Students
BIOL7870 – Regional and Global Conservation
2021 – Session 2, Weekday attendance, North Ryde
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.
General Information
Download as PDF
| 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
Admission to MRes
|
| Corequisites |
Corequisites
|
| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
BIOL8870
|
| 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. |
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:
- ULO1: Explain the principles and methods used by Conservation Biology to quantify and value biodiversity at local to global scales.
- ULO2: Elucidate the patterns, mechanisms and consequences of biodiversity and biodiversity loss.
- ULO3: Compile, analyze and interpret biodiversity patterns in a conservation context.
- ULO4: 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.
- ULO5: Critically evaluate and synthesize scientific literature on topics of interest in Conservation Biology and make recommendations on locations requiring conservation action based on sound scientific evidence.
- ULO6: Communicate Conservation Biology issues to diverse audiences in written and oral form.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conservation talk | 25% | No | Week 3, Week 4, Week 5 |
| Quizzes | 15% | No | Week 5, Week 8, Week 12 |
| Conservation plan | 40% | No | Week 13 |
| Conservation blog | 20% | No | Week 8 |
Conservation talk
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.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Explain the principles and methods used by Conservation Biology to quantify and value biodiversity at local to global scales.
- Elucidate the patterns, mechanisms and consequences of biodiversity and biodiversity loss.
- Compile, analyze and interpret biodiversity patterns in a conservation context.
- Critically evaluate and synthesize scientific literature on topics of interest in Conservation Biology and make recommendations on locations requiring conservation action based on sound scientific evidence.
- Communicate Conservation Biology issues to diverse audiences in written and oral form.
Quizzes
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.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Explain the principles and methods used by Conservation Biology to quantify and value biodiversity at local to global scales.
- 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.
- Critically evaluate and synthesize scientific literature on topics of interest in Conservation Biology and make recommendations on locations requiring conservation action based on sound scientific evidence.
Conservation plan
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.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Explain the principles and methods used by Conservation Biology to quantify and value biodiversity at local to global scales.
- 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.
- Critically evaluate and synthesize scientific literature on topics of interest in Conservation Biology and make recommendations on locations requiring conservation action based on sound scientific evidence.
Conservation blog
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.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Explain the principles and methods used by Conservation Biology to quantify and value biodiversity at local to global scales.
- Compile, analyze and interpret biodiversity patterns in a conservation context.
- Communicate Conservation Biology issues to diverse audiences in written and oral form.
1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:
- the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
- the Writing Centre for academic skills support.
2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation
Delivery and Resources
Delivery
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.
Policies and Procedures
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:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Grade Appeal Policy
- Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy
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.
Student Code of Conduct
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
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
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 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.
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
If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@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.
Changes since First Published
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| 13/08/2021 | Added BIOL7870_BIOL8870@mq.edu.au unit mailbox as contact, as directed by Sharyon O'Donnell. |
Unit information based on version 2021.04 of the Handbook