Course Title: Investigate ecology
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2019
Course Code: EASC5073
Course Title: Investigate ecology
School: 174T School of VE Engineering, Health & Science
Campus: City Campus
Program: C4386 - Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation
Course Contact: Namrita Kaul
Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4387
Course Contact Email: namrita.kaul@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Seb Buckingham
jocesebastian.buckingham@rmit.edu.au
Nominal Hours: 40
Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.
Pre-requisites and Co-requisites
None
Course Description
This unit describes the skills and knowledge to apply key ecological principles underpinning issues of concern about any specific type of environment.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
VU22088 Investigate ecology |
Element: |
1. Explain the levels of classification used in plant and animal taxonomy |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 Name the major levels of classification used in plant and animal classification |
Element: |
2. Outline the general characteristics of ecosystems |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 Identify the major components and terminologies associated with any type of ecosystem |
Element: |
3. Describe energy flow, nutrient recycling and relationships in living systems |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 Categorise specific features and major components of food chains and webs |
Element: |
4. Analyse key issues involved in major ecological problems caused by humans |
Performance Criteria: |
4.1 Discuss and analyse the key issues surrounding an ecological problem caused by human activity |
Learning Outcomes
Details of Learning Activities
Face-to-face classes,
Worksheets,
Practical activities,
Field data gathering,
Class discussions,
Research
Teaching Schedule
Week | Week beginning | Topic | Activity | Assessment |
1 | 11/2 | Introduction
What is an Ecosystem? Abiotic & Biotic components Food webs |
||
2 | 18/2 | Ecology of populations and communities | Field trip: urban park ecosystem | Assessment task 1 |
3 | 25/2 | Classification and naming of organisms Binomial System Dichotomous Keys |
||
4 | 4/3 |
Key issues of human disturbance |
Identifying and classifying water invertebrates. Building a food web |
Assessment task 2 |
5 | 11/3 | Revision & catch up | ||
6 | 18/3 | Assessment task 3 |
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
References
Other Resources
Overview of Assessment
Assessment for this course may include worksheets, reports, assignments and tests
Assessment Tasks
Assessment task | Due date | Marks |
1. Describing the major components of an ecosystem and associated management issues |
28/2 | 25% |
2. Identifying freshwater invertebrates using a dichotomous key and developing a food-web |
7/3 | 25% |
3. Written test | week 6 | 50% |
Assessment Matrix
Other Information
Assessment Information
This course is graded in accordance with competency-based assessment, but which also utilises graded assessment
CHD Competent with High Distinction (80 – 100%)
CDI Competent with Distinction (70 – 79%)
CC Competent with Credit (60 – 69%)
CAG Competency Achieved – Graded (50_59%)
NYC Not Yet Competent
DNS Did Not Submit for assessment
• Students must be satisfactory in all assessments tasks. Once that has been achieved a grade will be applied
Extension of time for submission of assessable work- A student may apply for an extension of up to 7 days from the original due date. They must lodge the application form (available on the web http://mams.rmit.edu.au/seca86tti4g4z.pdf ) at least the day before the due date. The application form should be emailed to the program Coordinator (namrita.kaul@rmit.edu.au) Students requiring longer extensions must apply for Special Consideration (form available on the Web).
• For missed assessments such as exams- you (& your doctor if you are sick) must fill out a special consideration form. This form must be lodged online with supporting evidence (eg medical certificate), prior to, or within, 5 days of the scheduled time of examination.
• Late work that is submitted without an application for an extension will not be corrected
• If you miss an assessment task due to unavoidable circumstances, you need to follow the procedure of special consideration and apply within the allowed time frame.
Plagiarism is the presentation of the work, idea or creation of another person as though it is your own. It is a form of cheating and is a very serious academic offence that may lead to expulsion from the University. Plagiarised material can be drawn from, and presented in, written, graphic and visual form, including electronic data and oral presentation. Plagiarism occurs when the origin of the material used is not appropriately cited. It also occurs through enabling plagiarism, which is the act of assisting or allowing another person to plagiarise or to copy your own work. Please make sure you consider this carefully in completing all your work and assessments in this course and if you are unsure about whether you might have plagiarised, seek help from your teacher.
Course Overview: Access Course Overview