Applied Ecology is the science of understanding and managing ecosystems. This unit explores and evaluates the many ways in which ecological knowledge and concepts can be used to achieve positive outcomes in areas of conservation and natural resource management. It examines the many dimensions of environmental challenges and the tools and approaches for effectively managing natural systems. The unit focuses on a range of issues that are of current importance in Australia and globally. Key concepts are explored through a combination of lectures, field work and tutorials in the context of applied ecological problems including management and conservation of fisheries, national parks, rivers, lakes and urban ecosystems. Practical studies in the field develop ecological investigation and measurement skills, and professional approaches to reporting on and interpreting ecological data.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1. Understand how basic ecological principles are applied to solve current important environmental issues;
2. Develop the quantitative skills to describe the patterns of biological diversity and processes generating those patterns in a range of habitats, with a focus on Australian case studies;
3. Recognise the importance and complexity of evaluating potential impacts of environmental problems on the global ecosystem;
4. Employ tools to assist in making robust management decisions and assess their strengths and weaknesses; and
5. Assess the social, economic, ethical and political considerations of resource management, and how they impact decisions, including incorporation of Indigenous knowledge and approaches, and worldviews.

Graduate attributes

1. UC graduates are professional - communicate effectively
1. UC graduates are professional - employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills
1. UC graduates are professional - take pride in their professional and personal integrity
1. UC graduates are professional - use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems
1. UC graduates are professional - work collaboratively as part of a team, negotiate, and resolve conflict
2. UC graduates are global citizens - make creative use of technology in their learning and professional lives
2. UC graduates are global citizens - think globally about issues in their profession
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas

Skills development

The course requires students to apply fundamental ecological principles to real-world problems, engaging through a wide variety of information sources. Students will learn how to engage with technology in the context of environmental studies and will work alone and in teams to generate a range of outputs relevant to the workplace. 

Prerequisites

11772 Diversity of Life and Habitats OR 623 Plants and Animals

Corequisites

None.

Incompatible units

None.

Equivalent units

10231 Ecology

Assumed knowledge

None.