Biological Issues in Australia. BI:510

Spring 2009

Dr. Dave Richard

Fisher Hall 217

Tel (570) 372 4206

A course associated with the Cross-Cultural Focus Australia program. 2 credit Hours.

Class times: Wednesday evening 6:30 to 9pm. Fisher Hall 202.

Course description

Australia presents a series of unique opportunities for the study of scientific issues. It represents a truly isolated biosystem with many plants and animals that are found only in this large and diverse country. The biology of some of these animals, especially the marsupials, will be examined in comparison with equivalent animals in North America. For example, the absence of indigenous large cat and dog species has resulted in convergent evolution of some marsupial species to fill the equivalent niches. One of the world's unique biological sites is the Great Barrier Reef which extends for over one thousand miles along the eastern coast of Australia. This will be a focus of study for the program with a number of students becoming SCUBA certified to dive on the reef.

The aboriginal peoples of Australia had developed a life style that was well adapted to the resources available in the "bush" before British colonial influences were exerted. Some of these cultural and scientific adaptations will be discussed. We will also watch the movies, "The Tracker" and "Rabbit Proof Fence" which deal with the the relationships between aboriginies and colonists, and the long-term policy of removing mixed-race children from their pareents and placing them in government homes. While not strictly biological, these highlight important, if disturbing, episodes in Australia's history.

Agriculture has long been a major economic factor in the development of Australia. This has resulted in the over exploitation and deforestation of large areas of the country, especially by sheep farming. The effects of introducing new species into an existing ecosystem, either as a "crop" such as sheep, or others such as the cane-toad and rabbit will be examined.

Course learning goals

Students who successfully complete this course and the Focus Australia program will be able to

• Describe the various ecosystems that are a part of the unique nature of Australia
• Discuss the importance of isolation in the evolution of the flora and fauna of Australia
• Discuss the role of indigenous aboriginal people on shaping their environment
• Describe the post-colonial effects of settlement
• Demonstrate an understanding of the effects of introduced species
• Outline the major events in the post-colonial history of Australia
• Compare and contrast the development of Australia with that of Britain and the US
• Demonstrate an understanding of the unique nature of Australian culture.

Recommended Reading:

In a Sunburned Country. Bill Bryson. This book is not so much about biology as about Australia. It gives a very humorous account of his travels around the country and is remarkably accurate. This is expecially recommended for those of you travelling to Oz with us this summer.

Other readings will be assigned throughout the semester.

Course Format

This course will be based on the Internet and resources available there. There will be very little in the way of lecture. It is intended that you will work in groups of three to research, prepare and present three 20 minute multimedia talks to the class on aspects of the Biology of Australia. You will have access to the Internet as well as to a scanner and a PowerPoint presentation system. You must hand in a copy of your PowerPoint presentation after your presentation. This will be reviewed and will form a part of your grade.

The topics for presentation are to be varied and discussed with me before you begin your research.

Tips for searching the Internet

These tips should allow you to develop more targeted searches that will allow you to use your online time more effectively.

Some useful Australian links As we move through the semester, more useful links will be added to this list. Please email me the http addresses and a short description of each site you want added.

Assessment

• Presentations 75%
• Term Paper 25%

Presentations. Each group will be assessed on all three of their presentations. 50% of your grade will be determined by me,and 15% by the other groups and 10% by your group. There will be no formal examinations.

Each person must present in each session. Your grade as determined by me will depend upon the depth of research, level of understanding and appreciation for the material, use of material (including visual quality of presentation) and personal quality of presentation. In order for the grade to count, you must hand in an electronic copy of the presentation.

Overall, 80% of your grade for each talk will depend upon the performance of the group (i.e. the overall material and approach) and 20% will depend upon your individual performance (delivery etc). Your assessment of each other within your group will be determined at the end of the semester and should reflect an honest assessment of the effort and quality of contribution of each member, including yourself.

Term paper. The remaining 25% of your grade will be based on a 2500 word term paper on one of the following five topics. Final copies of the papers are due by 4:05 p.m. Wednesday April 15. I will require a paper copy in my office as well as an electronic submission to www.turnitin.com. Late papers will be assessed a 10% penalty for each day that they are late. two to three-page typed summary/annotated bibliography of your essay is due by March 11th. If you fail to hand this in on that date a 20% penalty will be assessed against your term paper grade.

Topics

1. Australia's history as a British colony has contributed to its environmental problems. Discuss in the context of how its environment has been shaped by human settlers over the past 60,000 years or so.

2. Traditional aboriginal land practices have shaped the ecology of Australia. Discuss.

3. Describe and discuss the evidence that led to the identification of "Wallace's Line." Beyond the obvious short term effects such as earthquakes, how do ecosystems respond to tectonic events?

4. Discuss the lessons that can be learned from the Australian experience about the wisdom of introducing novel species into an ecosystem?

5. Water is more of a limiting factor for human endeavors and the environment in Australia than in the US. Discuss the ways that this has affected the development of both post-colonial nations.

Provisional timetable (dates subject to change)

Departure date for Australia June 1st, returning June 23rd

Focus Australia Website