ENV1800 - Environmental science: A Southeast Asian perspective - 2019

This unit introduces students to the tropical environments of Southeast Asia from coral reefs and mangrove swamps to lowland rain forests 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.

On completion of this unit students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of environmental issues in the Southeast Asian region;
2. Demonstrate knowledge of the diversity of ecosystems and flora and fauna in SE Asia in comparison with other regions of the world;
3. Demonstrate understanding of the importance of weather, climate, geology, biogeography, nutrient cycles, community interactions, on the ecology of SE Asian plants and animals;
4. Demonstrate understanding of conservation issues in SE Asia, in particular with respect to human impacts;
5. Access and critically analyse sources of scientific information;
6. Exhibit scientific writing skills.

NOTE: From 1 July 2019, the duration of all exams is changing to combine reading and writing time. The new exam duration for this unit is 2 hours and 10 minutes.

Field trip assignment: 10%

Essay: 15%

Mid-semester test 20%

Examination (2 hours): 55%

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

See also Unit timetable information

Tropical environmental biology