Understanding and management of ecosystems depends on quantifying many ecological services and properties. The primary emphasis in this course will be on understanding quantitative assessment and interpretation of measurements and model predictions relating to natural ecosystems. The course primarily uses trees and forests as case studies to provide students with an understanding of a range of measurement and modelling concepts, approaches and applications, as well as methods for determining the suitability of particular approaches for particular tasks.

Topics introduced will include measuring trees (diameter, height, volume, biomass, carbon, and canopy parameters); creating useful models to avoid making expensive measurements (height/diameter, volume and biomass equations); estimating change (growth and yield modelling). Field-based case studies will support integration of the lecture and reading material as well as providing "real world" examples of research and general application. Students will extrapolate their learning to consider measurement and modeling other parameters of ecological interest.

On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. demonstrate a conceptual understanding of measurement approaches in ecological studies
2. identify and critically evaluate the main mathematical approaches to describing populations and growth in organisms
3. demonstrate an ability to apply concepts and methods of quantitative analysis, including regression, in the context of environmental data.
4. quantitatively describe linear trends within datasets to effectively summarise quantitative datasets
5. demonstrate a capacity to effectively communicate model outputs to a scientific/management community

• Computer-based quizzes to demonstrate student learning of underlying theories and practice of measuring and modeling trees (4-6 quizzes, 30%)
• Modelling project for environmental/forest management (30%)
• 3500-word report on application of theory to practice on a topic to be approved by the coordinator (40%).

65 Contact hours, comprising of lectures, workshops and field excursions.

Bachelor degree.  General science knowledge

with FSTY6056 or SRES6056