School Of Natural SciencesEcosystems and AgricultureWestern Sydney University Unit Code: EY103A.1
Discipline: AGRICULTURE, ENVIRONMENTAL AND RELATED STUDIES NEC
Student Contribution Band: 2
Level: 1
Credit Points: 10
About this Unit
Development of effective management strategies for sustainable agricultural production and conservation of the environment must be based on a sound understanding of natural and agricultural ecosystem functioning. In this unit, students will be introduced to the biophysical components and processes within natural and agricultural ecosystems and the nature and consequences of ecosystem disturbance. Principles of ecosystem function and the impacts of ecosystem disturbance on agricultural production and environmental quality, will be explored with reference to major environmental issues facing Australia today (eg soil acidity, water quality, habitat restoration). As a tool for understanding the complexity of these issues, students will be introduced to systems concepts and modelling techniques. These will be used to describe and analyse ecosystems in terms of their structure, functional inter-relationships, emergent properties and energy and material flows.