James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2024

BZ5935 - Terrestrial Ecophysiology

Subject Description

This subject will address functional responses of organisms to their environment, emphasizing physiological mechanisms that influence interactions with major environmental factors, such as temperature, solar radiation, energy balance, water and nutrients. It will explore how organismal adaptations to the environment influence growth, survival, and interactions among species. Finally, it will explore how environmental constraints on physiological functioning and associated adaptations are likely to drive species and ecosystem responses to climate change. This is a critical component of assessing species vulnerability to global change.

Learning Outcomes

• demonstrate an advanced understanding of ecophysiological mechanisms and their variation across different taxa
• synthesise, evaluate and compare ecophysiological processes and their relevance to understanding the impacts of global change
• critically evaluate experimental designs and analyses of published research in ecophysiology

Subject Assessment

• Written > Examination (centrally administered) - (20%) - Individual
• Written > Examination - In class - (20%) - Individual
• Participation > Class participation - (20%) - Group & Individual
• Written > Project 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:  An undergraduate science degree in biology/ecology

Availabilities