This unit (NPU2110) 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.
Unit details
Location:
Study level:
Undergraduate
Credit points:
12
Unit code:
NPU2110
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Learning Outcomes
| 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
| Assessment type | Description | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Assignment | Written assignment | 20% |
| Report | Field Portfolio | 30% |
| Test | Tests | 30% |
| Presentation | Oral and written presentation | 20% |
Required reading
Ecology: An Australian Perspective
Attiwill, P.M and Wilson, B.A. (2006)
Oxford University Press
Where to next?
As part of a course
This unit is studied as part of the following courses. Refer to the course page for information on how to apply for the course.
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