Students
BIOL861 – Conservation of Australasian Wildlife
2015 – S2 Day
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit Convenor
David Nipperess
Contact via david.nipperess@mq.edu.au
E8B105
Unit Convenor
Robert Harcourt
Contact via robert.harcourt@mq.edu.au
E8A272
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|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
4
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
GSE804 or (admission to MSc in Biodiversity Conservation or PGDipSc in Biodiversity Conservation or PGCertSc in Biodiversity Conservation or MMarScMgt or MWldMgt or PGDipWldMgt or MConsBiol or GradDipConsBiol or GradCertConsBiol)
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
This unit is co-taught with BIOL761.
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| 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.
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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:
- Identify characteristic Australasian vertebrate species and the environmental processes that have influenced their evolution.
- Gather, critically evaluate and synthesise diverse information sources to make an assessment of the conservation status (extinction risk, management options and knowledge gaps) of an Australasian vertebrate species.
- Describe methods used to monitor wild populations in surveys at sea and on the land, including the particular population-level parameters being measured, the potential sampling biases of these methods, ethical considerations, and their application to conservation.
- Develop a scientifically sound research proposal that implements population monitoring protocols and critically assesses a management option, or addresses a critical knowledge gap, for a threatened Australasian vertebrate species.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Due |
|---|---|---|
| Species Assessment | 10% | Week 3 |
| Project Outline | 20% | Week 7 |
| Ethics Application | 30% | Week 8 |
| Project Proposal | 40% | Week 12 |
Species Assessment
Due: Week 3
Weighting: 10%
Give a 10 minute presentation (during the 1st on-campus session) on a threatened species of Australasian vertebrate. The species must be listed on a national list of threatened species (such as the EPBC List of Threatened Fauna) or on the IUCN Red List. This presentation must address three points:
- Risk Assessment: What is the current conservation status of the species? What criteria and evidence were used to make this assessment? What are the most important threats or other problems for this species?
- Conservation Action: Propose one (1) potential conservation action that could lessen the extinction risk of the species. What problem or threat does this action address?
- Knowledge Gap: Propose one (1) critical knowledge gap that must be addressed to better manage or assess this species. Why do we need to address this knowledge gap?
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Identify characteristic Australasian vertebrate species and the environmental processes that have influenced their evolution.
- Gather, critically evaluate and synthesise diverse information sources to make an assessment of the conservation status (extinction risk, management options and knowledge gaps) of an Australasian vertebrate species.
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 your Species Assessment) that assesses a conservation action or addresses a critical knowledge gap. This proposal will include a clear research question(s), 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 Project Proposal. The outline should be no more than two pages, including figures and references.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Gather, critically evaluate and synthesise diverse information sources to make an assessment of the conservation status (extinction risk, management options and knowledge gaps) of an Australasian vertebrate species.
- Describe methods used to monitor wild populations in surveys at sea and on the land, including the particular population-level parameters being measured, the potential sampling biases of these methods, ethical considerations, and their application to conservation.
- Develop a scientifically sound research proposal that implements population monitoring protocols and critically assesses a management option, or addresses a critical knowledge gap, for a threatened Australasian vertebrate species.
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. The form will be supplied and will be in the same format as that used by the Macquarie University Animal Ethics Committee. You will need to fully describe the protocols you intend to implement in your Project Proposal, make a complete assessment of ethics implications, and justify your choice of protocols over alternatives.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Describe methods used to monitor wild populations in surveys at sea and on the land, including the particular population-level parameters being measured, the potential sampling biases of these methods, ethical considerations, and their application to conservation.
- Develop a scientifically sound research proposal that implements population monitoring protocols and critically assesses a management option, or addresses a critical knowledge gap, for a threatened Australasian vertebrate species.
Project Proposal
Due: Week 12
Weighting: 40%
You will make a Project Proposal, including essential background, research question, study design, ethical concerns, appropriate timelines, realistic budget and expected outcomes, that expands upon your Project Outline assignment. This proposal will be in the form of an application for a grant for funding over a 3-year period.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Identify characteristic Australasian vertebrate species and the environmental processes that have influenced their evolution.
- Gather, critically evaluate and synthesise diverse information sources to make an assessment of the conservation status (extinction risk, management options and knowledge gaps) of an Australasian vertebrate species.
