Course Title: Investigate ecology

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2020

Course Code: EASC5073

Course Title: Investigate ecology

School: 174T School of VE Engineering, Health & Science

Campus: City Campus

Program: C4386 - Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation

Course Contact: Namrita Kaul

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4387

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

Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Vinita Chaudhary

vinita.chaudhary@rmit.edu.au

Nominal Hours: 40

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

This unit describes the skills and knowledge to apply key ecological principles underpinning issues of concern about any specific type of environment.

National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:	VU22088 Investigate ecology
Element:	1. Explain the levels of classification used in plant and animal taxonomy
Performance Criteria:	1.1 Name the major levels of classification used in plant and animal classification 1.2 Summarise the scientific requirements needed for two organisms to be placed into the same species 1.3 Apply correct use of classification keys for both plants and animals
Element:	2. Outline the general characteristics of ecosystems
Performance Criteria:	2.1 Identify the major components and terminologies associated with any type of ecosystem 2.2 Identify the biotic and abiotic features and other major components in specific ecosystem contexts
Element:	3. Describe energy flow, nutrient recycling and relationships in living systems
Performance Criteria:	3.1 Categorise specific features and major components of food chains and webs 3.2 Describe energy flow through an ecosystem 3.3 List the different types of  symbiotic relationships that can occur within an ecosystem 3.4 Describe nutrient recycling through living systems
Element:	4. Analyse key issues involved in major ecological problems caused by humans
Performance Criteria:	4.1 Discuss and analyse the key issues surrounding an ecological problem caused by human activity 4.2 Provide a detailed analysis of a major ecological problem and its environmental impact using appropriate scientific terminology

Learning Outcomes

Details of Learning Activities

Online classes using Collaborate Ultra in Canvas 
Worksheets,
Class discussions,
Research

Teaching Schedule

 

Investigate Ecology EASC5073

Semester 2, 2020

 

 

Week No.	Week Starting	Learning activity
1.	21 Sept	What is an Ecosystem?   Biotic/Abiotic components   Food Chains/Webs
2.	28 Sept	Ecology of populations and communities
3.	5 Oct	Classification of Organisms   Binomial System   Dichotomous Keys
4.	12 Oct	Key issues of human disturbance and implications for Ecosystems
5.	19 Oct	Revision
6.	26 Oct	Assessment

Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

References

Other Resources

Overview of Assessment

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

Assessment Tasks

Date   Details

Tue, 29 Sep 2020	Assignment 1 Investigation of an ecosystem due by 23:59
Mon, 12 Oct 2020	Assignment 2 Identification of fresh water invertebrates due by 23:59
Mon, 26 Oct 2020	Assignment 3 Assessment Task 3: Written exam due by 23:59

Assessment Matrix

Other Information

Assessment Information

This course is graded in accordance with competency-based assessment, but which also utilises 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

• Students must be satisfactory in all assessments tasks. Once that has been achieved a grade will be applied

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 form should be emailed to the program Coordinator (namrita.kaul@rmit.edu.au) Students requiring longer extensions must apply for Special Consideration (form also 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 online with supporting evidence (eg medical certificate), prior to, or within, 5 days 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.

Plagiarism is the presentation of the work, idea or creation of another person as though it is your own. It is a form of cheating and is a very serious academic offence that may lead to expulsion from the University. Plagiarised material can be drawn from, and presented in, written, graphic and visual form, including electronic data and oral presentation. Plagiarism occurs when the origin of the material used is not appropriately cited. It also occurs through enabling plagiarism, which is the act of assisting or allowing another person to plagiarise or to copy your own work. Please make sure you consider this carefully in completing all your work and assessments in this course and if you are unsure about whether you might have plagiarised, seek help from your teacher. 

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