Students
BIOL761 – Conservation of Australasian Wildlife
2014 – S2 Day
General Information
Download as PDF
| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Other Staff
Katherine McClellan
Contact via katherine.mcclellan@mq.edu.au
Unit Convenor
David Nipperess
Contact via david.nipperess@mq.edu.au
E8B105
|
|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
4
|
| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MRes
|
| Corequisites |
Corequisites
|
| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
Co-taught with BIOL861
|
| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit deals with the theory and practice of the conservation of wild populations, with an emphasis on Australasian vertebrates. Lectures discuss the origins, diversity and evolutionary adaptations of the Australasian vertebrate fauna; current and emerging threats; and the theoretical aspects of wildlife conservation. Practical skills, including computer modelling, population monitoring, animal handling and experimental design, are taught in the laboratory and in the field.
|
Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the diversity, evolutionary adaptations and origins of the Australasian vertebrate fauna, and the major environmental / geological processes that have shaped it.
- Develop a working knowledge of the methods used to monitor wild populations and apply these methods in surveys at sea and on the land.
- Apply population modelling techniques to problems in wildlife management.
- Develop a scientifically sound research project for a threatened Australasian species and design a monitoring or experimental scheme, including ethics considerations, to implement that project.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Due |
|---|---|---|
| Annotated Bibliography | 20% | Week 4 |
| Project outline | 20% | Week 7 |
| Ethics application | 30% | Week 8 |
| Conference Abstract | 5% | Week 11 |
| Project proposal | 25% | Week 12 |
Annotated Bibliography
Due: Week 4
Weighting: 20%
Conduct a literature search on a particular species of Australasian wildlife (vertebrates only) that is listed as threatened and compile an annotated bibliography of at least 5-10 references. An annotated bibliography is a list of research sources. For each source, list the citation followed by a brief summary and evaluation of the content (150-300 words). The aim is to undertake comprehensive research on all aspects of the biology of your chosen species with a view to developing a research project.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the diversity, evolutionary adaptations and origins of the Australasian vertebrate fauna, and the major environmental / geological processes that have shaped it.
Project outline
Due: Week 7
Weighting: 20%
Prepare a concise outline for a project that involves monitoring and/or experimental manipulation of your chosen Australasian species (the same as for the annotated bibliography). This proposal will include a clear research question, a description of the data to be collected and a brief description of the experimental or sampling design. This project will be the same as you use for your ethics application and presentation. The outline should be no more than two pages, including figures and references.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Develop a working knowledge of the methods used to monitor wild populations and apply these methods in surveys at sea and on the land.
- Apply population modelling techniques to problems in wildlife management.
- Develop a scientifically sound research project for a threatened Australasian species and design a monitoring or experimental scheme, including ethics considerations, to implement that project.
Ethics application
Due: Week 8
Weighting: 30%
Prepare an ethics application for a wildlife project (same as your project outline) by filling in a Wildlife Protocol Application form.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Develop a working knowledge of the methods used to monitor wild populations and apply these methods in surveys at sea and on the land.
- Develop a scientifically sound research project for a threatened Australasian species and design a monitoring or experimental scheme, including ethics considerations, to implement that project.
Conference Abstract
Due: Week 11
Weighting: 5%
Prepare an abstract (of 300-500 words) summarising your project proposal for research on your chosen species of Australasian vertebrate that you will present on during class. This abstract should include citations and a bibliography and should be no more than a page in length. Be clear as to your research question, your study design and your expected outcomes.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Develop a working knowledge of the methods used to monitor wild populations and apply these methods in surveys at sea and on the land.
- Develop a scientifically sound research project for a threatened Australasian species and design a monitoring or experimental scheme, including ethics considerations, to implement that project.
Project proposal
Due: Week 12
Weighting: 25%
Present to the class a 15 min talk on your project proposal, including essential background, research question, study design, ethical concerns, appropriate timelines, realistic budget and expected outcomes. This proposal will be in the form of an application for a grant for funding over a 3-year period. Five minutes will be provided for discussion after each presentation.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the diversity, evolutionary adaptations and origins of the Australasian vertebrate fauna, and the major environmental / geological processes that have shaped it.
- Develop a working knowledge of the methods used to monitor wild populations and apply these methods in surveys at sea and on the land.
- Apply population modelling techniques to problems in wildlife management.
- Develop a scientifically sound research project for a threatened Australasian species and design a monitoring or experimental scheme, including ethics considerations, to implement that project.
Delivery and Resources
Delivery
Lectures and tutorials are weekly (see timetable and unit schedule). Lectures are recorded and will be available from the ilearn page. Some material is delivered by weekend block session (see timetable and unit schedule) - attendance at these sessions is compulsory.
