Key facts
UNE unit code: ECOL203
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - On Campus
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Trimester 3 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
Ecology is based on an understanding of the distribution and abundance of living organisms, interactions between species, populations and communities, and relationships between organisms and their environment.
Hone your understanding of Australia’s major ecosystems – forests, woodlands, deserts and aquatic biomes – with transferable knowledge that adds value to diverse roles in the environmental and life sciences.
Studying this unit, you will focus on the ecology of populations, communities and ecosystems, learning about the processes that structure the ubiquitous gradients of terrestrial landscapes (e.g. altitude, latitude, soil fertility, moisture).
Delving into some of ecology’s key concepts, topics include competition, dispersal and recruitment, flows of energy and matter in ecosystems, and the role of disturbance in regulating ecosystems.
The unit also offers you insights into the human impacts on global ecosystems in a constantly changing world.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
| Trimester 1 | Online |
| Trimester 3 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
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:
- demonstrate a broad understanding and appreciation of the conceptual basis and basic principles of ecology;
- demonstrate a broad understanding of how the distribution and abundance of plants and animals are described through increasingly complex levels of biological organisation (populations, communities and ecosystems) and communicate this information to others through written and verbal formats;
- demonstrate a broad knowledge of the fundamental role of ecological gradients in structuring population and communities and in shaping nutrient and energy flow in ecosystems and communicate this information to others through written and verbal formats; and
- demonstrate well-developed theoretical and practical skills in the observation, description and measurement of populations, communities and ecosystems.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assignment | Yes | 20% | All offerings | Written Assessment No. Words: 1500 |
| Final Examination - Assurance Task | Yes | 60% | All offerings | There is a supervised exam at the end of the teaching period in which you are enrolled. The exam will be offered online with supervision via webcam and screen sharing technology. Coordinated by UNE Exams Unit. To pass this unit, you must achieve a minimum cumulative total of 50% across Oral Research Presentation – Assurance Task, and Final Examination – Assurance Task, and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. |
| Oral Research Presentation - Assurance Task | Yes | 20% | All offerings | Duration: approximately 5 minutes, equivalent 1200 words. To pass this unit, you must achieve a minimum cumulative total of 50% across Oral Research Presentation – Assurance Task, and Final Examination – Assurance Task, and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. |
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.
30-Second Ecology
ISBN: 9781782409809
Thomas, B. and Fellowes, M., Quarto UK 2020
Text refers to: All offerings
Ecology: Concepts and Applications
ISBN: 9781265286330
Sher, A. A. and Molles, M. C., McGraw Hill 9th ed. 2021
Text refers to: All offerings
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