BIO329 Wildlife Ecology (8)

In a world of increasing human impact, an understanding of the roles wildlife species play in ecosystems is crucial for the conservation of biological diversity. In this subject, students build on their existing ecological knowledge to learn ecological principles specifically relating to wildlife. A strong emphasis is placed on the study of Australian wildlife species. Factors such as competition and predation, species distributions and wildlife population dynamics are discussed in detail. Wildlife survey techniques are learnt and implemented through a field trip. Students completing this subject have the ability to critically evaluate the effects that environmental factors have on wildlife species.

Availability

* Offering has a residential school. Please view following information for further details.

Session 2 (60)
Online *
Albury-Wodonga Campus

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: BIO329. Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject Information

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

One session

School

School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences

Enrolment Restrictions

Students may not enrol in this subject if they have completed BIO327.

Assumed Knowledge

BIO112

Incompatible Subjects

BIO327

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to explain and summarise the key concepts and principles of wildlife ecology;
  • be able to synthesize knowledge of the origins, evolution and patterns of diversity of Australian wildlife;
  • be able to apply specialised skills in the design and implementation of wildlife surveys;
  • be able to analyse and interpret the factors influencing wildlife distribution and abundance;
  • be able to interpret and evaluate wildlife population dynamics and modelling;
  • be able to critically evaluate the dynamics of wildlife species interactions; and
  • be able to apply appropriate scientific methods to the study of wildlife ecology.

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • Principles of wildlife ecology;
  • Australian wildlife: native and introduced;
  • Wildlife survey techniques;
  • Species distributions;
  • Site occupancy;
  • Population dynamics; and
  • Interactions: competition and predation.

Indicative Assessment

The following table summarises the assessment tasks for the online offering of BIO329 in Session 2 2021. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated and can also differ to suit the mode of study (online or on campus).

Item Number
Title
Value %
1
Online quizzes
30
2
Oral presentation: wildlife vs. climate change
20
3
Residential school field trip report
50

Residential School

This subject contains a 4 day Compulsory Residential School.

Students completing this subject have specialised skills in the design and implementation of wildlife surveys and are able to apply appropriate scientific methods to the study of wildlife ecology and management. The focus of the residential school is to teach students the practical experience in various wildlife survey techniques and the application of scientific principles to wildlife ecology and management. The activities undertaken are based on the trapping and recording of various fauna groups in a local conservation reserve.

Special Resources

Students attending compulsory residential schools on CSU campuses will incur costs associated with travel, accommodation and required resources.

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: June 2022. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

Back