Australian Landscapes and Biota

    Unit code: NPU2110 | Study level: Undergraduate
    Credit points
    12
    (Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
    Location
    Footscray Park
    Prerequisites
    N/A
    Overview
    Enquire

    Overview

    This unit introduces students to both the range of environments and landscapes present across the Australian continent and the nature of the plants and animals that inhabit these landscapes. This will be achieved by: 1) discussing the factors that have shaped the various Australian environments, including geomorphological and climatic processes, and historical factors; 2) introducing the distinctive flora and fauna of Australia and the evolutionary pressures that have shaped the Australian biota; and 3) reviewing relationships between the biota and the environment. The unit also provides foundational knowledge on the Australian environment for students not continuing in the biological sciences.

    Learning Outcomes

    On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

    1. Infer how various factors, including geomorphological, climatic, historical and evolutionary, have shaped present Australian landscapes and the various environments contained within, through field-based investigations and computer-based tools;
    2. Review and interpret the relationships between biotic (living) elements in the Australian environment and how these interact with various abiotic (non-living) elements;
    3. Analyse a range of environmental data with practical and computer-based tools;
    4. Communicate individually and collectively, in written, oral and visual forms, complex inter-relationships between organisms and their environments; and
    5. Contextualise the influence of humans and various 'cultures' to the Australian landscape and biota from both historical and present day perspectives.

    Assessment

    For Melbourne campuses

    Assessment type: Assignment
    |
    Grade: 20%
    Written assignment
    Assessment type: Report
    |
    Grade: 30%
    Field Portfolio
    Assessment type: Test
    |
    Grade: 30%
    Tests
    Assessment type: Presentation
    |
    Grade: 20%
    Oral and written presentation

    Required reading

    Ecology: An Australian Perspective
    Attiwill, P.M and Wilson, B.A. (2006)| Oxford University Press

    Students will also use this text in the following units: RBF2610 Fundamentals of Ecology.

    As part of a course

    This unit is studied as part of the following course(s):

    Bachelor of Outdoor Education and Environmental Science
    SBOE | Bachelor degree | Duration: 3 years
    Undergraduate Certificate in Science and the Environment
    NUSE | Undergraduate certificate | Duration: 0.5 years

    Refer to the course page for information on how to apply for the course. VU takes care to ensure the accuracy of this unit information, but reserves the right to change or withdraw courses offered at any time. Please check that unit information is current with the Student Contact Centre.

    Search for units, majors & minors