Students
BIOL887 – Regional and Global Conservation
2017 – S2 Day
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Vanessa Adams
E8C 160
Caitlin Kordis
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|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
4
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
BIOL875 or GSE804 or ENV808 or ENVS808 or (admission to MMarScMgt or MConsBiol or GradDipConsBiol or GradCertConsBiol or MSc)
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
BIOL787
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| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit deals with the problem of conserving biodiversity as a whole rather than concentrating on individual species or populations. The unit is applied and multidisciplinary, drawing on such areas as ecology, evolutionary biology, biogeography, and informatics. We will explore the concept of biodiversity in both the scientific and legislative arenas. The problem of measuring biodiversity is considered in detail, including the conceptual and practical impediments to measurement. Current and emerging threats to biodiversity are reviewed on a global scale, along with the practical and ethical arguments for conservation. Tutorials and assessments are focussed on analysing and interpreting patterns in biodiversity in space and time as a means of informing conservation decisions.
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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:
- Knowledge of conservation biology: Explain the principles and methods used by Conservation Biology to quantify and value biodiversity at local to global scales.
- Knowledge of conservation biology: Elucidate the patterns, mechanisms and consequences of biodiversity and biodiversity loss.
- Compile, analyze and interpret biodiversity patterns in a conservation context.
- Integrate observed spatial pattern of biodiversity with other sources of spatial information in order to identify and prioritise areas requiring biodiversity monitoring and/or conservation action.
- Make recommendations on locations requiring conservation action based on sound scientific evidence.
- Critically evaluate and synthesize scientific literature on topics of interest in Conservation Biology.
- Communicate Conservation Biology issues to diverse audiences in written and oral form.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conservation Problem | 30% | No | Week 7 |
| Online tests | 30% | No | Every 2nd week |
| Conservation plan | 40% | No | Week 13 |
Conservation Problem
Due: Week 7
Weighting: 30%
You will be tasked with formulating a smart conservation problem based on a real world example of conservation biology. You will be provided with a published peer reviewed paper which describes fundamental conservation knowledge. You will use this paper to present on: 1) the key aspects of what is known about the conservation issue, 2) formulate and present on key aspects of the conservation problem, 3) describe a hypothetical solution to the problem. You will submit a recording of your presentation (no more than 10 minutes long). The assignment of the peer reviewed paper and discussion of the key aspects of proper problem formulation will occur in a tutorial. Your presentation will be assessed on the quality of the slides (5), quality of speaking (5) and the problem formulation (20). Total length of the presentation should be no more than 10 minutes.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Knowledge of conservation biology: Explain the principles and methods used by Conservation Biology to quantify and value biodiversity at local to global scales.
- Knowledge of conservation biology: Elucidate the patterns, mechanisms and consequences of biodiversity and biodiversity loss.
- Compile, analyze and interpret biodiversity patterns in a conservation context.
- Make recommendations on locations requiring conservation action based on sound scientific evidence.
- Critically evaluate and synthesize scientific literature on topics of interest in Conservation Biology.
- Communicate Conservation Biology issues to diverse audiences in written and oral form.
Online tests
Due: Every 2nd week
Weighting: 30%
There will be a total of 5 online tests (worth 6 marks each) to be completed in your own time. Each test will consist of a single short-answer question and will be based on any lecture, tutorial or assigned reading given up to that point. The question will normally involve interpretation of a graph or some data. You will have one week in which to prepare and submit an answer to the question. Marks and feedback will become available after the test has been closed.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Knowledge of conservation biology: Explain the principles and methods used by Conservation Biology to quantify and value biodiversity at local to global scales.
- Knowledge of conservation biology: Elucidate the patterns, mechanisms and consequences of biodiversity and biodiversity loss.
- Compile, analyze and interpret biodiversity patterns in a conservation context.
- Integrate observed spatial pattern of biodiversity with other sources of spatial information in order to identify and prioritise areas requiring biodiversity monitoring and/or conservation action.
- Make recommendations on locations requiring conservation action based on sound scientific evidence.
Conservation plan
Due: Week 13
Weighting: 40%
You will prepare a plan for the conservation and monitoring of biodiversity in the Wet Tropics bioregion of Far North Queensland. We will use existing data on species distributions sourced from the Atlas of Living Australia. From these data, you will interpret biodiversity pattern in order to make decisions about conservation risk and prioritisation, and make recommendations of most needed conservation actions and most important sites for ongoing monitoring. Analyses for this assignment will be conducted during tutorials. Students can collaborate on making a conservation plan but write and submit their assignments individually. The plan is expected to be well illustrated with maps and graphs, have an extensive bibliography, and be no more than 2000 words (not including bibliography).
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Knowledge of conservation biology: Explain the principles and methods used by Conservation Biology to quantify and value biodiversity at local to global scales.
- Knowledge of conservation biology: Elucidate the patterns, mechanisms and consequences of biodiversity and biodiversity loss.
- Compile, analyze and interpret biodiversity patterns in a conservation context.
- Integrate observed spatial pattern of biodiversity with other sources of spatial information in order to identify and prioritise areas requiring biodiversity monitoring and/or conservation action.
- Make recommendations on locations requiring conservation action based on sound scientific evidence.
- Critically evaluate and synthesize scientific literature on topics of interest in Conservation Biology.
- Communicate Conservation Biology issues to diverse audiences in written and oral form.
Delivery and Resources
Technology
This unit requires access to a computer and a reliable internet connection to complete tutorials and assignments. Both weekly tutorials (internal students) and on-campus sessions (external students) will be held in computer labs with the relevant software installed. Students attempting tutorials on their own will need to install particular software packages (details in tutorial notes). Some of these packages are only available for Windows OS.
