Course Title: Investigate ecology
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2023
Course Code: EASC5073
Course Title: Investigate ecology
School: 535T Social Care and Health
Campus: City Campus
Program: C4411 - Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation
Course Contact: Tracey Salter
Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4277
Course Contact Email: tracey.salter@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Vinita Chaudhary
Available by appointment
vinita.chaudhary@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
Students are expected to participate actively in all learning activities that include:
- discussion and application of ecological concepts relevant to each topic
- working independently or in groups in practical sessions
Teaching Schedule
Sem1 2023 Teaching Schedule -Investigate Ecology
Week no. |
Week starting |
Topic |
Comments |
11 |
24th April |
Introduction and welcome to course Ecosystem and its biotic/abiotic components Key issues of human disturbance and implications for Ecosystems |
|
12 |
1st May |
Food Chains/Webs Building a food web |
AT 1 |
13 |
8th May |
Identification and classification of water invertebrates |
|
14 |
15th May |
Ecology of populations and interactions within communities |
AT 2 |
15 |
22th May |
Classification of Organisms Binomial System Dichotomous Keys |
|
16 |
29th May |
Assessment week |
AT 3 |
While all course content in this schedule will be covered, the weekly order may change depending on class needs and availability of speakers and resources
SUMMARY OF ASSESSMENTS
AT 1 Components and Management of Ecosystems (Week starting 1st May 2023)
AT 2 Identification and Food Web (Week starting 15th May 2023)
AT 3 Knowledge Assessment (Week starting 29th May 2023)
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
References
Other Resources
Learning Resources:
Prescribed Texts
None (Learning material provided on Canvas)
References
Here are some useful resources to assist with your learning: https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/support-services/study-support/consultations
You are advised to look on Canvas for ongoing updated information
Other Resources
The University Library has extensive resources and provides subject specialist expertise, research advice, help with referencing and support through:
The Learning Lab:
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/learning-lab
The Study Support Hub:
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/study-support-hub
English for uni workshops
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/workshops/english-uni-workshops
Overview of Assessment
Assessment for this course may include worksheets, reports, assignments and tests
Assessment Tasks
To be assessed as Competent in this course, you will need to complete each assessment task to a satisfactory standard. You will receive feedback from the teacher within given time-frame (usually within two weeks of assessment submission) of each assessment task. You should refer to the assessment brief which is available through Canvas for full assessment criteria and due dates
To successfully complete this course you need to be satisfactory in all of the following assessments(dates in syllabus)
AT 1 Components and Management of Ecosystems
AT 2 Identification and Food Web
AT 3 Knowledge Assessment
You will be given two attempts for each assessment to demonstrate the required skills.
A third attempt can only be offered after discussions between teacher and the Program Coordinator and is not automatic
Results that apply to courses that are delivered and assessed in accordance with competency-based assessment are:
CA: Competency Achieved
NYC: Not Yet Competent
DNS: Did not Submit for Assessment
Assessment Matrix
The assessment matrix demonstrates alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant unit of competency. These mapping documents are available through Program Administration if required.
Other Information
Attendance:
Your learning experience will involve class-based teaching, discussion, demonstration and practical exercises.
It is strongly advised that you attend all timetabled sessions. This will allow you to engage in the required learning
activities, ensuring you the maximum opportunity to complete this course successfully
Information about your studies:
You can access My Studies through the RMIT website for information about timetables, important dates, assessment
dates, results and progress, Canvas etc.
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students
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 in writing (email) to your Program Coordinator one working day BEFORE the due date. Eligibility criteria for application and the form is available from the link:
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/my-course/assessment-results/special-consideration-extensions
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 Special Consideration Website
or speak to your Program Coordinator.
Academic Integrity and Plagiarism:
RMIT University has a strict policy on plagiarism and academic integrity. Please refer to the website for more information on this policy.
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/academic-integrity
Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning:
Credit transfer is the recognition of previously completed formal learning (an officially accredited qualification).
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment process that allows you to demonstrate competence using the skills you have gained through experience in the workplace, voluntary work, informal or formal training or other life experiences.
Please speak to your teacher if you wish to discuss applying for Credit Transfer or RPL for the unit(s) of competency addressed in this course.
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/enrolment/apply-for-credit
Course Overview: Access Course Overview