Handbook

This course involves in-depth and hands-on exploration of ecological and evolutionary processes in arid regions of the world. Through tutorials and paper discussion, we examine the defining features of the world’s arid lands, compare characteristics of Australian arid lands with those in other parts of the world, and explore key topics including the evolutionary history of the flora and fauna, adaptations of plants and animals to boom-and-bust arid environments, the major ecosystems processes, and the dynamic, interconnected nature of communities.

During a 5-day intensive field trip to arid Australia, students will practise hands-on field research techniques and employ their acquired knowledge about arid ecology in a student-led group research project. Students will design and conduct their own research project, as well as analyse and interpret the results in the context of arid ecosystems.

A field trip to UNSW’s Fowlers Gap Arid Zone Research Station in western NSW is an essential part of the course and students will incur expenses (about a few hundred dollars).