Tackling Environmental Challenges: Conservation (11777.1)

This unit builds on the content and concepts developed in previous environmental science specialisation units, integrating them in the context of theory and methods underpinning the science of conserving biological diversity. Students will undertake an in-depth exploration of key issues in conservation management, including understanding the drivers of species decline and extinction, the risks faced by small populations, reversing declines through threat mitigation, reserve management and restoration, and managing conflicting interests. This unit addresses various Threshold Learning Outcomes (TLO) for environment and sustainability endorsed by the Australian Council of Environmental Deans and Directors (ACEDD).

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1. Develop an in-depth understanding of current theory and methods in conservation ecology;
2. Critically evaluate and apply theory and methods to real conservation problems;
3. Design and execute a research task pertaining to a problem in conservation management, thinking critically and creatively in designing and evaluating sustainable alternatives and envisioning sustainable futures (ACEDD TLO 3.2);
4. Demonstrate a broad and coherent knowledge of key environmental and sustainability challenges and their drivers, with holistic systems thinking and complexity (ACEDD TLO 1.2 and 1.3);
5. Reflect on and direct own learning and practice in the context of environment and sustainability (ACEDD TLO 4.1); and
6. Demonstrate ethical professional, public and personal conduct by having capacity to participate constructively in decision-making consistent with the principles of sustainable development (ACEDD TLO 4.2).

Graduate attributes

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
2. UC graduates are global citizens - behave ethically and sustainably in their professional and personal lives
2. UC graduates are global citizens - understand issues in their profession from the perspective of other cultures
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - be self-aware
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - evaluate and adopt new technology

Prerequisites

11771 Meeting Environmental Challenges: Foundations AND 11776 Land and Water

Corequisites

None.

Incompatible units

None.

Equivalent units

10234 Conservation Ecology

Assumed knowledge

None.