SLE103 - Ecology and the Environment
Unit details
| Year: | 2021 unit information |
|---|---|
| Important Update: | Unit delivery will continue to be provided in line with the most current COVIDSafe health guidelines. This may include a mix of on-campus and online activities. To find out how you are impacted, please check your unit sites for announcements and updates. Unit sites open one week prior to the start of each Trimester/Semester. Thank you for your flexibility and commitment to studying with Deakin in 2021. Last updated: 4 June 2021 |
| Enrolment modes: | Trimester 1: Burwood (Melbourne), Warrnambool, Waurn Ponds (Geelong) Trimester 3: Online |
| Credit point(s): | 1 |
| EFTSL value: | 0.125 |
| Previously coded as: | SQA101 |
| Unit Chair: | Trimester 1: Tricia Wevill Trimester 3: Bill Borrie |
| Prerequisite: | Nil |
| Corequisite: | Nil |
| Incompatible with: | Nil |
| Typical study commitment: | Students will on average spend 150 hours over the teaching period undertaking the teaching, learning and assessment activities for this unit. |
| Scheduled learning activities - campus: | Trimester 1: 2 x 1 hour class per week, 5 x 2 hour seminars per trimester.
|
| Scheduled learning activities - cloud: | Trimester 3: Students are required to attend intensive study blocks for the first 6 weeks of trimester (1 x 3 hour class for 4 days per week (Week 1-3, recordings provided); independent online learning tasks (week 4-6). Students will be required to attend and participate in practical activities at the Burwood campus on a scheduled half-day during the intensive study period (typically week 2). |
Content
SLE103 introduces students to the science of ecology, investigating relationships between organisms and the environment. In this unit, students will also explore climate change and energy issues. They will learn about the nature of science and the scientific method and how to use a systems framework to investigate environmental issues. This will equip students with the capacity to study key environmental issues such as climate systems and ecological systems and make a difference.
| ULO | These are the Learning Outcomes (ULO) for this unit. At the completion of this unit, successful students can: | Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|---|
| ULO1 | Explain the processes involved in evidence based scientific enquiry | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities GLO4: Critical thinking |
| ULO2 | Demonstrate, through verbal and written communication, the ability to apply scientific methodology through individual and group tasks | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities GLO2: Communication GLO5: Problem solving GLO7: Teamwork |
| ULO3 | Describe the factors that contribute to the patterns of global climate systems | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities GLO4: Critical thinking GLO6: Self-management |
| ULO4 | Compare the processes involved in obtaining electricity for human use from renewable and non-renewable energy sources | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities GLO5: Problem solving |
| ULO5 | Identify the abiotic and biotic components within ecosystems, and explain the interactions between these components | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities |
| ULO6 | Summarise the impacts of loss of biodiversity on environmental systems | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities |
These Unit Learning Outcomes are applicable for all teaching periods throughout the year
Assessment
Trimester 1:| Assessment Description | Student output | Grading and weighting (% total mark for unit) | Indicative due week |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group poster presentation | Oral presentation | 15% | Week 6 |
| Online multiple choice test | 1-hour online test | 20% | Week 7 |
| Written report | Written scientific report (1500-2000 words) | 25% | Week 10 |
| Examination | 2-hour written examination | 40% | Examination Period |
| Assessment Description | Student output | Grading and weighting (% total mark for unit) | Indicative due week |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group poster presentation | Oral presentation | 15% | Intensive week 2 |
| Online multiple choice test | 1-hour online test | 20% | Intensive week 2 |
| Written report | Written scientific report (1500-2000 words) | 25% | Intensive week 5 |
| Online test | 2-hour online written test | 40% | Intensive week 6 |
The assessment due weeks provided may change. The Unit Chair will clarify the exact assessment requirements, including the due date, at the start of the teaching period.
Learning Resource
Prescribed text(s): SLE103 Custom Publication, 2020, Ecology and the Environment Custom Publication (6th Ed). Available as an e-Book.
The texts and reading list for the unit can be found on the University Library via the link below: SLE103 Note: Select the relevant trimester reading list. Please note that a future teaching period's reading list may not be available until a month prior to the start of that teaching period so you may wish to use the relevant trimester's prior year reading list as a guide only.
Unit Fee Information
Click on the fee link below which describes you: