebrates using a dichotomous key and developing a food-web. (25%) Week 3

Assessment Task 3: Written exam (50%) Week 6


Assessment Matrix


 

Unit Title: Ecology RMIT code: EASC5057 National Code: VU20954
Assessment Task Elements/ PCs Required Knowledge (4) Required Skills (3) Critical aspects of evidence (2)
 
1/4 2/2 3/3 4/2
1. Worksheet 1   All 3.1 4.1 1,3,4
 		 1,2 1,2
2. Worksheet 2 1.3       2 1,2,3 1,2
3. Exam 1.1,2,4 All 3.2,3 4.2 1,2,3,4 1,2,3 1,2

Other Information

Assessment information

• Extension of time for submission of assessable work- A student may apply for an extension of up to 7 days from the original due date. They must lodge the application form (available on the web http://mams.rmit.edu.au/seca86tti4g4z.pdf ) at least the day before the due date. The application is lodged with the School Admin Office on Level 6, Bdg 51. Students requiring longer extensions must apply for Special Consideration (form available on the Web).
• For missed assessments such as exams- you (& your doctor if you are sick) must fill out a special consideration form. This form must be lodged at the HUB or online with supporting evidence (eg medical certificate), prior to, or within, 48 hours of the scheduled time of examination.
• Late work that is submitted without an application for an extension will not be corrected
• If you miss an assessment task due to unavoidable circumstances, you need to follow the procedure of special consideration and apply within the allowed time frame.
 

 

Note: This course will contribute to your grade average result in the Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation (Science) qualification. Please note that you must achieve a CREDIT average across the program to be granted a guaranteed pathway in the following programs.
Diploma of Nursing (subject to passing the VETASSESS)
Diploma of Laboratory Technology (Biotechnology)
Diploma of Technology (Pathology Testing)
Diploma of Conservation and Land Management
Diploma of Dental Technology.

Course Overview: Access Course Overview