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James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2022

For subject information from 2025 and onwards, please visit the new JCU Course and Subject Handbook website.

BZ3230 - Ecological Research Methods

Credit points:03
Year:2022
Student Contribution Band:Band 2
Prerequisites:(SC2202 OR SC2209 OR BS2001 OR BZ2001) AND (BS2460 OR BZ2490 OR BZ2440 OR BZ2880)
Administered by:College of Science and Engineering (pre 2023 PCS)

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

  • Written > Examination (centrally administered) - (50%) - Individual
  • Oral > Presentation 1 - (15%) - Individual
  • Written > Project report - (25%) - Individual
  • Oral > Presentation 2 - (10%) - Individual

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 BS2460 or BZ2880 and SC2202 or SC2209 or equivalents.

Inadmissible Subject Combinations:  BZ5220 ZL3042 ZL5042 BZ3400 BZ5400 BZ5230

Availabilities

Cairns, Study Period 10, Intensive, (Face to Face dates exist for this availability)

Census date:Thursday, 08 Dec 2022
Study Period Dates:Monday, 21 Nov 2022 to Friday, 13 Jan 2023
Face to face teaching:Tuesday, 22 Nov 2022 to Saturday, 03 Dec 2022
Coordinator(s):
Professor Susan Laurance
Lecturer(s):
Professor Susan Laurance
Professor Lin Schwarzkopf
Workload expectations:The student workload for this 3 credit point subject is approximately 130 hours.
  • 26 Hours - Lectures (didactic or interactive)
  • 39 Hours - Practicals - Field work and regular supervisor meetings

Townsville, Study Period 10, Intensive, (Face to Face dates exist for this availability)

Census date:Thursday, 08 Dec 2022
Study Period Dates:Monday, 21 Nov 2022 to Friday, 13 Jan 2023
Face to face teaching:Tuesday, 22 Nov 2022 to Saturday, 03 Dec 2022
Coordinator(s):
Professor Susan Laurance
Lecturer(s):
Professor Susan Laurance
Professor Lin Schwarzkopf
Workload expectations:The student workload for this 3 credit point subject is approximately 130 hours.
  • 26 Hours - Lectures (didactic or interactive)
  • 39 Hours - Practicals - Field work and regular supervisor meetings