BIO432 Avian Population and Community Ecology (8)

This subject focuses on population and community ecology of birds. It explores temporal and spatial variations in population size, population dynamics, population limitation, the structure and demography of populations and competition within populations. Presence and absence of species within communities, changes in populations and communities due to threatening processes and strategies for conservation are also examined. Students completing this subject will have an advanced understanding of the abundance and distribution of birds and how these interact with natural and anthropogenic factors.

Availability

Session 1 (30)
Online
Albury-Wodonga Campus

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: BIO432. 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

This subject is only available to students enrolled in a postgraduate course.

Assumed Knowledge

Assumes knowledge equivalent to the content of BIO430 or BIO433.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to explain the structure and dynamics of bird populations and communities;
  • be able to appraise the factors, both natural and anthropogenic, that affect the abundance and distribution of bird populations and communities; and
  • be able to utilise broad knowledge of the population and community ecology of birds and how it relates to the implementation of successful conservation programs.

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • Population and community ecology of birds;
  • Interpreting population and community dynamics of species within communities;
  • Changes in populations and communities due to threatening processes;
  • Biogeographic, environmental and human influences on abundance and distribution of birds; and
  • Implications of population and community dynamics for avian conservation programs.

Indicative Assessment

The following table summarises the assessment tasks for the online offering of BIO432 in Session 2 2020. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated and can also differ to suit the mode of study (online or on campus).

Item Number
Title
Value %
1
Scientific paper - drivers of population density
30
2
Scientific essay - perspective piece
30
3
Scientific report - conservation strategy
40

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: February 2021. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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