Delivery for internal students
Internal students are expected to attend weekly lectures and tutorials. Times and venues can be found in the university timetable. If unable to make the scheduled times, please discuss options with the convenor.
Delivery for external students
Weekly lectures will be available online through the unit website. Tutorials can either be completed remotely or by attendance at the two weekend on-campus sessions. Dates for the on-campus sessions can be found in the university timetable. Attendance at on-campus sessions is highly recommended but not compulsory.
Unit website
Teaching materials and online communications will be via the unit website (ilearn.mq.edu.au).
Changes since last offering
There have been some significant changes since the last offering (2016) of this unit, particularly with respect to assessments. The presentation on formulating a conservation problem replaces a written assessment on hotspot priorities.
Unit Schedule
Activities are organised into weekly topics. Please note that the current schedule is provisional and is subject to minor changes.
|
Week |
Topic |
Lecture |
Tutorial |
| 1 | Conservation science | Conservation Biology and Biodiversity | Documentary (Lord of the Ants) |
| 2 | Biodiversity | Biodiversity patterns and processes | What is biodiversity? |
| 3 | Ecosystem functions and services | Ecosystem functions and services | Hotspot priority setting |
| 4 | Threats to biodiversity - habitat loss | Habitat loss and fragmentation | Defining a conservation problem |
| 5 | Threats to biodiversity - threatening processes | Threatening processes | Island biogeography |
| 6 | Loss of biodiversity | Extinction and species management | Defining a conservation problem |
| 7 | Conservation planning | Systematic conservation planning | Conservation planning game |
| 8 | Public holiday | No lecture | No tutorial |
| 9 | Environmental management | Management actions and effectiveness | Mapping and estimating biodiversity |
| 10 | Social dimensions of conservation | People and conservation | Prioritisation for conservation |
| 11 | Monitoring and Evaluation | Inventory and monitoring | Gap analysis |
| 12 | Conservation in action | Planning for invasive species management - from research to real world | Conservation planning |
| 13 | Implementation | Conservation implementation and the implementation gap | Drop-in session |
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_2016.html
Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html
Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/complaint_management/procedure.html
Disruption to Studies Policy (in effect until Dec 4th, 2017): http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html
Special Consideration Policy (in effect from Dec 4th, 2017): https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/special-consideration
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.
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://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources 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 outcomes
- Knowledge of conservation biology: Explain the principles and methods used by Conservation Biology to quantify and value biodiversity at local to global scales.
- Knowledge of conservation biology: Elucidate the patterns, mechanisms and consequences of biodiversity and biodiversity loss.
- Communicate Conservation Biology issues to diverse audiences in written and oral form.
Assessment tasks
- Conservation Problem
- Online tests
- Conservation plan
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
- Knowledge of conservation biology: Explain the principles and methods used by Conservation Biology to quantify and value biodiversity at local to global scales.
- Knowledge of conservation biology: Elucidate the patterns, mechanisms and consequences of biodiversity and biodiversity loss.
- Compile, analyze and interpret biodiversity patterns in a conservation context.
- Integrate observed spatial pattern of biodiversity with other sources of spatial information in order to identify and prioritise areas requiring biodiversity monitoring and/or conservation action.
- Make recommendations on locations requiring conservation action based on sound scientific evidence.
- Critically evaluate and synthesize scientific literature on topics of interest in Conservation Biology.
Assessment tasks
- Conservation Problem
- Online tests
- Conservation plan
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
- Knowledge of conservation biology: Explain the principles and methods used by Conservation Biology to quantify and value biodiversity at local to global scales.
- Knowledge of conservation biology: Elucidate the patterns, mechanisms and consequences of biodiversity and biodiversity loss.
- Compile, analyze and interpret biodiversity patterns in a conservation context.
- Integrate observed spatial pattern of biodiversity with other sources of spatial information in order to identify and prioritise areas requiring biodiversity monitoring and/or conservation action.
- Make recommendations on locations requiring conservation action based on sound scientific evidence.
- Critically evaluate and synthesize scientific literature on topics of interest in Conservation Biology.
Assessment tasks
- Conservation Problem
- Online tests
- Conservation plan
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
- Compile, analyze and interpret biodiversity patterns in a conservation context.
- Integrate observed spatial pattern of biodiversity with other sources of spatial information in order to identify and prioritise areas requiring biodiversity monitoring and/or conservation action.
- Make recommendations on locations requiring conservation action based on sound scientific evidence.
- Critically evaluate and synthesize scientific literature on topics of interest in Conservation Biology.
- Communicate Conservation Biology issues to diverse audiences in written and oral form.
Assessment tasks
- Conservation Problem
- Online tests
- Conservation plan
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 outcomes
- Make recommendations on locations requiring conservation action based on sound scientific evidence.
- Critically evaluate and synthesize scientific literature on topics of interest in Conservation Biology.
- Communicate Conservation Biology issues to diverse audiences in written and oral form.
Assessment tasks
- Conservation Problem
- Conservation plan
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
- Knowledge of conservation biology: Explain the principles and methods used by Conservation Biology to quantify and value biodiversity at local to global scales.
- Knowledge of conservation biology: Elucidate the patterns, mechanisms and consequences of biodiversity and biodiversity loss.
- Compile, analyze and interpret biodiversity patterns in a conservation context.
Assessment tasks
- Conservation Problem
- Online tests
- Conservation plan