Undergraduate - UnitBIO3820 - Tropical terrestrial biology

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Synopsis

This subject examines the biology of terrestrial tropical ecosystems. It focuses on South East Asia, the Malaysian region in particular, with its diverse habits including lowland dipterocarp forest, peat swamp forests, montane cloud forests, heath forests, limestone vegetation and karst with associated cave formations. In terms of biodiversity, the Indo-Malaysian region is one of the richest in the world, and factors influencing the high biodiversity will be examined. Students will gain an understanding of the importance of climate, nutrient cycling, disturbance, and forest dynamics, on the ecology of tropical plants and animals. Conservation and management issues such as conflicting land-use requirements, peat swamp drainage, logging and fire are discussed.

Outcomes

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. demonstrate an understanding of the diversity, structure and function of a range of tropical ecosystems;
2. demonstrate an understanding of conservation and management issues relating to tropical ecosystems;
3. demonstrate and understand the importance of climate, nutrient cycling, disturbance and forest dynamics, on the ecology of tropical plants and animals;
4. design, analyse and undertake sampling programs to examine the flora and fauna of tropical habitats;
5. demonstrate advanced scientific report writing skills;
6. make effective oral and visual presentations;
7. work collaboratively and effectively in teams.

Assessment

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

Chief examiner(s)

Associate Professor 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