This course deals with the processes determining the abundance of organisms and how population abundance changes through time. The course begins by identifying the demographic characteristics of a population and the techniques used for quantifying these characteristics. The impact of abiotic factors on the nature of population change will be examined. The role of the biotic processes of intra- and inter-specific competition, predation, disease and herbivory on the dynamic behaviour of populations will be discussed. An important component of the course is introducing the quantitative methods and approaches used in population ecology to determine the status of populations and predict population behaviour. To this end, the course consists of weekly tutorials where, as well as being introduced to the use of several software packages, students obtain experience with some of the quantitative techniques introduced in the course. 

Honours pathway option (HPO)

Entry to this option will be subject to the approval of the course convener, and requires a mark of at least 80 in BIOL1003 and the agreement of the course coordinator. Students undertaking this option replace the essay with a literature-based assignment examining the implication of population dynamic theory on the management of pest populations or the commercial harvesting of a species. Students will be guided through this exercise and will meet with the lecturer on a regular basis throughout the latter half of the course.

On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Describe the dynamics of species populations using the specialised language of population ecology
2. Explain the role that biotic and abiotic process may play in determining population dynamics and stability
3. Apply a range of quantitative methods relevant to population ecology
4. Analyse and evaluate the significance of papers in the primary ecological literature
5. Use the spreadsheet package EXCEL to investigate the behaviour of simple population models.

Assessment will be based on:

• Essay on the role of intra-specific competition on the demographic characteristics of species  (30 %; LO 1, 2, 3, 4)
• Practical exam to assess ability to use EXCEL to solve and interpret simple population models  (20 %; LO 5)
• Theory exam (50%; LO 1, 2, 3, 4)
• Optional mid-term practice exam designed to familiarise the student with the format of the theory exam (20%). This mark may be used to replace the practical exam mark.

BIOL1003.  STAT1003 is strongly recommended.