Ecology (BIO2011)
 Ecology is a field science so our school is committed to training ecologists in the field. The practical component of BIO2011 can be completed in either of two ways: through an extended field camps before semester starts (Option 1) or on weekend field excursions (Option 2).
Option 1 immerses students in ecological matters. This five-day camp is held at Airey's Inlet (Great Ocean Road) before semester commences. Small student teams cycle through projects, each supervised by a different staff member. This exposes students to a range of habitats (ranging from intertidal rocky shores, freshwater ponds, to eucalypt forest) and perspectives on ecology. At night, debates, informal discussion, mammal spotlighting, and bat trapping add to the mix. Projects are taken through from design to data analysis to student group presentations at the conclusion of the camp.
Option 2 involves day-long excursions on two weekends, one early and the other late in the semester. The first project examines the distribution and abundance of plants and animals at an intertidal rocky shore at Flinders. The second looks at how regional and local factors affect the structure and species composition in eucalypt forests in the Dandenong Ranges. Both are conducted by small student teams, and analysed and discussed in groups during practical sessions. Each project is written up individually as a scientific manuscript
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Tropical marine fieldwork at Heron Island (BIO3021)
 Heron Island is an evergreen coral cay surrounded by 24 hectares of coral reef forming part of the Capricorn/Bunker group at the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef. Students undertaking the third year marine biology unit have the opportunity of carrying out their practical work on a field trip to Heron Island, or they can choose to conduct their work at the temperate marine camp at Queenscliff in Victoria. For the tropical camp we stay at the University of Queensland Research Station and study the life found on and around this coral cay. Student activity and involvement in the design and execution of their project stimulates informed exploration of the biology of the fascinating plants and animals that make up a tropical reef system. There are many opportunities to explore this tropical island and there is time for some spectacular snorkelling.
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