Conservation Biology
Subject 654-308 (2009)
Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook
| Credit Points: | 12.50 | ||||||||||||
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| Level: | 3 (Undergraduate) | ||||||||||||
| Dates & Locations: | This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009: Semester 2, - Taught on campus.
Lectures and tutorials/workshops/excursions. Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here. | ||||||||||||
| Time Commitment: | Contact Hours: 24 lectures (two a week) and 20 hours tutorials/workshops (including excursions) Total Time Commitment: 120 hours total time commitment. | ||||||||||||
| Prerequisites: | 654-204 or 606-204 (prior to 2009). | ||||||||||||
| Corequisites: | None | ||||||||||||
| Recommended Background Knowledge: | None | ||||||||||||
| Non Allowed Subjects: | None | ||||||||||||
| Core Participation Requirements: | It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study and reasonable steps will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact upon their active and safe participation in a subject are encouraged to discuss this with the relevant subject coordinator and the Disability Liaison Unit. |
Coordinator
Dr Graeme Maxwell Coulson| Subject Overview: |
The subject describes and evaluates the theoretical principles and practical applications of conservation biology, and the scientific study of biological diversity. In particular, it identifies the implications of global and local changes for ecological communities and habitats, especially within the Australian environment. It also examines the role of population genetics for the fitness and viability of natural and captive populations; the patterns and explanations of diversity and rarity; the effects of habitat fragmentation and the role of corridors as a management practice; the methods of rangeland and marine management; the control of introduced species; and the impact of genetic engineering. Finally, the subject highlights the importance of statistical design for the analysis of monitoring programs and preparation of environmental impact statements.
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| Objectives: | . |
| Assessment: |
Two written assignments totalling up to 5000 words due during the semester (90%); a 10-minute oral presentation at the end of semester (10%). |
| Prescribed Texts: | None |
| Breadth Options: | This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses: You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects. |
| Fees Information: | Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date |
| Generic Skills: | This subject builds upon existing generic skills, including familiarity with key ecological concepts, biometry, and some practical experience in ecological research. This subject should help students develop their abilities to apply scientific principles to conservation problems, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of particular approaches, and enhance their skills in data interpretation. Students should also learn how to access information from the primary scientific literature, through both electronic and traditional sources. The tutorial component of this subject should allow students to develop skills in speaking to a scientific audience with a small group of students. This will include accessing information from the primary literature, arrangement of content among speakers, and presentation of material (using appropriate media) by taking part in formal debate of a controversial topic in conservation biology. |
| Notes: | Students enrolled in the BSc (pre-2008 BSc), BASc or a combined BSc course will receive science credit for the completion of this subject. |
| Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: |
Conservation and Australian Wildlife Environmental Science Zoology |
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