James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2020

BZ5230 - Ecological Research Methods

Available to students admitted to the Graduate Diploma of Research Methods, Master of Applied Science, Graduate Diploma of Science, Graduate Certificate of Science, Master of Science, Master of Science (Professional), Graduate Certificate of Research Methods, Graduate Certificate of Development Practice or Graduate Diploma of Development Practice.

Subject Description

This subject presents the conceptual framework underlying the disciplines of population and community ecology. Topics presented include population growth, species interactions, community patterns and dynamics and determinants of diversity. The subject emphasises the techniques available to measure ecological response variables and students gain first-hand experience in the generation, design, running and reporting of an ecological research project.

Learning Outcomes

• gain an ability to critically evaluate original research
• gain experience in all aspects of independent field research
• develop understandings of requirements of independent field research

Subject Assessment

• Invigilated > Presentations - (10%)
• Non-Invigilated > Assignments - (25%)
• Research Proposal and Seminar - (15%)
• Invigilated > Centrally-administered final exam - (50%)

Note that minor variations might occur due to the continuous subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.

Assumed Knowledge:  Students enrolling in this subject should have a good understanding of ecology and quantitative methods to describe biological responses and should have (BZ5880 OR BS5460 and SC5202) or equivalents.

Inadmissible Subject Combinations:  BZ5220 ZL3042 ZL5042 BZ3220 BZ3400 BZ5400 BZ3230

Availabilities