ABB246 Landscape Ecologies
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | ABB246 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | 36 credit points of completed Landscape Architecture study (ABB24% or DL% units) |
| Equivalent(s): | DLB301 |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| CSP student contribution | $1,164 |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $4,356 |
| International unit fee | $4,896 |
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2025, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | ABB246 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | 36 credit points of completed Landscape Architecture study (ABB24% or DL% units) |
| Equivalent: | DLB301 |
| Coordinator: | Kate Church | kate.church@qut.edu.au |
Overview
This third-year landscape architecture theory unit builds on principles learnt in your Planting Design unit. You will learn about and apply theories and methods of landscape ecology and restoration ecology in combination with an introduction to the geomorphological processes creating landforms and underpinning ecological systems. This unit expands your conception of landscape as site-based to understand it as a dynamic web of ecosystems, including a focus on the role of vegetation within these systems. You will first demonstrate an understanding of these base theories, then apply them in the development and communication of an ecological restoration plan to improve a specific site’s ecological wellbeing. This unit complements learning undertaken in your Environmental Planning and Urban Ecologies units, and the understanding of landscape systems you will develop across these prepares you for your advanced-level studio units.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Understand and apply theoretical and practical knowledge and skills related to landscape ecologies.
- Critically and creatively analyse the ecological and geomorphological conditions of an area of land and its ecosystem/s.
- Plan, develop and complete a design proposition informed by applying theories and methods in an ethically sound and ecologically responsive manner.
- Effectively communicate your acquired knowledge and its critical application in visual and written forms.
Content
The major topics covered in this unit will include:
- Landscape ecological theories and methods
- Patch-Corridor-Matrix dynamics and effects on fauna conservation
- Ecological Restoration theories and methods
- Geomorphological structures and processes
- Native and endemic vegetation species and communities
- Invasive Species and their implications
- Soil ecology and hydrology
- Ecosystem services
- Constructed applications of vegetation within ecosystems
Learning Approaches
This unit engages you in your learning through:
- Individual and group learning via in-class lectures and corresponding exercises introducing and exploring the theories and methods of landscape ecology, restoration ecology and geomorphology;
- Individual learning through the completion of these exercises outside class;
- Individual and group learning on field trips;
- Individual learning through the research, planning, development and communication of a restoration management plan.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Feedback will be provided by:
- Formative feedback on exercises in the form of verbal feedback from peers and academic staff
- Summative review of submitted assessments in the form of verbal or written feedback from academic staff and criteria-referenced assessment rubrics.
Assessment
Overview
This unit includes two assessments. These have been designed to enable you to learn and apply theories and methods from landscape ecology, restoration ecology and geomorphology. In the first assessment you will learn and apply these in the analysis of a selected site. In the second assessment you will undertake further research in order to plan, develop and communicate a restoration management plan to improve the ecological wellbeing of an area of the site.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Ecological Analysis
In class you will work individually and in groups to undertake a series of exercises to learn theories and methods of ecological and geomorphological analysis of a selected site, including mapping techniques. You will individually complete these exercises in your own time and submit them for assessment in the form of a written and illustrated workbook, forming the basis of your work in Assessment 2.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Restoration Management Plan
Building on your work in Project 1, you will plan and develop a restoration management plan to improve the ecological wellbeing of an area of the site. You will apply knowledge learnt in class and through your own exploration concerning ecosystem restoration, including the roles of vegetation and ecosystem services to prepare a management plan. Your plan will be communicated through a visual and written report.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
Required and recommended readings and resources will be identified on Canvas prior to and during semester.
Risk Assessment Statement
All commencing Faculty of Engineering students are required to complete the Mandatory Safety Induction
There are no extraordinary risks associated with the classroom/lecture activities in this unit.
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.AB01 Bachelor of Built Environment (Honours)
- Apply theoretical, practical and cultural knowledge and skills across a range of disciplines and specialist knowledge and skills in one built environment area.
Relates to: Ecological Analysis, Restoration Management Plan - Design and critically evaluate sustainable and creative solutions to social, economic, technological and environmental challenges.
Relates to: Ecological Analysis, Restoration Management Plan - Communicate knowledge, ideas and creative solutions in diverse modes, for a range of contexts and diverse audiences.
Relates to: Ecological Analysis, Restoration Management Plan - Plan, develop and complete research and other projects.
Relates to: Restoration Management Plan - Reflect on feedback and experience, and display professional and ethical judgment and initiative.
Relates to: Ecological Analysis, Restoration Management Plan