Tackling Environmental Challenges: Conservation (11777.1)
| Available teaching periods | Delivery mode | Location |
|---|---|---|
| View teaching periods | On-campus |
Bruce, Canberra |
| EFTSL | 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) |
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 skills1. 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 WaterCorequisites
None.Incompatible units
None.Equivalent units
10234 Conservation EcologyAssumed knowledge
None.| Year | Location | Teaching period | Teaching start date | Delivery mode | Unit convener |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Bruce, Canberra | Semester 1 | 03 February 2025 | On-campus | Dr Richard Duncan |
| 2026 | Bruce, Canberra | Semester 1 | 16 February 2026 | On-campus | Dr Richard Duncan |
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
Special assessment requirements
An aggregate mark of 50% or more overall to pass the unit.
In addition, to pass the unit students must:
- attend and participate in 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.
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
Lectures and tutorials are recorded and available via the canvas site. To successfully complete the unit it is expected to spend around 150 hours of work on the unit. An indicative work load breakdown can be found below:
| lectures | tutorials and field trips | assignments | additional study | total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| hours | 20 | 30 | 80 | 20 | 150 |
Teaching philosophy and conduct
The teaching philosophy of the unit convener and associated staff is that all work in this 3rd year unit is not just a one-way stream of information from the staff to the students, but a collaborative discovery journey of both students and staff. To promote deep understanding, the unit is designed to guide and challenge the students rather than provide straight recipes. It is therefore necessary and expected that the students fully commit themselves to the unit, by coming prepared to lectures, participate actively in group activities, lectures, tutorials and field trips and spend time on self-study. The students may expect that the staff will create a supportive intellectual environment and teach and mentor to the best of their abilities in a professional respectful manner. The staff and unit convener expect in exchange that the students will behave in an equally professional and respectful manner.
Participation requirements
- Attendance at all lectures and tutorials is strongly recommended. Students are encouraged to come prepared and actively engage in classes.
- 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.
Required IT skills
Students will need computer skills in using web browsers, email and Microsoft Office software. In addition, preparation of reports will require some data analysis. Students should have some background in statistical analysis and be familiar with statistical packages such as the R statistical software, and/or be prepared to put time into learning these. Some background and assistance will be provided in tutorials. 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.
Work placement, internships or practicums
This unit involves work integrated learning: WIL Fieldwork. Students must adhere to University policy during WIL activities, including the Student Conduct Rules, the WIL Policy and WIL Procedure, and the Assessment Policy and Assessment Procedure.
Contact your unit convener if you have any concerns with meeting the requirements of this unit.
