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Unit outline_

BIOL3907: Ecology (Advanced)

Semester 2, 2023 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit has the same objectives as BIOL3007 Ecology, and is suitable for students who wish to pursue certain aspects in greater depth. Entry is restricted, and selection is made from the applicants on the basis of their previous performance. Students taking this unit of study participate in alternatives to some elements of the standard course and will be encouraged to pursue the objectives by more independent means in a series of research tutorials. Specific details of this unit of study and assessment will be announced in meetings with students in week 1 of semester 2. This unit of study may be taken as part of the BSc (Advanced) program.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Life and Environmental Sciences Academic Operations
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
An average mark of 75 or above in [12cp of BIOL2XXX] OR [6cp of BIOL2XXX and (MBLG2X72 or GEGE2X01 or GENE2002 or AVBS2XXX or ENSC2001)]
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
BIOL3007
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Glenda Wardle, glenda.wardle@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Clare McArthur, clare.mcarthur@sydney.edu.au
Dieter Hochuli, dieter.hochuli@sydney.edu.au
Peter Banks, peter.banks@sydney.edu.au
Glenda Wardle, glenda.wardle@sydney.edu.au
Project supervisor(s) Aaron Greenville, aaron.greenville@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Supervised exam
? 
Exam
Written examination
40% Formal exam period 2 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5
Presentation group assignment Research project proposal talk
Presentation
5% Week 04
Due date: 23 Aug 2023 at 14:00
10 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5
Presentation Key ideas in ecology
Presentation (1 min), graphical abstract and written statement
20% Week 07
Due date: 13 Sep 2023 at 14:00
Diagram plus 2 pages of text
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3 LO2
Presentation group assignment Research project final presentation
Oral presentation
10% Week 13
Due date: 01 Nov 2023 at 14:00
10 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO3 LO4
Assignment Practical project written report
Written assessment
25% Week 13
Due date: 05 Nov 2023 at 23:59
7500 words maximum
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
group assignment = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Exam: The final exam will test your overall knowledge of the subject synthesising and applying material from the lectures and practical learning activities.


If a second replacement exam is required, this exam may be delivered via an alternative assessment method, such as a viva voce (oral exam). The alternative assessment will meet the same learning outcomes as the original exam. The format of the alternative assessment will be determined by the unit coordinator.

The final exam assessment is compulsory and failure to attend, attempt, or submit will result in the award of an AF grade.

Written and oral assessments – Detailed information and a marking matrix for each assessment task will be provided via Canvas.

Group work – Working collaboratively in teams is essential for employment in many ecological positions. All students must contribute to group assessments and will not receive credit unless they do so.

Participation – attendance at all lectures and practical classes is essential to do well, avoid getting behind as it will be difficult to catch up.

Special consideration procedures apply.

 

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2021 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

At HD level, a student demonstrates a flair for the subject as well as a detailed and comprehensive understanding of the unit material. A ‘High Distinction’ reflects exceptional achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates the ability to apply their subject knowledge and understanding to produce original solutions for novel or highly complex problems and/or comprehensive critical discussions of theoretical concepts.

Distinction

75 - 84

At DI level, a student demonstrates an aptitude for the subject and a well-developed understanding of the unit material. A ‘Distinction’ reflects excellent achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates an ability to apply their subject knowledge and understanding of the subject to produce good solutions for challenging problems and/or a reasonably well-developed critical analysis of theoretical concepts.

Credit

65 - 74

At CR level, a student demonstrates a good command and knowledge of the unit material. A ‘Credit’ reflectssolid achievement and is awarded to a student who has a broad general understanding of the unit material and can solve routine problems and/or identify and superficially discuss theoretical concepts.

Pass

50 - 64

At PS level, a student demonstrates proficiency in the unit material. A ‘Pass’ reflects satisfactory achievement and is awarded to a student who has threshold knowledge.

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Non-attendance for the group project presentations attracts a mark of zero.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Multiple weeks Project work - self directed and in lab/field and demography labs Science laboratory (39 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 01 Population growth Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2
Life histories Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Success in science: what do you need to know? Tutorial (1 hr) LO4
Week 02 Population models Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO4
Population models: case studies Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 03 Population regulation Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Metapopulations and extinctions Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
What makes a good talk? Tutorial (1 hr)  
Week 04 Ecological interactions – overview Lecture (1 hr) LO1
Competition and predation Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2
Ecology's big questions Tutorial (1 hr) LO1
Week 05 Plant-herbivore interactions (herbivore perspective) Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2
Plant-herbivore interactions (plant perspective) Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2
What makes a good paper? The politics of publication Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO3
Week 06 Complex interactions Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2
Interactions with invasive species: what can we learn? Lecture (1 hr) LO5
The process of publication and peer review Tutorial (1 hr) LO3
Week 07 What are communities? A short history Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Community dynamics and succession Lecture (1 hr) LO1
Funding and the process of selling your research Tutorial (1 hr) LO4
Week 08 Disturbance and patch dynamics Lecture (1 hr) LO1
Assembly rules and gamma diversity Lecture (1 hr) LO1
Criticism: constructive and otherwise Tutorial (1 hr) LO3
Week 09 No lecture public holiday Lecture (1 hr)  
Managing disturbance and communities Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO5
Writing better papers: papers offering self-help for scientists Tutorial (1 hr) LO3
Week 10 Ecological units beyond communities Lecture (1 hr) LO1
Thresholds: what can we afford to lose? Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO5
Success in science revisited and how you can play the science game Tutorial (1 hr) LO4
Week 11 Trait-based approaches to understanding global ecology Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2
Fragmentation and the extinction debt Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO5
Careers: destinations, career trajectories, and advice (cynical and modest advice!) Tutorial (1 hr) LO3
Week 12 Hotspots and surrogates Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5
Restoration ecology: individuals and landscapes Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO5
What happens when science goes wrong? Ethics in science Tutorial (1 hr) LO4
Week 13 Co-extinction: how evolutionary biology fits into conservation Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5
The future of ecology Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5

Attendance and class requirements

Group work – Attendance for group presentations is required.

Participation – attendance at all lectures and practical classes is essential to do well, avoid getting behind as it will be difficult to catch up.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. Explain key concepts and processes in ecology
  • LO2. Demonstrate how experimental evidence informs ecological theory
  • LO3. Discuss and critically evaluate relevant research articles
  • LO4. Demonstrate the principles used in well-designed ecological research to advance knowledge
  • LO5. Assess the role of applied ecology in solving environmental problems

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9
LO1         
LO2         
LO3         
LO4         
LO5         

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Changes to the learning outcomes, assessment tasks, guidelines and design of the Key ideas in ecology practical classes and Demography practical classes have been made based on feedback.

Work, health and safety

We are governed by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and Codes of Practice. Penalties for non-compliance have increased. Everyone has a responsibility for health and safety at work. The University’s Work Health and Safety policy explains the responsibilities and expectations of workers and others, and the procedures for managing WHS risks associated with University activities.

General laboratory safety rules

  • No eating or drinking is allowed in any laboratory under any circumstances 
  • A laboratory coat and closed-toe shoes are mandatory 
  • Follow safety instructions in your manual and posted in laboratories 
  • In case of fire, follow instructions posted outside the laboratory door 
  • First aid kits, eye wash and fire extinguishers are located in or immediately outside each laboratory 
  • As a precautionary measure, it is recommended that you have a current tetanus immunisation. This can be obtained from University Health Service: unihealth.usyd.edu.au/

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.