Handbook : Unit informationEdith Cowan University

School: Science

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

• Unit Title

  Biological Conservation

• Unit Code

  SCI5117

• Year

  2017

• Enrolment Period

  2

• Version

  1

• Credit Points

  20

• Full Year Unit

  N

• Mode of Delivery

  Online

• Unit Coordinator

  Prof William David STOCK

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Description

This unit applies ecological principles to the management of natural systems in Australia. It deals primarily with the topics of population and ecosystem management and conservation ecology.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Apply ecological principles to the management of animal and plant populations, introduced or pest species, threatened species and communities, and reserves.
2. Determine the important parameters of a population in the wild.
3. Interpret in ecological terms the impact of humans on their surroundings.

Unit Content

1. Conservation genetics; how and in what ways a knowledge of genetics and the genetics of populations is relevant to conservation biology and environmental management.
2. Design of reserves for nature conservation; the basic principles of designing a reserve system for nature conservation.
3. Exotic species and biological invasions: Who succeeds and why?
4. Exploitation and management of wild populations; the options and consequences of the exploitation and management of wild populations.
5. Introduction to Conservation Biology; the development and importance of conservation biology and biodiversity.
6. Introduction to translocations and reintroductions; the basic principles of translocations and reintroductions.
7. Landscape ecology, restoration ecology, and the management and recovery of endangered species; some basic principles of conservation biology the options and consequences for the management and recovery of endangered species, and a detailed explanation of restoration ecology and landscape ecology and their role in conservation biology.
8. The role of behaviour in conservation biology.

Additional Learning Experience Information

This is a research-based unit. Lecture material is provided on-line and students are encouraged to search and review all information resources available to them.

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

Core Reading(s)

• Burgman, M. A., & Lindenmayer, D. B. (1998). Conservation biology for the Australian environment. Chipping Norton, NSW: Surrey Beatty.

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