Ecosystems worldwide are under stress. Recent global and local assessments of biodiversity have reported deterioration of ecosystems and species loss, leading to potentially irreversible changes from baseline conditions. In the face of the challenges presented by multiple degrading processes, measuring and monitoring ecosystems is as important as ever. Ecosystem change may be manifest in an array of ecosystem attributes expressed as changes in number or size, or presence of species, functions, or services within an ecosystem. Despite the array of changes ecosystems may express, ecologists call upon the same broad concepts when designing and implementing approaches to quantitatively assess change and difference. This course aims to introduce the concepts at the core of measurement and monitoring for detection of ecosystem change.
The course aims to build on quantitative modelling skills using approaches that underpin the bulk of ecological studies. The intent is to provide the next step (after pre-requisite introductory courses) for students in building competence in widely applicable field-survey, data-handling and statistical methods. The ultimate aims are to provide an essential quantitative skill set for future researchers, managers, consultants, analysts, and policy-makers alike.
The dizzying array of attributes that may change in ecosystems means that this course cannot meaningfully cover a substantial number if ecosystems, attributes, or processes. The intensive timeline of the course, and uncertain public-health landscape, means we cannot travel to remote sites. The course focusses on local case studies that offer the opportunity to explore the use of data experimental sites as well as native ecosystems. While these case studies may seem, at times, distant from the idealised landscapes ecologists work in, they embody the basic question types that ecologists seek to answer when monitoring ecosystems in an approachable setting. They also support integration of lecture, workshop and reading material. Individual sessions will focus on specific examples of measurement and the impact of instrument selection and use; experimental design and implicit consequences; common and advanced analysis techniques.
Note: Graduate students attend joint classes with undergraduates but are assessed separately.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Demonstrate advanced conceptual understanding of measurement and modelling approaches in ecological studies.
- Critically apply advanced concepts and methods of quantitative analysis in the context of environmental data, with special reference to experimental design and monitoring environmental dynamics and change.
- Effectively critique and communicate quantitative outputs and data collection/analysis strategies to a scientific/management community.
Research-Led Teaching
Students work closely with visiting or guest lecturers and experts will engage in many aspects of current research. Discussions allow students to integrate their understanding of the discipline with these current research advances and issues.
Field Trips
The course includes a number local area field trips. Please refer to the course Wattle site for further information.
For more information, please see the College of Science – Field trip page.
Additional Course Costs
There are no additional costs or resources required beyond those routinely required by coursework students. Students will be expected to provide their own food and drink throughout the intensive sessions.
Examination Material or equipment
This course does not include a formal examination.
Required Resources
Enclosed walking shoes/boots, and clothing appropriate to likely cold, damp and windy weather conditions. Field sessions will comprise half and full-day activities over in both weeks. Students should bring sufficient food and water, and necessary medications to support a full-day's work. The course will require ongoing engagement throughout the scheduled teaching sessions. Students will be expected to allocate sufficient time resources to learning activities between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. each day.
Recommended Resources
Students are strongly encouraged to bring personal laptops. Downloadable versions of JMP and CDendro will be made available. Students will be asked to respond to questions live
during the course using smart phones or laptops. A small number of Surface computers will be made available for students who do not have their own.
Recommended student system requirements
ANU courses commonly use a number of online resources and activities including:
- video material, similar to YouTube, for lectures and other instruction
- two-way video conferencing for interactive learning
- email and other messaging tools for communication
- interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities
- print and photo/scan for handwritten work
- home-based assessment.
To fully participate in ANU learning, students need:
- A computer or laptop. Mobile devices may work well but in some situations a computer/laptop may be more appropriate.
- Webcam
- Speakers and a microphone (e.g. headset)
- Reliable, stable internet connection. Broadband recommended. If using a mobile network or wi-fi then check performance is adequate.
- Suitable location with minimal interruptions and adequate privacy for classes and assessments.
- Printing, and photo/scanning equipment
For more information please see https://www.anu.edu.au/students/systems/recommended-student-system-requirements
Staff Feedback
Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:
- Computer-based feedback on quizzes and practical assessment pieces
- Written feedback on the major assessment
Student Feedback
ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.
Other Information
Students are asked to submit any assessment extension requests for this course via the School's application.
Class Schedule
| Week/Session | Summary of Activities | Assessment |
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| 1 | Week 1; Monday
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| 2 | Week 1; Tuesday
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| 3 | Week 1; Wednesday
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| 4 | Week 1; Thursday
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| 5 | Week 1; Friday
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| 6 | Week 2; Monday
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| 8 | Week 2; Wednesday
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Tutorial Registration
n/a
Assessment Summary
| Assessment task | Value | Due Date | Return of assessment | Learning Outcomes |
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| Experimental-effects model | 20 % | 23/11/2023 | 25/11/2023 | 1,2 |
| Validated allometric model | 30 % | 30/11/2023 | 01/12/2023 | 1,2 |
| Invertebrate modelling and monitoring in Black Mountain Nature Reserve | 50 % | 08/12/2023 | 16/12/2023 | 1,2,3 |
* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details
Policies
ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines , which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:
- Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
- Extenuating Circumstances Application
- Student Surveys and Evaluations
- Deferred Examinations
- Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
- Code of practice for teaching and learning
Assessment Requirements
The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.
Moderation of Assessment
Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.
Participation
The intensive nature of this course assumes an ongoing and consistent commitment to learning activities during the teaching period. Face-to-face learning activities are scheduled during 9:30am to 2:30pm each day of the course. Students are reasonably expected to attend during these hours. Meaningful engagement in measurement activities is required for all students and will be actively assessed.
Examination(s)
This course does not include an examination.
Assessment Task 1
Learning Outcomes: 1,2
Experimental-effects model
Maximum 500-word report outlining a proposed model for estimation of treatment and environmental effects within a field-based experimental setting.
Assessment Task 2
Learning Outcomes: 1,2
Validated allometric model
Maximum 800-word report outlining a proposed and validated model aimed at volume/mass modelling.
Assessment Task 3
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3
Invertebrate modelling and monitoring in Black Mountain Nature Reserve
A 4000-word consultancy report written for government clients aimed at establishing landscape- and tree-level models of Ogmograptis and Trytimba moth galleries. The graduate-level report must also include a proposal for a scientific licence for ongoing monitoring that addresses the key principles of long-term monitoring within native ecosystems.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.
The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.
The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.
The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.
Online Submission
Assignments are submitted using Turnitin in the course Wattle site. You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records.
Hardcopy Submission
Nil expected
Late Submission
Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure.
The Course Convener may grant extensions for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request it in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.
Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item.
Referencing Requirements
The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material.
Returning Assignments
Final report and comments will be returned after the relevant Fenner School Examination processes have been completed.
Extensions and Penalties
Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.
Resubmission of Assignments
Re-submission of assignments is not proposed.
Privacy Notice
The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.
Distribution of grades policy
Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.
Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.
Support for students
The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).
- ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
- ANU Access and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
- ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
- ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
- ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
- ANUSA supports and represents all ANU students
Convener
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Research InterestsForest dynamics, plant ecophysiology, sub-alpine ecology, dendrochronology, stable isotopic methods, plant culture |
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Dr Matthew Brookhouse
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Instructor
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Research Interests |
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Dr Matthew Brookhouse
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