BIO461 Applied Ecological Conservation (8)

Applied ecological conservation is a subfield within ecology, which considers the application of the science of ecology to real-world (usually management) questions. This subject is intended to allow students to develop an understanding of the main ecological concepts fundamental to conservation theory, and to present tools and models that are important to the application of conservation ecology. This will give students the necessary theoretical and applied skills required for them to assist in the management of ecosystems, habitats or species. As this subject discusses a range of tools and models, there is a statistical and mathematical component. There is no residential school associated with the subject. In completing this subject students are able to use initiative and decision making skills to make professional judgements about the implementation of conservation strategies in a variety of contexts.

Availability

Session 1 (30)
Online
Albury-Wodonga Campus

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: BIO461. 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 Environmental Sciences

Enrolment Restrictions

Available only to students enrolled in courses at postgraduate level

Assumed Knowledge

BIO2%%

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • have an in-depth understanding of the key principles, concepts, and philosophy associated with ecological conservation
  • have the ability to identify and analyse the relative influence of the major ecological processes that influence scarcity and diversity of flora and fauna
  • be able to exercise critical thinking and sound judgments to identify and evaluate solutions to issues associated with scarcity and survival
  • be able to use initiative and decision making skills to make professional judgements about the implementation of conservation strategies in a variety of contexts

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:

  1. concepts and issues of ecological conservation
  2. patterns of diversity and rarity
  3. fitness and viability of populations
  4. habitat fragmentation
  5. community stability and structure
  6. threatened Australian habitats
  7. rare and endangered species
  8. assessment of species conservation status and management priorities
  9. managing ecosystems for diversity
  10. ecological principles of restoration, reclamation, regeneration and re-introduction
  11. the role of politics and education in conservation processes

Indicative Assessment

The following table summarises the assessment tasks for the online offering of BIO461 in Session 1 2020. 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
Assessment item 1: brochure
20
2
Assessment item 2: excel spreadsheet exercises
20
3
Assessment item 3: implementing a faunal survey
60

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: February 2021. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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