This option gives an in-depth introduction to tropical rainforest ecosystems. The first part of the course will cover the rainforest environment, how it evolved and how it functions. Later parts discuss how organisms survive on the backdrop of this environment. Important groups of organisms will be covered in depth with particular emphasis on recent research. 

There is normally 3 hours of teaching on Fridays. 

BIOL4127 Tropical Rainforest Ecology option

The course will be assessed by a 2-hour examination (75%) and in-course assessment consisting of a mini project report in the form of an individual poster (25%). 

Reassessments are normally available for all courses, except those which contribute to the Honours classification. For non Honours courses, students are offered reassessment in all or any of the components of assessment if the satisfactory (threshold) grade for the overall course is not achieved at the first attempt. This is normally grade D3 for undergraduate students and grade C3 for postgraduate students. Exceptionally it may not be possible to offer reassessment of some coursework items, in which case the mark achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade. Any such exceptions for this course are described below. 

This course aims to provide an in-depth study of tropical rainforest ecosystems, covering their origins, evolution, structure and function. Important groups of organisms will be covered in depth with particular emphasis on recent research.

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

■ Evaluate current knowledge of the origins and evolution of tropical rainforests; 

■ Discuss the structure of a tropical rainforest and evaluate the various factors responsible for the high species diversity found in the ecosystem; 

■ Compare examples of the complex relationships that exist between organisms in the rainforest and discuss how these relationships have evolved; 

■ Communicate scientific findings. 

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.