Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate - Unit

Synopsis

This unit introduces students to the tropical environments of Southeast Asia from coral reefs and mangrove swamps to lowland rainforests and mountains. It explores the flora, fauna, climate, biogeography and ecosystems of the region. A comparison is made with the Australian environment and other ecosystems of the world. Human impacts on the environment such as pollution, energy use, food production and human population growth are discussed and ameliorative measures explored. The field trip enables students to compare the ecological processes of three different tropical environments.

Objectives

Students will have a knowledge of ecosystems around the world with a focus on the tropics of SE Asia. They will have an understanding of global and regional environmental issues. Students will have the skills to access information from a range of sources, and use it to write a scientific essay.

Assessment

Field trip assignment: 10%
Essay: 15%
Mid-semester test 20%
Final examination: 55%

Chief examiner(s)

Dr. Catherine Yule

Contact hours

3 hours of lectures per week, 1 hour tutorial per week, 1 day field trip per semester

Prohibitions

ENV1711, ENV1616