Program Overview

ENM413 The Principles and Practice of Field Ecology

This subject comprises an extended field trip, providing students with the opportunity to learn the fundamental principles of ecology in an applied, real-world setting. In addition to repeatability, objectivity, and other aspects of study design, students learn the importance of ethical and animal welfare considerations. Students learn how to synthesise information from primary and secondary sources, identify gaps in our current ecological understanding of key areas, and translate these knowledge gaps into a series of testable questions.

Subject Information

Grading System

• HD/FL

Duration

• One session

School

• School of Environmental Sciences

Enrolment Restrictions

• Students must be enrolled in a course offered by the Faculty of Science.
• Students who have completed ENM310 may not enrol in this subject.

Subject Relationships

• ENM310 Paired Subject

Incompatible Subjects

• ENM310

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

• be able to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the principles, practice, and issues associated with field ecology
• be able to develop a sound research proposal, including sourcing background information, preparation for field study, and implementing a research plan
• be able to conduct scientific research and gather data from the field, including the collation and analysis of results from the field
• be able to situate new knowledge gathered from the field within the context of existing knowledge and prior studies to communicate their findings in a professional manner

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:

1. Undertake a "desktop" investigation of an area/bioregion in the preparation for, the planning of, and implementation of a field study within that area.
2. Employ appropriate research, documentation, evaluation, and reporting methodologies for documenting the success or otherwise of planning, implementing, and reporting on a field study.
3. Develop a research proposal and implement appropriate research methods to investigate one environmental issue within the region.
4. Critically evaluate the concerns, strategies, and processes that occurred on their field trip.
5. Provide a written report on their scientific study from the field that places the new knowledge found within the context of existing knowledge.

Special Resources

The major activity associated with this subject is a field trip to remote areas of north-western NSW and adjoining areas in western Queensland. Due to restrictions in the availability of suitable accommodation, enrolment numbers in the subject must be restricted. The mechanism used to restrict enrolments is an expression of interest and criteria-based selection process. Accommodation, food, and transport costs are associated with this subject.

Availability

• Session 1 (30)
• Online
• Albury-Wodonga Campus