This unit is equivalent to 26 lectures and 39 practical hours. This unit advances understanding of ecological principles by focusing on Australasian terrestrial systems, including rainforest, sclerophyll forest, tropical savanna, alpine zones, Mediterranean mallee and heath, subhumid temperate woodland, arid scrubland, shrub steppe and grassland. Their distinctiveness is explained in geological, evolutionary and climatic terms. Each biome is defined by its (1) biotic composition and structure, (2) occurrence in relation to physical limiting resources and disturbance, and (3) dynamics of matter and energy. Ecological adaptation, population, community and ecosystem processes and human impacts are also covered. Assessment is by way of an examination, essay, tutorials and practical reports. PC and Internet access or a PC CD-ROM access is essential. No hard notes are provided.