How species are distributed across landscapes and through time depends on a wide variety of factors, including geological processes, dispersal events, changes in climate, and human modification of the environment. This course will provide an introduction to the ecological study of biodiversity and the processes that shape the current and future distributions of species. The course will draw on the disciplines of biogeography, landscape ecology and conservation biology to explain how and why species and ecosystems are where they are, how species respond to landscape modification, and how they might respond to future change.

Key landscape ecology and biodiversity concepts covered in the course will include scale, spatial heterogeneity, island biogeography, metapopulation theory, disturbance, dispersal, habitat fragmentation, and conservation. Some specialised approaches will be examined, such as the use of genetics in biogeography (phylogeography and molecular ecology). The course will include both theoretical and practical sessions, including a multi-day field trip to the coast during which students will apply ecological survey techniques to gather biodiversity data.

The course is highly recommended as a precursor to ENVS3039 Biodiversity Conservation.

Honours  Pathway Option

This course can be taken as Honours Pathway, subject to the approval of the convenor. HPO students will be expected to show greater depth of understanding of the content of the course. HPO students will submit alternative advanced versions of practical and excursion reports, equivalent to a minimum of 20% of overall assessment.

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

1. Describe a variety of environmental processes that influence the past and current distributions of species
2. Identify and evaluate our understanding of contemporary processes that threaten biodiversity
3. Acquire knowledge and understanding of the key concepts associated with landscape ecology
4. Explain the relevance of biogeographical processes to biodiversity
5. Understand the main methodological approaches of conservation biologists, biogeographers and landscape ecologists
6. Gather and analyse biodiversity data in an environmental context

• Practical exercises 20% [LO 1, 2, 3, 5, 6]
• Presentation / poster 10% [LO 1, 2]
• Field study report 40% [LO 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]
• End of semester theory exam 30% [LO 1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

65 contact hours comprising lectures, tutorials, practicals and 2-night field trip

48 units towards a degree

N/A

Standard IT and Library access.