Textbook
There is no assigned textbook for this unit. Recommended readings will be listed on the unit ilearn page.
Computing requirements
Access to a computer with basic office software and an internet connection is required for assignments. Some tutorials require software that runs on Windows. A computer lab with PCs running Windows 8 will be used during tutorials and is also available at other times to postgraduate coursework students.
Unit Schedule
Provisional - details may change
Block sessions are compulsory
| Week | Lecture | Tutorial | Weekend block session |
| 1 | Introduction | No tutorial | |
| 2 | Origins, diversity and evolution | Threatened species | |
| 3 | Conservation issues | Habitat loss and fragmentation | |
| Session 1: Terrestrial (23-24 Aug) | |||
| 4 | Population monitoring | Estimating population size | |
| 5 | Population dynamics | Life Table analysis | |
| 6 | Risk assessment | Wildlife research ethics | |
| 7 | Conservation of populations | Population Viability Analysis | |
| 8 | No lecture | No tutorial | |
| Session 2: Marine (11-12 Oct) | |||
| 9 | Conservation genetics | Species Distribution Modelling | |
| 10 | Species concepts | No tutorial | |
| 11 | Listing threatened species | No tutorial | |
| 12 | Student presentations | Student presentations |
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html
Assessment Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html
Grading Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html
Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html
Grievance Management Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grievance_management/policy.html
Disruption to Studies Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html The Disruption to Studies Policy is effective from March 3 2014 and replaces the Special Consideration Policy.
In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/
Late assignments and extensions
Late tasks will be accepted up to 7 days after the submission deadline. There will be a deduction of 10% of the total available marks made from the total awarded mark for each 24 hour period or part thereof that the submission is late. This penalty does not apply for cases in which an application for an extension or special consideration is made and approved. Applications for extensions should be made directly to the unit convenors prior to the due date of the assignment. An extension will only be granted after the due date if evidence of misfortune can be provided. Students considering applying for Special Consideration (see policy above) should first consult with the unit convenors.
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.
Student Services and Support
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
Student Enquiries
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://informatics.mq.edu.au/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Graduate Capabilities
PG - Discipline Knowledge and Skills
Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Demonstrate an understanding of the diversity, evolutionary adaptations and origins of the Australasian vertebrate fauna, and the major environmental / geological processes that have shaped it.
- Develop a working knowledge of the methods used to monitor wild populations and apply these methods in surveys at sea and on the land.
- Apply population modelling techniques to problems in wildlife management.
- Develop a scientifically sound research project for a threatened Australasian species and design a monitoring or experimental scheme, including ethics considerations, to implement that project.
Assessment tasks
- Annotated Bibliography
- Project outline
- Project proposal
PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking
Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Develop a working knowledge of the methods used to monitor wild populations and apply these methods in surveys at sea and on the land.
- Apply population modelling techniques to problems in wildlife management.
Assessment tasks
- Annotated Bibliography
- Project outline
- Project proposal
PG - Research and Problem Solving Capability
Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Develop a working knowledge of the methods used to monitor wild populations and apply these methods in surveys at sea and on the land.
- Apply population modelling techniques to problems in wildlife management.
- Develop a scientifically sound research project for a threatened Australasian species and design a monitoring or experimental scheme, including ethics considerations, to implement that project.
Assessment tasks
- Project outline
- Ethics application
- Project proposal
PG - Effective Communication
Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcome
- Develop a scientifically sound research project for a threatened Australasian species and design a monitoring or experimental scheme, including ethics considerations, to implement that project.
Assessment tasks
- Annotated Bibliography
- Project outline
- Ethics application
- Conference Abstract
- Project proposal
PG - Engaged and Responsible, Active and Ethical Citizens
Our postgraduates will be ethically aware and capable of confident transformative action in relation to their professional responsibilities and the wider community. They will have a sense of connectedness with others and country and have a sense of mutual obligation. They will be able to appreciate the impact of their professional roles for social justice and inclusion related to national and global issues
This graduate capability is supported by:
Assessment tasks
- Ethics application
- Project proposal
PG - Capable of Professional and Personal Judgment and Initiative
Our postgraduates will demonstrate a high standard of discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgment. They will have the ability to make informed choices and decisions that reflect both the nature of their professional work and their personal perspectives.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcome
- Develop a scientifically sound research project for a threatened Australasian species and design a monitoring or experimental scheme, including ethics considerations, to implement that project.
Assessment tasks
- Project outline
- Ethics application
- Project proposal
Changes since First Published
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| 10/07/2014 | Updated teaching schedule, updated assignment due dates, and mapped graduate capabilities. |