Session 2 Learning and Teaching Update
The decision has been made to conduct study online for the remainder of Session 2 for all units WITHOUT mandatory on-campus learning activities. Exams for Session 2 will also be online where possible to do so.
This is due to the extension of the lockdown orders and to provide certainty around arrangements for the remainder of Session 2. We hope to return to campus beyond Session 2 as soon as it is safe and appropriate to do so.
Some classes/teaching activities cannot be moved online and must be taught on campus. You should already know if you are in one of these classes/teaching activities and your unit convenor will provide you with more information via iLearn. If you want to confirm, see the list of units with mandatory on-campus classes/teaching activities.
Visit the MQ COVID-19 information page for more detail.
Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Michelle Leishman
Contact via BIOL7870_BIOL8870@mq.edu.au
Jessica Boomer
|
---|---|
Credit points |
Credit points
10
|
Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
(BIOL8750 or BIOL875) or GSE804 or ENV808 or (ENVS8308 or ENVS808) or (admission to MMarScMgt or MConsBiol or GradDipConsBiol or GradCertConsBiol or MSc or MScInnovationBioConsMgmt or BBioConsMConsBiol)
|
Corequisites |
Corequisites
|
Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
BIOL7870
|
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. |
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
---|---|---|---|
Conservation talk | 25% | No | Week 3, Week 4, Week 5 |
Conservation blog | 20% | No | Week 8 |
Quizzes | 15% | No | Week 5, Week 8, Week 12 |
Conservation plan | 40% | No | Week 13 |
Assessment Type 1: Presentation
Indicative Time on Task 2: 15 hours
Due: Week 3, Week 4, Week 5
Weighting: 25%
Through an oral presentation you will be assessed on your ability to research, summarise and communicate scientifically rigorous information on a regional or global conservation issue.
Assessment Type 1: Summary
Indicative Time on Task 2: 9 hours
Due: Week 8
Weighting: 20%
You will be assessed on your ability to summarise and communicate a regional or global conservation issue to a non-scientific audience.
Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 6 hours
Due: Week 5, Week 8, Week 12
Weighting: 15%
There will be several quizzes based on any lecture, tutorial or assigned reading given up to that point.
Assessment Type 1: Quantitative analysis task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 40 hours
Due: Week 13
Weighting: 40%
This written report will assess your understanding of regional and global conservation, your ability to research solutions and to account for uncertainty and knowledge gaps.
1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:
2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation
The default version of this unit is offered via oncampus tutorials and online lectures. If you are unable to attend campus, such as due to being unable to enter the country, online attendance for tutorials can be made available on request and alternative activities can be provided online for the fieldtrip activities. While the campus is in lockdown, online tutorials will be the default.
Resources
Teaching materials and online communications will be via the unit website (ilearn.mq.edu.au). This unit requires access to a computer and a reliable internet connection to complete assessment tasks.
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct
Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) 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 or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to help you improve your marks and take control of your study.
The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources.
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
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.
Date | Description |
---|---|
13/08/2021 | Added BIOL7870_BIOL8870@mq.edu.au mailbox as contact, as directed by Sharyon O'Donnell. |
Unit information based on version 2021.03 of the Handbook