Conservation Ecology (10234.2)

Please note these are the 2023 details for this unit
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Conservation Ecology
Available teaching periods Delivery mode Location
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EFTSLEquivalent Full Time Study Load is a measure of the student study load. One EFTSL is worth 24 credit points and is equivalent to a student undertaking full time study for one year. Credit points Faculty
0.125 3 Faculty Of Science And Technology
Discipline Study level HECS Bands
Academic Program Area - Science Level 3 - Undergraduate Advanced Unit Band 2 2021 (Commenced After 1 Jan 2021)
Band 3 2021 (Commenced Before 1 Jan 2021)
This unit will develop student knowledge of the principles and practices in conservation biology, ecological models, and adaptive management. Integration with a field-based, real-world conservation case study will provide a direct link between students, the complexities of conservation problems, conservation approaches, and possible future careers. Case studies from Australia and internationally will be introduced, as appropriate.

Learning outcomes

After successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate an advanced understanding of biological conservation;
2. Demonstrate ability to incorporate ecological theory in applied conservation;
3. Conduct a detailed appraisal and analysis of real-world problems of conservation relevance;
4. Demonstrate well-developed scientific thinking and be able to communicate those clearly through both written and verbal skills; and
5. Work effectively as part of a team in the field.


Graduate attributes

1. UC graduates are professional - communicate effectively
1. UC graduates are professional - employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills
1. UC graduates are professional - use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems
1. UC graduates are professional - work collaboratively as part of a team, negotiate, and resolve conflict
2. UC graduates are global citizens - behave ethically and sustainably in their professional and personal lives
2. UC graduates are global citizens - think globally about issues in their profession
2. UC graduates are global citizens - understand issues in their profession from the perspective of other cultures
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development


Prerequisites

Ecology, 10231, and Biostatistics, 10222.

Corequisites

None.

Incompatible units

None.

Equivalent units

Conservation Biology, 8898.

Assumed knowledge

Level 2 Ecology and Statistics.
Year Location Teaching period Teaching start date Delivery mode Unit convener
Not available

Required texts

There are no set texts for this unit. Useful texts for the unit available in the library are -

Caughley, G. and Gunn, A. (1996) Conservation biology in theory and practice. Blackwell Science.

Groom, M.J., Meffe, G.K. and Carroll, C.R. (2005) Principles of Conservation Biology. 3rd edition. Sinauer Associates, Sutherland, US.

Submission of assessment items

Extensions & Late submissions

All assessment items must be uploaded to Canvas.

Special assessment requirements

An aggregate mark of 50% or more overall to pass the unit.

In addition, to pass the unit students must:

  • complete and submit all assessment items for marking
  • attend both all-day field classes. It is the responsibility of students to contact the unit convenor via email, if they have a justifiable reason (e.g. sickness) to miss one or more of these classes.

The unit convenor reserves the right to question students on any of their submitted work for moderation and academic integrity purposes, which may result in an adjustment to the marks awarded for a specific task.

Students must apply academic integrity in their learning and research activities at UC. This includes submitting authentic and original work for assessments and properly acknowledging any sources used.

Academic integrity involves the ethical, honest and responsible use, creation and sharing of information. It is critical to the quality of higher education. Our academic integrity values are honesty, trust, fairness, respect, responsibility and courage.

UC students have to complete the Academic Integrity Module annually to learn about academic integrity and to understand the consequences of academic integrity breaches (or academic misconduct).

UC uses various strategies and systems, including detection software, to identify potential breaches of academic integrity. Suspected breaches may be investigated, and action can be taken when misconduct is found to have occurred.

Information is provided in the Academic Integrity Policy, Academic Integrity Procedure, and University of Canberra (Student Conduct) Rules 2023. For further advice, visit Study Skills.

Learner engagement

The total workload for this unit is 150 hours.

The contact hours in this unit consist of 20 hours of lectures, 10 hours of tutorials and two all-day field trips (15 hours). The remaining hours of workload should be spent in private study, including preparing for and completing the assessment items.

It is strongly recommended that students start working on their assignments as early as possible. 

Inclusion and engagement

Please consult with the Unit Convenor early in the semester (before the end of Week 2) if you have any issues that could affect your participation in class activities, particularly the field excursions.

Participation requirements

Students must attend the two all day field trips to pass the unit. It is the responsibility of students to contact the unit convenor via email, if they have a justifiable reason (e.g. sickness) to miss one or more of these trips.

Engagement with the material in lectures, workshop/practical and field classes and online is required to complete the assessment tasks. The assessments will draw upon the activities covered/completed during classes and online.  

Required IT skills

Students will need basic computer skills in using web browsers, email and Microsoft Office software. Familiarity with the R statistical software would be an advantage but is not essential. The written reports must be in word processor format, readable by MS Word. All written assessment items (unless specified otherwise) are to be uploaded to the unit's Canvas site.

In-unit costs

Students may be asked to arrange their own transport to some field sites. The field trips will require suitable clothing and footwear. Details will be provided in class and on the Canvas site. There are no other costs. 

Work placement, internships or practicums

This unit involves work integrated learning: simulation of scenarios encountered in workplaces and fieldwork.

Additional information

Provision of information to the class

Notifications through the Canvas Announcements or Canvas Discussion Forum are deemed to be made to the whole class.  It is the responsibility of students to ensure that they check for announcements on the unit's Canvas website (Canvas Announcements are emailed to student email addresses only).  Students should ensure they check their student email regularly.  

Use of student email account

The University Email policy states that "students wishing to contact the University via email regarding administrative or academic matters need to send the email from the University account for identity verification purposes".  Therefore all unit enquiries should be emailed using a student university email account. Students should contact servicedesk@canberra.edu.au if they have any issues accessing their university email account.

Absences

Students should let the Unit Covenor know if they are absent from classes due to illness or other reasons. The Unit Convenor will take reasonable steps to help students catch up if they are absent from class because of illness or other legitimate reasons.

Caveat

Unforseen circumstances, which are beyond the unit convenor's control, could result in changes in the mode of delivery of lecture and tutorials. Students will be advised if unforseen circumstances affect delivery methods for lectures and/or tutorials.