Unit of Study AGRC2005 Ecological Perspectives: Human Ecology (2025)

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Unit Snapshot

Unit type

UG Coursework Unit
Credit points

12
Faculty & College

Faculty of Science and Engineering
Placement

No

Unit description

Explores the emergence of holistic, complex, adaptive systems approaches to thinking and knowledge, compared with reductionist science and mechanistic understandings of nature. Examines human ecology, including the role of different belief systems and their impact on ecological perspectives, which in turn influence individual and communal behaviour. Considers the role of ecological literacy in the context of regenerative agriculture. Students explore their connection to the environment, to systems and to holistic thinking through theory and practice.

Unit content

1. A mechanistic society: belief systems, learning, science and philosophy

2. An interconnected universe: understanding complex systems, Indigenous thinking and knowledges

3. Approaches for interpreting one’s relationship with the natural world

4. Applying diverse and multidisciplinary knowledges to networks of complex adaptive systems

5. Holistic evaluation of ecosystem complexity — applying systems thinking

6. Different approaches for managing complex systems

Availabilities

Location	Domestic	International
Lismore	Term3	Term3
Online	Term3	N/A

Learning outcomes

Unit Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a unit. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes. The unit learning outcomes and graduate attributes are also the basis of evaluating prior learning.

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

compare mechanistic and complex adaptive systems worldviews and how this influences ecological perspectives

undertake reflective analysis on the relationship between worldview and land management

describe and interpret one’s relationship with the natural world

evaluate the role of both reductionistic and holistic approaches to science and agricultural practice.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching method

Tutorial 2 hours (Weekly)

Workshop 1 hour (Weekly)

Assessment
Discussion board	SR
Reflective writing	50%
Creative work	50%

Teaching method

Tutorial 2 hours (Weekly)

Workshop 1 hour (Weekly)

Assessment
Discussion board	SR
Reflective writing	50%
Creative work	50%

Prescribed learning resources

Prescribed Texts

Prescribed text information is not currently available.

Prescribed Resources/Equipment

Prescribed resources/equipment information is not currently available.

Prescribed Learning Resources may change in future Teaching Periods.

Fee information

Domestic

Commonwealth Supported courses
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