ENVS6308 Fire in the Environment
| Offered By | School of Resources Environment & Society |
|---|---|
| Academic Career | Graduate Coursework |
| Course Subject | Environmental Science |
| Offered in | Summer Session, 2009 and Summer Session, 2010 |
| Unit Value | 6 units |
| Course Description |
Fire is pivotal to the functioning of Australian ecosystems. This course explores a range of important themes concerning bushfires in Australian and international environments. The inter-dependent relationship between fire regimes and biota is explored using evidence from experiments and theory. Techniques for measuring and modelling fire regimes, including dendrochronology, charcoal sampling and landscape simulation, are then investigated. These are used to understand fire regimes of the past, present and future, including during pre-human, Aboriginal, and European eras. The sensitivity of fire regimes to natural and human factors provides context for exploring the likely effects of climate change and other aspects of global change on future bushfire occurrence. Similarly, it provides context for understanding the role of bushfire management, including prescribed burning, in modifying fire regimes. Finally, these themes are brought together with an analysis of integrated bushfire risk management. Key components of the course are insights into ongoing research being undertaken in ENVS, RSPAS, the Bushfire CRC, CSIRO, DEC (NSW), and an international network of GCTE scientists. Note: Graduate students attend joint classes with undergraduates but are assessed separately. |
| Learning Outcomes |
On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to: 1. Explain the pivotal importance of fire regimes for Australian landscapes and their management, including the importance of fire regimes of the past, present and future during pre-human, Aboriginal and European eras2. Explain methods for measuring and modelling fire regimes, including dendrochronology, charcoal sampling and landscape simulation 3. Explain how the sensitivity of fire regimes to natural and human factors provides a context for exploring the likely effects of climate change and other aspects of global change on the future occurrence of bushfires 4. Apply the principles of integrated bushfire management 5. Acquire, demonstrate and generate knowledge on bushfire dynamics, effects, measurement and management 6. Select and research a relevant topic in depth (e.g. literature analysis, computer modelling) |
| Indicative Assessment |
Students must submit two laboratory sheets and attend 80% of reading discussion groups to attain a final grade. Assessment will be based on:
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| Workload | Summer Session (2 - 13 February 2009). 65 contact hours taught as a two-week block course, comprising lectures, practicals and field excursions |
| Course Classification(s) | AdvancedAdvanced courses are designed for students having reached 'first degree' level of assumed knowledge, which provide a deep understanding of contemporary issues; or 'second degree' and higher levels of knowledge; or for transition to research training programs. |
| Areas of Interest | Resource Management and Environmental Science |
| Eligibility |
Bachelor degree; general science knowledge. |
| Requisite Statement | Nil. |
| Incompatibility |
FSTY6004, ENVS6002 or SRES6008. |
| Preliminary Reading |
Bradstock, RA, Williams, JE & Gill, AM (Eds), 2002, Flammable Australia: The Fire Regimes and Biodiversity of a Continent, Cambridge University Press. |
| Programs | Master of Environment |
| Academic Contact | Dr Geoff Cary |
The information published on the Study at ANU 2009 website applies to the 2009 academic year only. All information provided on this website replaces the information contained in the Study at ANU 2008 website.
