BIO3820 - Tropical terrestrial biology

Overview

This unit covers all major aspects of tropical ecology, explaining why the world's tropics are so rich and diverse in species, what factors contribute to this richness and how the interactions between plants and animals result in such complex relationships. We discuss biodiversity in the tropics, the variety of tropical ecosystems such as rainforests, savannas, dry forests, montane tropics and peat swamps. The importance of climate, nutrient cycling, disturbance, and forest dynamics on the ecology of tropical plants and animals is a major theme. Conservation and management issues such as conflicting land-use requirements, logging and fire are also investigated in the unit.

Offerings

S2-01-MALAYSIA-IMMERSIVE

Rules

Enrolment Rule

Contacts

Chief Examiner(s)

Dr Wan Faridah Jusoh

Unit Coordinator(s)

Dr Wan Faridah Jusoh

Professor Richard Reina

Notes

This unit is not being offered at the Clayton campus in 2025.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you should be able to:

Describe the diversity, structure and function of a range of tropical ecosystems;

Explain conservation and management issues affecting tropical ecosystems;

Integrate and discuss the importance of climate, nutrient cycling, disturbance and forest dynamics on the ecology of tropical plants and animals;

Design, analyse and undertake sampling programs to examine the flora and fauna of tropical habitats;

Demonstrate advanced scientific report writing skills;

Make effective oral and visual presentations;

Work collaboratively and effectively in teams.

Teaching approach

Field trips

You will undertake group projects. The topics that are offered will reinforce many of the concepts delivered in applied sessions, while at the same time introducing you to the unique opportunities (and challenges) provided by doing field research in tropical habitats. The field trip will be run in a total duration of 5 days. The field trip project and details will be discussed during classes and described in greater detail in a separate hand-out.

Assessment

1 - Literature review

2 - Field trip project report

3 - Mid semester test

4 - Final assessment - Exam (2 hours and 10 minutes)

Scheduled and non-scheduled teaching activities

Applied sessions

Lectures

Seminars

Tutorials

Workload requirements

Workload

Learning resources

Required resources

Other unit costs

Costs are indicative and subject to change.

Field trip to Gunung Mulu National Park in Borneo-Malaysia.

Information for Clayton students: The estimated cost is $2800 AUD. GST and extra costs may vary slightly before final payment is due. Items not covered are meals in transit to the field location and other extras such as souvenirs and snacks. You may be eligible for a $1250 Monash Abroad travel grant. Details of the Monash Abroad travel grant, including eligibility, can be found on their website - https://www.monash.edu/study-abroad/overseas/financial/monash-abroad-travel-grant.

Information for Malaysian students: You are required to pay RM500 towards the cost of food, transport etc. for the Mulu field trip.

Availability in areas of study

Ecology and conservation biology
Plant sciences
Tropical environmental biology
Zoology

Faculty:

Faculty of Science

Owning organisational unit:

Malaysia School of Science

Study level:

Undergraduate

SCA band:

SCA Band 2

EFTSL:

0.125

Credit points:

Open to exchange or study abroad students?

Quota information:

Due to field course logistics, this unit has a quota of 40 Clayton students and 17 Malaysia students and enrolment is on a first-in basis. After the quota has been reached, Clayton students may request a place on the waiting list by contacting Kate Elliott (Kate.Elliott@monash.edu), while Malaysia students should contact the Course Management Office in the School of Science.