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    Overview

    Species and population ecology: patterns of biodiversity; management of threatened species; evolution and environmental influences; how individuals interact with each other in populations, and with their physical environment.

    Natural ecosystems are intricately linked with human society, yet their sustainability is threatened by the rapid expansion of our population and its industries. Of all scientific disciplines, ecology is best placed to offer long-term solutions. This paper provides a thorough overview of ecological principles, ranging from the forces acting on individuals and populations, to those structuring entire ecosystems. It provides a foundation for those aiming at becoming ecologists, as well as a complete introduction to the field to those majoring in other areas such as economics or law.

    About this paper

    Paper title Ecology and Conservation of Diversity
    Subject Ecology
    EFTS 0.15
    Points 18 points
    Teaching period Semester 1 (On campus)
    Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $1,173.30
    International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
    Restriction
    BIOL 114
    Schedule C
    Science
    Contact
    ecology@otago.ac.nz
    Teaching staff

    Course Co-ordinator: Professor Steve Wing
    Lab Co-ordinator: Dr Anna Wood

    Textbooks
    William D. Bowman, Sally D. Hacker, and Michael L. Cain (2017) Ecology. Fourth edition. Sunderland, Massachusetts: Sinauer Associates, Inc. Publishers
    Graduate Attributes Emphasised
    Global perspective, Interdisciplinary perspective, Lifelong learning, Scholarship, Communication, Critical thinking, Cultural understanding, Ethics, Environmental literacy, Information literacy, Research, Self-motivation, Teamwork.
    View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
    Learning Outcomes

    Students who successfully complete this paper will:

    • Understand how evolution and the environment affect species
    • Understand how and why species fluctuate in abundance
    • Understand how vital rates can be influenced by conditions and resources
    • Understand how intra- and interspecific interactions can affect populations
    • Understand how to use ecological principles to conserve threatened species
    • Understand what underpins our planet's biodiversity
    • Develop skills in experimental design, group work, critical thinking and scientific communication (including report writing and oral communication)

    Timetable

    Semester 1

    Location
    Dunedin
    Teaching method
    This paper is taught On Campus
    Learning management system
    Blackboard

    Lecture

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend
    A1 Monday 11:00-11:50 9-13, 15-22
    Wednesday 11:00-11:50 9-13, 15-22
    Friday 11:00-11:50 9-12, 15-22

    Practical

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend one stream from
    A1 Monday 14:00-17:50 9-13, 15-16, 18-21
    Saturday 07:00-15:50 9, 16-17
    A2 Tuesday 14:00-17:50 9-13, 15-16, 18-21
    Saturday 07:00-15:50 9, 16-17
    A3 Wednesday 14:00-17:50 9-13, 15-16, 18-21
    Sunday 07:00-15:50 9, 16-17
    A4 Thursday 14:00-17:50 9-13, 15-16, 18-21
    Sunday 07:00-15:50 9, 16-17
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