BIOEB102-19B (HAM)

Introduction to Ecology and Biodiversity

15 Points

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Division of Health Engineering Computing & Science
School of Science

Staff

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Convenor(s)

Mike Clearwater

Mike Clearwater
4613
D.1.05
To be advised
mike.clearwater@waikato.ac.nz

Lecturer(s)

Brydget Tulloch

Brydget Tulloch
9376
R.1.06
To be advised
brydget.tulloch@waikato.ac.nz

Brendan Hicks

Brendan Hicks
4661
R.2.14
To be advised
brendan.hicks@waikato.ac.nz

Administrator(s)

Placement Coordinator(s)

Tutor(s)

Student Representative(s)

Lab Technician(s)

Librarian(s)

: cheryl.ward@waikato.ac.nz

You can contact staff by:

  • Calling +64 7 838 4466 select option 1, then enter the extension.
  • Extensions starting with 4, 5, 9 or 3 can also be direct dialled:
    • For extensions starting with 4: dial +64 7 838 extension.
    • For extensions starting with 5: dial +64 7 858 extension.
    • For extensions starting with 9: dial +64 7 837 extension.
    • For extensions starting with 3: dial +64 7 2620 + the last 3 digits of the extension e.g. 3123 = +64 7 262 0123.
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Paper Description

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An introduction to the principles of ecology and biodiversity. Topics include the diversity, structure, functioning and environmental responses of plants and animals, population, community and ecosystem ecology, and conservation biology. Examples will include New Zealand ecosystems and biota.

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Paper Structure

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This paper is taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials, and laboratory classes. Details of lecture and lab content are provided in the attached paper timetable. Please note that laboratory classes start in the second week of semester and are an essential part of the course.

Important note for international students: For international students in New Zealand under student visas, regular attendance is part of your visa obligation and is checked as a requirement on the University under the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students, to which the University is a signatory. Academic staff are formally required to monitor attendance in classes and submission of compulsory assessment events/items and to report to Waikato International in the event that any problem with irregular attendance or non-submission is not resolved.


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Learning Outcomes

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Students who successfully complete the course should be able to:

  • Describe the defining features of plants and provide an introductory description of how they function in terms of growth, reproduction, resource acquisition and responses to their environment
    Linked to the following assessments:
  • Describe the defining features of animals, and provide an introductory description of their functioning, including body plans, nutrition, circulation, locomotion and behaviour
    Linked to the following assessments:
  • Discuss the significance of key ecological concepts including populations, communities and community interactions, and ecosystem structure
    Linked to the following assessments:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of conservation biology, restoration ecology, and the significance of global change and sustainable development
    Linked to the following assessments:
  • Communicate scientific ideas and concepts in a written form using standard scientific conventions, including referencing and citations
    Linked to the following assessments:
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Assessment

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The dates indicated for assessment procedures will normally be adhered to. Any changes in the dates will be made in consultation with the class, at least one week prior to the original date.


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Assessment Components

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The internal assessment/exam ratio (as stated in the University Calendar) is 50:50. There is no final exam. The final exam makes up 50% of the overall mark.

The internal assessment/exam ratio (as stated in the University Calendar) is 50:50 or 0:0, whichever is more favourable for the student. The final exam makes up either 50% or 0% of the overall mark.

Component DescriptionDue Date TimePercentage of overall markSubmission MethodCompulsory
1. Tests
Average of Best ( 2 )
2 Aug 2019
9:00 AM
20
2. Test 1
2 Aug 2019
9:00 AM
-
  • Hand-in: In Lecture
3. Test 2
13 Sep 2019
9:00 AM
-
  • Hand-in: In Lecture
4. Test 3
9 Oct 2019
9:00 AM
-
  • Hand-in: In Lecture
5. Weekly lab assessments (10)
20
  • Hand-in: In Lab
6. Essay
16 Aug 2019
4:30 PM
10
  • Online: Submit through Moodle
7. Exam
50
✔
Assessment Total:     100    
Failing to complete a compulsory assessment component of a paper will result in an IC grade
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Required and Recommended Readings

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Required Readings

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The required textbook is Campbell Biology (11th edition) Australian and New Zealand Version, by L.A. Urry et al. (2018), pub. Pearson. If available, the International version and / or 9th or 10th editions are also suitable, with some differences in the examples used to illustrate particular concepts.


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Recommended Readings

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Those intending to major in biology (or any other science subject) will also find Writing for Science: a practical handbook for science, engineering and technology students (3rd edition) by H. Silyn-Roberts (2012, pub. Pearson) very useful. (Or, if you have a copy, A student handbook for writing in biology (2nd edition), by K. Knisely (2005, pub. Sinauer/Freeman) will be helpful.)

Students with little prior experience of biology should also use Getting Ready for Biology (L. Garrett, 2007, Pearson).

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Online Support

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This paper has a Moodle page (http://elearn.waikato.ac.nz) where you will be able to access pdfs of lecture notes and powerpoints, lecture recordings, and assessment materials. There are also discussion forums where you can both ask and answer questions. Your essay assignment must be submitted electronically through Moodle, and as an identical paper copy at FIC.

PLEASE NOTE: Moodle will be used for class notices. It is your responsibility to check the site regularly. Instructions provided on Moodle and in lectures are considered to be given to the class as a whole.


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Workload

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This paper has seven contact hours per week plus 3 hours per week for assessment and independent study. The remaining 50 hours is for preparing and writing the essay, and studying for the exam. A 100-level 15 point paper in any of the science subjects offered by the University of Waikato typically involves less than 80 hours of supervised study and it is assumed that up to 70 hours will be spent in private study by an ‘average’ student.


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Linkages to Other Papers

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Prerequisite for BIOEB201, 202, 203, 204; Required for students majoring in Ecology and Biodiversity and recommended for students majoring in Molecular and Cellular Biology; required for a minor in Animal Behaviour; may also contribute to a major in Environmental Science and the Bachelor of Environmental Planning.


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Prerequisite(s)

Corequisite(s)

Equivalent(s)

Restriction(s)

Restricted papers: BIOL102

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