Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Synopsis Ecology is the study of living things, their environment, and interdependencies within and between the two. This course provides a broad introduction to ecology, for candidates with no prior experience in the discipline. It aims to combine biological, biogeographical, geological and other perspectives in the overall study of living systems. Some fundamental biological and ecological concepts are reviewed, followed by examinations of selected ecological systems in Australasia with emphasis on their present status as a product of their evolutionary and biogeographic past. The roles of natural and anthropogenic influences in shaping abiotic and biotic components of environment are central to this theme. Some lessons provided by ecological studies applicable to the management of living systems, particularly in the face of increasing demands on resources by humans, are also critically assessed.
Assessment Two essays (2500 words): 80% + Seminar presentation or Field report (1500 words): 20%