James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2024

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

A two-week intensive field course situated in the lowland rainforests of northern Australia. Students will obtain the research skills required to operate within one of the world's most biologically diverse biomes, including experimental and survey design, data collection, analysis and reporting. 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. This is a capstone subject for the undergraduate degree in Zoology and Ecology. A subject that synthesises the culmination of knowledge and skills learned over the whole degree.

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 - (40%) - Individual
• Written > Journal - (20%) - Individual
• Written > Technical report - (40%) - 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 (BZ5880 OR BS5460 and SC5202) or equivalents.

Inadmissible Subject Combinations:  BZ5220 ZL3042 ZL5042 BZ3220 BZ3400 BZ5400 BZ3230

Availabilities