Key facts
UNE unit code: ECOL308
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 2 - On Campus
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- Yes
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
Covering over 75% of the globe, water is essential to all life. In this unit, you will explore the ecological parallels and contrasts between aquatic habitats, studying the functions and interactions of physical, chemical and biological components of ecosystems along gradients (fresh to salty, land to water).
Beginning with a comparison of the physical and ecological features of freshwater and marine habitats, you will learn about the types of plants and animals in these habitats and the roles they play in fundamental ecological processes such as organic matter cycling.
Using these ecological principles as a framework, you will have opportunities to apply your knowledge and develop practical skills for sampling water quality and biota from a range of aquatic ecosystems.
Finally, you will delve into the ways in which we can manage the ever-increasing impact of human activities on our oceans, estuaries, rivers and wetlands using ecological principles.
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 |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
| Start | Finish | Duration | Attendance | Offerings | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TBA | TBA | 4 days | Mandatory Intensive School | All offerings | The Intensive School is mandatory for on-campus and online students that incorporates lectures, practicals and a two-day field trip. |
Enrolment rules
Notes
For on-campus students teaching will include weekly lectures and tutorials. Online students will have online access to unit materials, including topic notes and guided readings, and Powerpoint presentations. All On campus and online students attend a Mandatory Intensive School that incorporates lectures, practicals and a two-day field trip.
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:
- understand and explain how physical and chemical features in marine and freshwater ecosystems interact and influence plants, animals and ecological processes such as organic matter dynamics;
- demonstrate an understanding of the significance of the need for and correct use of appropriate equipment and methods to sample water quality and biota from a range of aquatic ecosystems;
- predict and appreciate the likely outcomes of changes to land-water linkages and gradients of salinity on plants, animals and ecological processes in aquatic ecosystems; and
- apply this knowledge and understanding to manage marine and freshwater ecosystems in an ecologically sustainable manner.
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 | 40% | All offerings | 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. To pass this unit, you must achieve at least 50% in this task, and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. No. Words: 2000 |
| Practical Exercises - Assurance Task | Yes | 10% | All offerings | To pass this unit, you must achieve at least 50% in this task, and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. Field and laboratory practical components are completed at the Intensive School. 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. |
| Research Proposal | Yes | 20% | All offerings | Design of Impact Study No. Words: 1500 |
| Scientific Report | Yes | 30% | All offerings | Scientific report for field survey conducted during the Intensive School No. Words: 2500 |
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: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Australian Freshwater Ecology: Processes and Management
ISBN: 9781118568224
Boulton, A.J., Brock, M.A., Robson, B.J., Ryder, D.S., Chambers, J.M. and Davis, J.A., Wiley Blackwell 2nd ed. 2014
Text refers to: All offerings
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