Species diversity refers to the variety of living species. Ecosystem diversity relates to the variety of habitats, biotic communities, and ecological processes, as well as the tremendous diversity present within ecosystems in terms of habitat differences and the variety of ecological processes. Grading for the course was based on two reports based on replicate samplings done at Stradbroke and Lady Elliot Islands, an hour exam covering the theoretical basis and methodologies of biodiversity, and a final project described below. For students who have not had any course in statistics, this course with its emphasis on nonparametric statistics will offer a sound introduction to the subject. For students who have had some statistics before, it is quite likely that you spent much of the time working with parametric statistics using statistical tests based on the normal distribution and its relatives.
Nonparametric statistics provide a useful alternative in such cases.
For all students, the use of nonparametric statistics provides an environment where the concepts of hypothesis testing and confidence levels are central and calculations are relatively simple. The local staff lectured on areas of their own particular expertise, so students had a wonderful opportunity to hear first-rate people. The complete list of guest lecturers and their topics, including those at field locations, follows. Aboriginal Culture in Central Queensland Anita Smythe leading a morning bird walk at Lamington. At Battleship Spur overlooking Carnarvon Gorge, Lloyd Hancock led a discussion on Aborigines' relationship to and use of the land.