BIO416 Conservation Biology (8)
CSU Discipline Area: Biological Sciences (BILSC)
Duration: One session
Abstract:
In this subject, the concepts and principles underlying the conservation of biological resources are studied, including an examination of the ethical basis of conservation biology. The interactions of conservation policy with ecology, genetics, evolutionary biology and demography, as well as with planning, risk management, politics and economics are described. Patterns and processes relevant to biological diversity are compared at local and global levels. The range of survey and experimental methods used in conservation ecology are reviewed, and various controversies in the field are explored. Australian and international case studies are developed, providing a realistic overview of the aims, methods, outcomes and implications of current conservation biology research. As such students are expected to have an understanding of the principles of ecology before commencing this subject.
+ Subject Availability Modes and Locations
| Session 1 | |
|---|---|
| Distance | Albury-Wodonga |
Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: BIO416
Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.
Enrolment restrictions:
Students who have completed BIO216 cannot enrol enrol in this subject
Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
be able to:
- demonstrate an awareness of the ongoing biodiversity crisis and the pressing need for further conservation research and application;
- identify the various ethical and philosophical approaches to conservation;
- demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental principles of conservation biology, including the units of conservation, on- and off-park conservation and conservation genetics;
- quote a range of illustrative case-studies in conservation biology;
- describe the range of data collection and analytical methods used in conservation biology;
- demonstrate an understanding of the national and international regulatory framework within which conservation operates; and
- demonstrate skills in scientific report writing, general written communication and data presentation.
Syllabus:
The subject will cover the following topics:
1. The scope and meaning of conservation biology: the ethical and philosophical basis
2. Conservation policy in Australia
3. Biodiversity: patterns and processes relevant to biological diversity; causes of biodiversity losses
4. In-depth studies in population ecology and genetics; demographic processes
5. Survey and experimental methods used in conservation biology
6. Detailed case histories of successes and failures
The information contained in the 2013 CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: 24 April 2013. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.