Ecology, environment and human populations
A Lill
8 points * 5 hours per week * First semester * Clayton
After an exposition of the basic principles of biogeography and ecology, the origin of humans and the factors that have contributed to human dominance on earth are examined. The following topics are discussed: geological time, origin of life, Precambrian life; plate tectonics and continental drift, uniqueness of Australian biota, climatic change, extinction; the properties of populations, communities and ecosystems; competition, mutualism and predation; human demography, population growth, age/sex structure, birth and death rates; migration; origins of agriculture and domestication of plants and animals; human use of plants from marine and inland waters; ecology of indigenous peoples.
Assessment
Essay (2500 words): 25% * Examination (2 hours): 45% * Practical work and continuous assessment: 30%