OSPAUSTL 28: Terrestrial Ecology and Conservation

Source: https://australia.stanford.edu/academics/courses/ospaustl-28-terrestrial-ecology-and-conservation Parent: https://australia.stanford.edu/academics/courses

Instructor: Tobias Smith

Students explore the organisms and processes that characterise Australian terrestrial ecosystems. The course covers the physical factors shaping the landscape, such as geology, climate, and fire, and provides an in-depth examination of Australia's terrestrial biodiversity. With a strong focus on two major vegetation types, sclerophyll and rainforest, the course introduces Australia's unique plant and animal taxa and their ecology, including background biogeography. Throughout, the course explores the influence of First Nations peoples on biodiversity, and includes First Nations perspectives. Conservation principles are introduced, addressing threats like habitat loss and invasive species, and students critically examine predictions for Australia's biodiversity in a changing climate. Learning from lecture content is reinforced through extensive field activities into two settings, the remote island of K'gari and Lamington National Park, with field data collection activities focused on both plants and animals. Upon completion, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the major processes and organisms driving terrestrial ecosystems and the skils to apply these insights to terrestrial ecosystems in North America and beyond.

Units: 3 | Grading Basis: Letter grade | Departmental Credit: Biology, Civil & Environ Engineering, Earth Systems, Human Biology, Science, Technology, & Society | Component: Seminar

*All courses are subject to change.