Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate - Unit

Synopsis

This unit focuses on the biology of terrestrial tropical ecosystems in South East Asia (particularly the Malaysian region) but also looks at tropical environments in other parts of the world. The Malaysian region encompasses many unique tropical habitats such as dipterocarp forest, peatswamp, cloud forest, karst vegetation and caves which are studied in detail. The students will gain an understanding of the importance of climate, nutrient cycling, disturbance, and succession on the ecology of tropical plants and animals. Conservation and management issues will also be examined.

Objectives

On completion of this unit students will have gained an introduction to the diversity and ecology of tropical environments in South East Asia. Both natural and artificial (e.g. rice paddies and oil palm plantations) habitats will be examined and consideration will be given to tropical ecosystems throughout the world. The students will gain an understanding of the conservation and management issues relating to specific tropical environments, particularly those in the Malaysian region. The students will develop skills to design and analyse sampling programs to examine the flora and fauna of tropical habitats.

Assessment

Essay: 20%
Mid-semester test: 20%
Field trip project: 30%
Final exam: 30%

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Catherine Yule

Contact hours

Two 1-hour lectures and one 1-hour tutorial per week (or equivalent), plus one 5-day field trip (or equivalent)

Prerequisites

BIO1011, and one of BIO1022 or BIO1042. Recommended: BIO2011

Prohibitions

SCM3022