Offerings
View how BZ3430 is offered in 2004
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BZ3430:03

Biology of the Rainforest Canopy

Cairns

HECS Band 2

26 hours lectures, 10 hours tutorials/workshops, 40 hours field work. Semester 2.

Staff:

Dr W Edwards.

This subject examines the biotic and abiotic characteristics of the canopy environment. Lectures will cover broad aspects of different canopy types and structures, the canopy environment, plants and animals, productivity and disturbance processes. A five-day field trip will involve seeing the rainforest canopy first hand and will give students the opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of either microclimates and biophysical processes, physiological canopy processes or canopy flora and fauna.

Learning Objectives:

gain an understanding of the importance of rainforest canopies as a major component of rainforest ecosystems;

gain an understanding of biotic and abiotic processes within the rainforest canopy and to learn how these processes are affected by local and global scale influences;

experience the rainforest canopy first-hand and gain a practical understanding of current canopy research methods and challenges.

Assessment by examination (50%); on-course assessment (50%). On-course assessment will comprise a literature search, seminar, major project report, essay and structured tutorial discussions. The major project will be based on practical work.