River and Floodplain Ecology

Abstract

In this subject students gain in-depth knowledge about rivers, how they function, and the types of animals and plants that inhabit them. In doing so, it is assumed students already have some knowledge of analysing environmental data and animal identification. This subject builds on that knowledge to teach you about the diversity of freshwater habitats and the ecological models relevant to the management of freshwater ecosystems. At a intensive students will gain experience in field sampling techniques (flora and fauna), the identification of organisms, and the statistical analysis of ecological data. Students complete this subject with an in-depth understanding of the organisms and communities in aquatic environments and the effect people can have on inland aquatic ecosystems.

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics: The hydrological cycle and properties of water;Physical and chemical processes in freshwater environments;Freshwater habitats and biota;Energy sources and primary production in freshwater ecosystems;Aquatic food webs and trophic linkages;Freshwater ecosystem models and concepts;Sampling and assessment of freshwater ecosystems; andHuman impacts and threatening processes.

This subject will cover the following topics:

The hydrological cycle and properties of water;
Physical and chemical processes in freshwater environments;
Freshwater habitats and biota;
Energy sources and primary production in freshwater ecosystems;
Aquatic food webs and trophic linkages;
Freshwater ecosystem models and concepts;
Sampling and assessment of freshwater ecosystems; and
Human impacts and threatening processes.

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

have a broad understanding of the hydrological cycle and properties of water;

have a broad and coherent understanding of the physical, chemical and ecological processes that occur in inland water bodies;

have in-depth knowledge about the ecological models used to explain river and floodplain function;

have the ability use a variety of specialised techniques to sample aquatic organisms and to assess aquatic ecosystems;

have specialised skills identification of organisms and communities in aquatic environments; and

review, consolidate, and synthesise their knowledge about river and floodplain ecology in order to critically discuss the impacts of humans and the threatening processes affecting Australian inland waters.

Enrolment restrictions

This subject is only available to students enrolled in Postgraduate study.

Incompatible

Learning activities

Intensive School

Learning resources

Additional resources required by students

There is an intensive school associated with this subject which may incur travel and accommodation expenses for students.

Handbook

BIO401 - River and Floodplain Ecology