BIO323 River and Floodplain Ecology (8)

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 Outlines
Current CSU students can view Subject Outlines for recent sessions. Please note that Subject Outlines and assessment tasks are updated each session.

Availability

* Offering has a residential school. Please view following information for further details.

Session 1 (30)
On Campus
Albury-Wodonga Campus
Online *
Albury-Wodonga Campus

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

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

One session

School

School of Environmental Sciences

Enrolment Restrictions

Students who have completed either BIO310 or BIO401 may not enrol in this subject

Assumed Knowledge

BIO2%%

Subject Relationships

BIO401 Paired Subject

Incompatible Subjects

BIO310, BIO401

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

This 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 4 day Compulsory 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.

Contact

Current Students

For any enquiries about subject selection or course structure please contact Student Central or ask@csu.edu.au or phone on 1800 275 278.

Prospective Students

For further information about Charles Sturt University, or this course offering, please contact info.csu on 1800 275 278 (free call within Australia) or enquire online.

The information contained in the 2018 CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: August 2018. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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