BIO3820 Tropical terrestrial biology
Faculty of Science
BIO3820 Tropical terrestrial biology is a level 3, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Science, offered in 2027 in Semester 2 at Clayton and Malaysia. It has no prerequisites.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2027
- Semester 2
- Clayton, Malaysia
- Assessment
- Exam 30%
- and 3 other tasks
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Requisites
Overview
This unit covers all major aspects of tropical ecology, explaining why the world's tropics are so rich and diverse in species, what factors contribute to this richness and how the interactions between plants and animals result in such complex relationships. We discuss biodiversity in the tropics, the variety of tropical ecosystems such as rainforests, savannas, dry forests, montane tropics and peat swamps. The importance of climate, nutrient cycling, disturbance, and forest dynamics on the ecology of tropical plants and animals is a major theme. Conservation and management issues such as conflicting land-use requirements, logging and fire are also investigated in the unit.
Offerings in 2027
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Second semester | Clayton | Immersive |
| Second semester | Malaysia | Immersive |
Assessment
- Literature reviewWritten20%
- Field trip project reportDemonstration30%
- Mid semester testQuiz / Test20%
- Final assessment - Examination (2 hours and 10 minutes)Examination30%
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Describe the diversity, structure and function of a range of tropical ecosystems;
- 2
Explain conservation and management issues affecting tropical ecosystems;
- 3
Integrate and discuss the importance of climate, nutrient cycling, disturbance and forest dynamics on the ecology of tropical plants and animals;
- 4
Design, analyse and undertake sampling programs to examine the flora and fauna of tropical habitats;
- 5
Demonstrate advanced scientific report writing skills;
- 6
Make effective oral and visual presentations;
- 7
Work collaboratively and effectively in teams.
Workload and teaching
- Applied sessions120 hours
- Tutorials12 hours
- Seminars24 hours
- Teaching approachField trips
- Two 1-hour seminar or lecture (online, self study) and
- One 1-hour tutorial (or equivalent) per week, plus
- One 5-day field trip, excluding travel days.
You will undertake group projects. The topics that are offered will reinforce many of the concepts delivered in applied sessions, while at the same time introducing you to the unique opportunities (and challenges) provided by doing field research in tropical habitats. The field trip will be run in a total duration of 5 days. The field trip project and details will be discussed during classes and described in greater detail in a separate hand-out.
Learning resources
Required resources
Tropical Ecology: John Kirchner - Princeton University Press, 2011
Contacts
- Unit Coordinators
- Professor Richard Reina
- Dr Wan Faridah Jusoh
- Chief Examiners
- Dr Wan Faridah Jusoh
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for BIO3820?
BIO3820 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
When is BIO3820 offered?
In 2027, BIO3820 runs in Semester 2 at Clayton and Malaysia.
Does BIO3820 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 30% of the final mark, alongside 3 other tasks.