units

BIO3820

Faculty of Science

18 September 2017 22 December 2024
Monash University

Undergraduate - Unit

This unit entry is for students who completed this unit in 2014 only. For students planning to study the unit, please refer to the unit indexes in the the current edition of the Handbook. If you have any queries contact the managing faculty for your course or area of study.

print version

6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered, or view unit timetables.

LevelUndergraduate
FacultyFaculty of Science
Organisational UnitSchool of Science, Malaysia
Monash Passport categoryConnect (Explore Program)
OfferedClayton Second semester 2014 (Day)
Malaysia Second semester 2014 (Day)
Coordinator(s)Associate Professor Richard Reina (Clayton); Associate Professor Catherine Yule (Malaysia)

Quota applies

Due to Field Course logistics this unit has a quota of 30 Clayton students and enrolment is on a first-in basis. After the quota has been reached, students may request a place on the waiting list by contacting the Science Student Academic Services office (sci-enquiries@monash.edu).

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 will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate an understanding of the diversity, structure and function of a range of tropical ecosystems;

  1. Demonstrate an understanding of conservation and management issues relating to tropical ecosystems;

  1. Demonstrate and understand the importance of climate, nutrient cycling, disturbance and forest dynamics, on the ecology of tropical plants and animals;

  1. Design, analyse and undertake sampling programs to examine the flora and fauna of tropical habitats;

  1. Demonstrate advanced scientific report writing skills;

  1. Make effective oral and visual presentations;

  1. 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

Workload requirements

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

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study

Ecology and conservation biology
Plant sciences
Tropical biology
Zoology

Prerequisites

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

Prohibitions

SCM3022