CONTACT CSU

BIO323 River and Floodplain Ecology (8)

Abstract

In this subject students gain in-depth knowledge about rivers, how they function, and the types of animals and plants that inhabit them. In doing so, it is assumed students already have some knowledge of analysing environmental data and animal identification. This subject builds on that knowledge to teach you about the diversity of freshwater habitats and the ecological models relevant to the management of freshwater ecosystems. At a residential school or field trip students will gain experience in field sampling techniques (flora and fauna), the identification of organisms, and the statistical analysis of ecological data.  Students complete this subject with an in-depth understanding of the organisms and communities in aquatic environments and the effect people can have on inland aquatic ecosystems.

+ Subject Availability Modes and Location

Session 1
InternalAlbury-Wodonga Campus
Distance*Albury-Wodonga Campus
*This subject offering contains a residential school. Please view following information for further details.
Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: BIO323
Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject information

Duration Grading System School:
One sessionHD/FLSchool of Environmental Sciences

Assumed Knowledge

BIO2%%

Enrolment restrictions

Students who have completed either BIO310 or BIO401 may not enrol in this subject
Incompatible subject(s)Related subject(s)
BIO310 BIO401 BIO401 Paired Subject

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • have a broad understanding of the hydrological cycle and properties of water
  • have a broad and coherent understanding of the physical, chemical and ecological processes that occur in inland water bodies
  • have in-depth knowledge about the ecological models used to explain river and floodplain function
  • have the ability use a variety of specialised techniques to sample aquatic organisms and to assess aquatic ecosystems
  • have specialised skills identification of organisms and communities in aquatic environments
  • be able to review, consolidate, and synthesise their knowledge about river and floodplain ecology in order to critically discuss the impacts of humans and the threatening processes affecting Australian inland waters

Syllabus

The subject will cover the following topics:
  • The hydrological cycle and properties of water
  • Physical, chemical and ecological processes in freshwater environments
  • Freshwater habitats and biota
  • Freshwater ecosystem models and concepts
  • Sampling and assessment of freshwater ecosystems
  • Human impacts and threatening processes
  • Aquatic food webs and trophic linkages
  • Energy sources and primary production in freshwater ecosystems

Residential School

This subject contains a compulsory 4 day residential school. At a residential school students gain experience in field sampling techniques (flora and fauna), the identification of organisms, and the statistical analysis of ecological data. Such skills are a critical part of an in-depth understanding of the organisms and communities in aquatic environments.

Back

The information contained in the 2016 CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: 06 September 2016. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.