- Describe methods used to monitor wild populations in surveys at sea and on the land, including the particular population-level parameters being measured, the potential sampling biases of these methods, ethical considerations, and their application to conservation.
- Develop a scientifically sound research proposal that implements population monitoring protocols and critically assesses a management option, or addresses a critical knowledge gap, for a threatened Australasian vertebrate species.
Delivery and Resources
Delivery
Lectures and tutorials are weekly (see timetable and unit schedule). Lectures are recorded and will be available from the ilearn website. External students are expected to complete tutorials in their own time using the materials posted on the ilearn website. 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 | Documentary | |
| 2 | Origins, diversity and evolution | Threatened species | |
| 3 | Conservation issues | Habitat loss and fragmentation | |
| Session 1: Terrestrial (15-16 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 | Species concepts | Species Distribution Modelling | |
| Session 2: Marine (3-4 Oct) | |||
| 9 | Conservation genetics | No tutorial | |
| 10 | Listing threatened species | No tutorial | |
| 11 | No lecture | No tutorial | |
| 12 | No lecture | No tutorial | |
| 13 | No lecture | No tutorial |
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/
Results
Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.
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 - 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 proposal that implements population monitoring protocols and critically assesses a management option, or addresses a critical knowledge gap, for a threatened Australasian vertebrate species.
Assessment tasks
- Project Outline
- Ethics Application
- Project Proposal
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
- Identify characteristic Australasian vertebrate species and the environmental processes that have influenced their evolution.
- Gather, critically evaluate and synthesise diverse information sources to make an assessment of the conservation status (extinction risk, management options and knowledge gaps) of an Australasian vertebrate species.
- Describe methods used to monitor wild populations in surveys at sea and on the land, including the particular population-level parameters being measured, the potential sampling biases of these methods, ethical considerations, and their application to conservation.
- Develop a scientifically sound research proposal that implements population monitoring protocols and critically assesses a management option, or addresses a critical knowledge gap, for a threatened Australasian vertebrate species.
Assessment tasks
- Species Assessment
- Ethics Application
- 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
- Gather, critically evaluate and synthesise diverse information sources to make an assessment of the conservation status (extinction risk, management options and knowledge gaps) of an Australasian vertebrate species.
- Describe methods used to monitor wild populations in surveys at sea and on the land, including the particular population-level parameters being measured, the potential sampling biases of these methods, ethical considerations, and their application to conservation.
- Develop a scientifically sound research proposal that implements population monitoring protocols and critically assesses a management option, or addresses a critical knowledge gap, for a threatened Australasian vertebrate species.
Assessment tasks
- Species Assessment
- Project Outline
- Ethics Application
- 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
- Gather, critically evaluate and synthesise diverse information sources to make an assessment of the conservation status (extinction risk, management options and knowledge gaps) of an Australasian vertebrate species.
- Describe methods used to monitor wild populations in surveys at sea and on the land, including the particular population-level parameters being measured, the potential sampling biases of these methods, ethical considerations, and their application to conservation.
- Develop a scientifically sound research proposal that implements population monitoring protocols and critically assesses a management option, or addresses a critical knowledge gap, for a threatened Australasian vertebrate species.
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 proposal that implements population monitoring protocols and critically assesses a management option, or addresses a critical knowledge gap, for a threatened Australasian vertebrate species.
Assessment tasks
- Species Assessment
- Project Outline
- Ethics Application
- 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:
Learning outcomes
- Describe methods used to monitor wild populations in surveys at sea and on the land, including the particular population-level parameters being measured, the potential sampling biases of these methods, ethical considerations, and their application to conservation.
- Develop a scientifically sound research proposal that implements population monitoring protocols and critically assesses a management option, or addresses a critical knowledge gap, for a threatened Australasian vertebrate species.
Assessment tasks
- Ethics Application
- Project Proposal
Changes from Previous Offering
- Unit Learning Outcomes have been changed to better reflect unit content and assignments, and to be better integrated with Program Learning Outcomes for the Master of Conservation Biology.
- The Species Assessment assignment is new for 2015, replacing an Annotated Bibliography assignment, and is more integrated with the scaffolded assessment structure of the unit.
- There is now no difference in the assignments for day and external students which addresses an equity issue.
- The final assignment is worth a larger proportion of the total marks (40%) than in previous years.