Key facts

UNE unit code: ECOL204

*You are viewing the 2027 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.

Start
  • Trimester 2 - On Campus
  • Trimester 2 - Online
Campus
  • Armidale Campus
24/7 online support
  • Yes
Intensive schools
  • Yes
Supervised exam
  • Yes
Credit points
  • 6

Unit information

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Your ability to collect and analyse biological data efficiently and correctly is a core skill in ecology. The correct methods depend on the research question, available resources (e.g. equipment, time and money) and the logistic constraints of survey/experimental design.

This unit introduces you to data collection methods that are valuable in many scientific disciplines. You will learn sampling methods and survey designs for assessing changes along ecological gradients, linking these with modern techniques for data analysis and presentation.

Topics include the fundamental requirements of survey and experimental designs (e.g. randomisation, replication), types of ecological data, commonly used methods to sample plants and animals, and technical skills for field surveys.

You will also learn to analyse and present ecological data, focusing on correct interpretation of results, and strengths and limitations of various sampling and analytical methods.

Offerings

For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.

Teaching period
Mode/location
Trimester 2On Campus, Armidale Campus
Trimester 2Online

*Offering is subject to availability

Intensive schools

StartFinishDurationAttendanceOfferingsNotes
TBATBA4 daysMandatory Intensive SchoolAll offeringsThe intensive school is mandatory for online and on-campus students. Dates to be advised.

Enrolment rules

Pre-requisites
BIOL110 and BIOL120 and (STAT100 or QMER100) or candidature in a postgraduate award
Co-requisites
ECOL203 or ECOL210; or candidature in a postgraduate award
Restrictions
ECOL404 or EM331 or EM531

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)

profile photo of Sapphire McMullan-Fisher
Sapphire McMullan-FisherLecturer in Plant Ecology - School of Environmental and Rural Science

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. design a survey or ecological experiment with adequate replication and randomisation, and identify potential flaws in design, sampling methods and analysis;
  2. survey environmental variables, plants and animals in a standard, rigorous way using conventional methods in the field;
  3. apply these methods to assessing changes along ecological gradients (e.g., altitude, latitude, human disturbance);
  4. use graphical packages and computing software in the environmental sciences with confidence; and
  5. plot, analyse and interpret data from ecological surveys and experiments using conventional graphical and statistical techniques.

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.

TitleMust CompleteWeightOfferingsAssessment Notes
AssignmentYes30%All offerings

No. Words: 2000

Assignment 1Yes20%All offerings

Oral presentation.

No. Words: equivalent to 1500

Final Examination - Assurance TaskYes30%All offerings

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 offered online with supervision via webcam and screen sharing technology. Coordinated by UNE Exams Unit.

 

Mid-Trimester Quiz - Assurance TaskYes20%All offerings

In-person mid-trimester quiz.

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.

No. Words: 2000

PracticalYes All offerings

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 is mandatory - exemptions will not be granted without supporting evidence.

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.

How to do Ecology: A Concise Handbook

ISBN: 9780691245751

Richard Karban, Mikaela Huntzinger, Ian S. Pearse, Princeton University Press 3rd ed. 2023

Note: ISBN (e-book) 9780691250434 The essential insider's guide for ecologists at all career stages - now completely updated and expanded. Most books and courses in ecology focus on facts and concepts but do little to explain the process of research. How to Do Ecology provides nuts-and-bolts advice for organizing and conducting a successful research program. This fully updated and expanded edition explains how to ask and answer your own research questions using compelling study design and appropriate stats. Ecology doesn't take place exclusively outdoors, so the book shares invaluable insights on topics such as identifying your goals, developing professional relationships, reading efficiently, and organising a field season. Because the currency in ecology is publications, it also suggests effective ways to communicate your ideas through journal articles, oral presentations, posters, and grant proposals. This incisive handbook makes explicit many of the unstated rules that ecologists follow and serves as a practical resource for meaningful conversations about ecology. This new edition includes: Expanded emphasis on collecting and interpreting observational data An innovative new workshop for generating and evaluating creative research questions Helpful tips on developing the skills most important to students, navigating your career path, writing efficiently, and more

Text refers to: All offerings

The Analysis of Biological Data

ISBN: 9781319325343

Whitlock, M.C.and Schluter, D., Macmillan Learning UK 3rd ed. 2020

Text refers to: All offerings

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