GE5402:03
Quaternary Environmental Change
Townsville
Prerequisites: Admission to postgraduate program
Inadmissable Subject Combination: GE3402 TG3000 TG5001
26 lectures, 12 tutorials, 39 hours practicals, 16 hours field work. First semester.
Staff: Dr J Luly.
This subject introduces an historical dimension to the study of Australian biogeography and ecology. The impacts of plate tectonics, climate change and evolutionary history are explored, as are the onset of aridity and the arrival of humans on the Australian continent. The importance of historical influences on modern day environmental problems is emphasised.
Learning Objectives:
- to outline historical factors influencing the development of the Australian biota;
- to introduce methods of reconstructing past environments;
- to explore connections between modern day environmental problems and their historical underpinning.
Assessment by a major essay (3,000 words), a field report (1,500 – 2,000 words) and an examination. Weightings for each item of assessment will be decided in consultation with students.