This course introduces the quantitative assessment, measurement and modelling approaches that are fundamental to studies of natural ecosystems. The course also aims to provide grounding in the ecological and population theories that underpin measurement and modelling approaches as well as enhance research, written and oral communication skills. This focus constitutes the base quantitative skill-set that all natural resource management and ecology graduates should aim to master in their degree.

Three broad topics - allometry, population structure and modelling and assessing function and change - will be introduced during the course. These topics provide the basis for an introduction to regression techniques and to basic model formulation. Field-based case studies support integration of the lecture and reading material as well as providing examples of research and general application. Students  apply this learning to a modelling task within the major assignment, and deliver the results of their work in a conference-style setting at the end of the semester.

Honours Pathway Option

Subject to the approval of the course convener students taking this option must demonstrate greater depth in the philosophy and use of modelling for environmental/forest management, including advanced inventory systems. They will attend six additional one-hour tutorial/workshops over the semester, which may be web-based, and will submit an alternative major project (25%) on a topic to be approved by the coordinator.

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 modelling, conducted during practicals (4-6 quizzes, 30%)
• A scientific journal article on the results of modelling based upon an ecological dataset. Students will develop/apply statistical and mathematical models, discussed during the course, to answer an ecological question. The results of the major report are to be presented in a conference-style setting during the last week of semester. This assessment will require students to demonstrate ability to integrate knowledge of measurement, data analysis and modeling, in the format of a presentation to a scientific audience (5-8 page report and abstract/poster, 40%).
• A final examination that demonstrates understanding of ecological measurement and modelling as well as the ability to derive relevant management and research conclusions (30%). 

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

ENVS1003 or STAT1003

with FSTY2009 or SRES2009