Course Title: Investigate ecology

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2021

Course Code: EASC5073

Course Title: Investigate ecology

School: 174T School of VE Engineering, Health & Science

Campus: City Campus

Program: C4411 - 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

Vinita Chaudhary

vinita.chaudhary@rmit.edu.au

Available by appointment

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 
1.2 Summarise the scientific requirements needed for two organisms to be placed into the same species 
1.3 Apply correct use of classification keys for both plants and animals 

Element:

2 Outline the general characteristics of ecosystems

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Identify the major components and terminologies associated with any type of ecosystem 
2.2 Identify the biotic and abiotic features and other major components in specific ecosystem contexts 

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 
3.2 Describe energy flow through an ecosystem 
3.3 List the different types of  symbiotic relationships that can occur within an ecosystem
3.4 Describe nutrient recycling through living systems

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 
4.2 Provide a detailed analysis of a major ecological problem and its environmental impact using appropriate scientific terminology


Learning Outcomes



Details of Learning Activities

Online classes using Collaborate Ultra in Canvas 
Worksheets,
Class discussions,
Research


Teaching Schedule


II Sem 2021 Teaching Schedule

Week

Week starting

Topic

Comments

11

27th Sep

Introduction

What is an Ecosystem?

Biotic/Abiotic components

Food Chains/Webs


12

4th Oct

Key issues of human disturbance and implications for Ecosystems

Assessment Task 1

13

11th Oct

Identification and classification of water invertebrates

Building a food web


14

18th Oct

Ecology of populations and communities

Assessment Task 2

15

25th Oct

Classification of Organisms

Binomial System

Dichotomous Keys


16

1st Nov

Revision

Assessment Task 3

 

SUMMARY OF ASSESMENTS

Assessment Task 1 Introduction to ecology and ecological problems (Week starting 4th Oct 2021)

Assessment Task 2 Research/identify and label freshwater invertebrates (Week starting 18th Oct 2021)

Assessment Task 3 Knowledge assessment (Week starting 1st Nov 2021)


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 1 Introduction to ecology and ecological problems (Week starting 4th Oct 2021)

Assessment Task 2 Research/identify and label freshwater invertebrates (Week starting 18th Oct 2021)

Assessment Task 3 Knowledge assessment (Week starting 1st Nov 2021)


Assessment Matrix

Other Information

Assessment Information

This course is graded in accordance with competency-based assessment, 

CA: Competency Achieved

NYC: Not Yet Competent

DNS: Did not submit(Assessment)


Submission of Assessment Tasks

It is expected that any work presented for assessment in this course will be your own. 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.

EXTENSIONS OF TIME FOR SUBMISSION OF ASSESSABLE WORK

If you are prevented from submitting an assessment on time by circumstances outside your control you may apply for an extension of up to seven (7) calendar days by filling in the application form at least one working day BEFORE the due date. The application form should be emailed to your Program Coordinator. Eligibility criteria for application and the form is available from the link: https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment/extensions-of-time-for-submission-of-assessable-work

Where an extension of greater than seven days is needed, you must apply for special consideration.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATION

If due to illness or other unforeseen circumstance, you are unable to attend on the due date of an assessment (e.g. test, examination, oral, etc.), you may submit an application for special consideration within 5 working days of the due date. If special consideration is granted, you will be given the opportunity to complete/repeat the assessment task at a later date. For advice on this application please visit www.rmit.edu.au/students/specialconsideration or speak to your Program Coordinator.


Course Overview: Access Course Overview