Key facts
UNE unit code: ECOL100
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 2 - On Campus
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Trimester 3 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- Yes
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
With approximately 2.16 million species on earth, and countless more to be found and formally recognised, ecologists are presented with limitless possibility for discovery.
Ecology helps us understand the principles underpinning natural systems and cycles, thereby enabling us to make predictions about species’ responses to environmental change. It also helps us understand complex problems that may arise from these responses to change.
This unit introduces you to the main concepts of ecology using an applied framework, with practical engagements and hands-on experience.
You will study the distribution and abundance of species, and associated interactions with their natural environment - principles that are central to understanding how ecosystems function. Using the evolutionary perspective that forms the theoretical foundation for ecology today, this unit enables you to develop a global perspective of ecological systems.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 2 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
| Trimester 2 | Online |
| Trimester 3 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
| Start | Finish | Duration | Attendance | Offerings | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TBA | TBA | 3 days | Mandatory Intensive School | Trimester 3, Online | The intensive school is mandatory for online students. |
| TBA | TBA | 3 days | Mandatory Intensive School | Trimester 2, Online | The Intensive School is mandatory for online students. |
Enrolment rules
There are no requisites for this unit.
Notes
The School of Environmental and Rural Science considers all practical/laboratory/tutorial activities as essential to student learning. Attendance and participation in all practical/laboratory/tutorial classes (sessions) is mandatory - exemptions will not be granted without supporting evidence.
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- describe the philosophy of ecological thinking (both European and Indigenous);
- incorporate the global perspective of ecological systems into their future work which will also demonstrate the student's ability to work autonomously and to rely on their own sense of judgment;
- demonstrate a technical and theoretical knowledge of the subject by recognising and evaluating the need for methodological approaches to ecological problem solving;
- establish and manage basic ecological data-set which will also demonstrate the ability to analyse information and provide solutions to sometimes complex problems;
- incorporate the biophysical setting of Australian and other ecosystems into their ecological thinking; and
- describe climate, soils and energy cycles in an ecological context which will also demonstrate the student's ability to transmit information to others.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Final Examination - Assurance Task | Yes | 30% | All offerings | Final Examination To pass this unit, you must achieve a minimum cumulative total of 50% across Mid-Trimester Quiz – Assurance Task, and Final Examination – Assurance Task, and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. There is a supervised exam at the end of the teaching period in which you are enrolled. The exam will be online with supervision via webcam and screen sharing technology. Coordinated by UNE Exams Unit.
|
| Mid-trimester Quiz - Assurance Task | Yes | 20% | All offerings | Mid-trimester Quiz The mid-trimester quiz is in person (for on-campus students) and in person during the intensive school (for online students) and will be paper based with face-to-face supervision. No. Words: 1000 To pass this unit, you must achieve a minimum cumulative total of 50% across Mid-Trimester Quiz – Assurance Task, and Final Examination – Assurance Task, and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. |
| Practical | Yes | Trimester 2, On Campus, Armidale Campus | The School of Environmental and Rural Science considers all practical/laboratory/tutorial activities as essential to student learning. Attendance and participation in all practical/laboratory/tutorial classes (sessions) is mandatory - exemptions will not be granted without supporting evidence. | |
| Report | Yes | 25% | All offerings | Practical report in form of a scientific paper No. Words: 2000 |
| Workbook | Yes | 25% | All offerings | Topical issue in ecology; data exploration No. Words: 2000 |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Recommended material may be held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
Ecology: Concepts and Applications
ISBN: 9781265286330
Sher, A. A. and Molles, M. C., McGraw Hill 9th ed. 2021
Text refers to: All offerings
30-Second Ecology
ISBN: 9781782409809
Thomas, B. and Fellowes, M., Quarto UK 2020
Text refers to: All offerings
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