James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2023

BZ3001 - Field Studies in the Equatorial Tropics: Borneo

Normally available to students studying tropical biology. Enrolment numbers are limited, based on merit and permission of Subject Coordinator. Students enrolling in this subject must have a good background in terrestrial biology, experimental design and ecology. They will have completed or be enrolled in 9 credit points of level 2 BZ subjects including BZ2001 and BZ2440.

Subject Description

A two week intensive field course situated in the lowland rainforests of Sabah, Borneo. Students will obtain the research skills required to operate within one of the worlds most biologically diverse biomes, including experimental and survey design, data collection, analysis and reporting. Projects will involve both plants and animals, within the general areas of behaviour, ecology and evolutionary biology. Special topics reflect research interests of staff.

Learning Outcomes

• work collaboratively to collect and analyse data and communicate findings
• develop experience conducting research in tropical field settings
• apply knowledge of independent field research requirements in professional practice

Subject Assessment

• Oral > Presentation 1 - (30%) - Individual
• Participation > Class participation - (10%) - Individual
• Written > Essay (including multi-draft) 1 - (40%) - Individual
• Research Proposal 10% Field Notebook 10% - (20%) - 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 should have a statistics subject equivalent to SC2202/SC2209 AND an ecology subject equivalent to BS2460 or BZ2880.

Availabilities