Course Title: Ecology

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 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

Dr Paul Bailey

paul.bailey@rmit.edu.au

Room 51.7.02

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 an ecosystem 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 Lectures, Discussions and Practical Exercises; Field Data Gathering; Worksheets; Guest Speakers


Teaching Schedule

           

Week No /Week beginning Date  Topic Activity Assessments
         
1 / 6 July 8-Jul Introduction Field trip: Urban park Assessment Task 1
    What is an Ecosystem? ecosystem (Worksheet)
    Abiotic and Biotic Components    
         
2 / 13 July 15-Jul Ecology of Populations and Discussion & Worksheet  
    Communities    
    Food webs    
         
3 / 20 July 22-Jul Classification and Naming of Identifying and  Assessment Task 2
    Organisms classifying water bugs (Worksheet)
      using a dicotomous key.  
      Building a food web  
4 / 27 July 29-Jul Key Issues of Human Disturbance Class discussion   
    Implications for Ecosystems    
         
5 / 3 August 5-Aug Revision and Museum Visit Visit to Museum  
      Discussion & Worksheet  
         
6 / 10 August 12-Aug Assessment Week   Assessment Task 3
        (Written test)
         


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources

There are no prescribed texts. Learning material will be made available in Class or on Blackboard as appropriate


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%)

Students are required to complete and submit by the due date a pro-forma worksheet that is provided. Students will visit a local park, as a group under supervision of the teacher, to investigate some of the components that make up this ecosystem. They will work in groups of 3 or 4 students per group. Using the Datasheet provided students will identify, discuss then list five (5) ABIOTIC (non-living) and five (5) BIOTIC (living) components that play a role in the functioning of this ecosystem. Students then discuss and list three (3) functions that these components have for other components of the ecosystem into a category of FUNCTION (e.g. food or shelter). Finally, students will discuss and then list three (3) problems that managers of this ecosystem face in protecting and managing this park ecosystem and briefly write (3-4 sentences) a feasible solution for one (1) of the problems.

Worksheet submission – Due 15 July 2015

 

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

In the laboratory students will identify freshwater macroinvertebrate animals (e.g. insects and crustaceans) using a dichotomous key, classify them as either juvenile or adult stage and construct a food-web labelling the feeding relationships between them.

Students will work in groups of 3 or 4. Using forceps, spoons or pipette animals will be removed from a water sample and placed into a suitable container. Using the biological descriptions and dichotomous keys provided students will identify (to ORDER level classification) the macroinvertebrates they have found and list them with their common name, and indicate whether they are juvenile or adult stages. Each student selects two different organisms found by the group and provides a clear sketch of each with label indicating Order name, common name and whether they are juvenile or adult stage. Using the reference information provided students discuss within their group and note down the types of food these organisms are likely to consume. As a class we will discuss each groups’ findings and develop a likely food-web for the animals identified. Each student will submit the list of animals identified by their group, labelled sketches and diagram of the food-web.

  Worksheet submission – Due 29 July 2015

 

Assessment Task 3: Written test (50%)

Students will do a written theory test. The time allocated will be 15 minutes reading time followed by 60 minutes writing time. The format of the exam questions will be multiple choice, true/false, table completion, and short answer. The paper will examine terms, concepts and knowledge covered and discussed during class.

Dates : 12 August 2015


Assessment Matrix

           

 

 

 

Other Information

This course is graded in accordance with competency-based assessment, but which also utilise graded assessment
CHD Competent with High Distinction (80 – 100%)
CDI Competent with Distinction (70 – 79%)
CC Competent with Credit (60 – 69%)
CAG Competency Achieved – Graded (50 – 59%)
NYC Not Yet Competent
DNS Did Not Submit for assessment

• To pass the course you need to pass, on average, each type of assessment (exams, pracs and assignments etc.) For example, if there are two exams you need to have an average of 50% to pass and you also need to have passed the other assessment types. You can’t make up marks from one type of assessment to another (e.g. pass the exams but fail the prac component).
• Late work that is submitted without an application for an extension (see below) will not be corrected.
• APPLICATION FOR 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 online http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students/assessment/extension) at least 24 hours 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.
• 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 online with supporting evidence prior to, or within, 48 hours of the scheduled time of examination http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students/specialconsideration

Course Overview: Access Course Overview