Students

BIOL3110 – Evolutionary and Conservation Genetics

2026 – Session 1, Online-scheduled-weekday

General Information

Download as PDF
Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff
Adam Stow
adam.stow@mq.edu.au
Jessica O'Hare
jessica.ohare@mq.edu.au
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
130cp at 1000 level or above including BIOL2110
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description

Ongoing advances in molecular technology, statistics and bioinformatics have revolutionized our ability to gather and apply genetic information. This unit deals with the distribution of genetic variation among individuals, populations and species, and the relevance of such variation to evolutionary processes. Specific topics include selection and adaptive potential; mutation; inbreeding; population divergence; speciation; effective population size and extinction risk. Approaches to the study of genetic variation are explored at levels ranging from pedigree analysis to molecular genomics. Particular emphasis is placed on the importance of evolutionary genetics to the conservation, management and restoration of wild populations.

Learning in this unit enhances student understanding of global challenges identified by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) Life on Land

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 why and how genetic factors have key importance in conservation biology
  • ULO2: Explain the importance of genetic diversity, and identify the phenomena that influence and maintain genetic diversity in populations
  • ULO3: Identify and apply appropriate statistical formulae to solve questions in conservation and evolutionary genetics
  • ULO4: Apply conservation genetic theory in order to propose management strategies for both wild and captive populations
  • ULO5: Synthesise and evaluate information on contemporary topics in conservation and evolutionary genetics

General Assessment Information

Requirements to Pass this Unit To pass this unit you need to achieve a total mark equal to or greater than 50% across all assessment tasks

 

Late Submission Policy

  • 5% penalty per day: If you submit your assessment late, 5% of the total possible marks will be deducted for each day (including weekends), up to 7 days.
    • Example 1 (out of 100): If you score 85/100 but submit 20 hours late, you will lose 5 marks and receive 80/100.
    • Example 2 (out of 30): If you score 27/30 but submit 1 day late, you will lose 1.5 marks and receive 25.5/30.
  • After 7 days: Submissions more than 7 days late will receive a mark of 0.
  • Extensions:
    • Automatic short extension: Some assessments are eligible for automatic short extension. You can only apply for an automatic short extension before the due date.
    • Special Consideration: If you need more time due to serious issues and for any assessments that are not eligible for Short Extension, you must apply for Special Consideration.

Need help? Review the Special Consideration page HERE

 

Participation

There is no mandatory attendance of in person sessions for this unit. We strongly encourage all students to actively participate in all learning activities. This unit includes presentation from a range of conservation professionals and practitioners, as such participation offers the chance to engage in questions and discussions. Regular engagement is crucial for your success in this unit, as these activities provide opportunities to deepen your understanding of the material, collaborate with peers, and receive valuable feedback from instructors, to assist in completing the unit assessments. Your active participation not only enhances your own learning experience but also contributes to a vibrant and dynamic learning environment for everyone.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due Groupwork/Individual Short Extension AI Approach
Seminar 30% No 27/04/2026 Individual Yes Open
Final Examination 40% No TBA Individual No Observed
Scientific Report 30% No 25/05/2026 Individual Yes Open

Seminar

Assessment Type 1: Presentation task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: 27/04/2026
Weighting: 30%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: Yes
AI Approach: Open

You are required to give an oral presentation based on one to several research paper(s) in conservation/ecological genetics. You will synthesize and critically evaluate scientific literature. This assessment supports the scientific interpretation and communication.  
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Explain why and how genetic factors have key importance in conservation biology
  • Explain the importance of genetic diversity, and identify the phenomena that influence and maintain genetic diversity in populations
  • Identify and apply appropriate statistical formulae to solve questions in conservation and evolutionary genetics
  • Apply conservation genetic theory in order to propose management strategies for both wild and captive populations
  • Synthesise and evaluate information on contemporary topics in conservation and evolutionary genetics

Final Examination

Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 40 hours
Due: TBA
Weighting: 40%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach: Observed

You will be tested on your knowledge of course content, including information from all lectures and practical class, plus prescribed reading from the textbook (Frankham et al.) and other sources.
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Explain why and how genetic factors have key importance in conservation biology
  • Explain the importance of genetic diversity, and identify the phenomena that influence and maintain genetic diversity in populations
  • Identify and apply appropriate statistical formulae to solve questions in conservation and evolutionary genetics
  • Apply conservation genetic theory in order to propose management strategies for both wild and captive populations
  • Synthesise and evaluate information on contemporary topics in conservation and evolutionary genetics

Scientific Report

Assessment Type 1: Written Submission
Indicative Time on Task 2: 42 hours
Due: 25/05/2026
Weighting: 30%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: Yes
AI Approach: Open

You are required to prepare a scientific manuscript based on the data analyzed in the practical class. You will apply skills in data collection, analysis and interpretation. This assessment supports developing scientific writing and the capacity to answer research questions and communicate the outcomes.
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Explain why and how genetic factors have key importance in conservation biology
  • Explain the importance of genetic diversity, and identify the phenomena that influence and maintain genetic diversity in populations
  • Identify and apply appropriate statistical formulae to solve questions in conservation and evolutionary genetics
  • Apply conservation genetic theory in order to propose management strategies for both wild and captive populations
  • Synthesise and evaluate information on contemporary topics in conservation and evolutionary genetics

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
  • Academic Success 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.

3 An automatic short extension is available for some assessments. Apply through the Service Connect Portal.

Delivery and Resources

Lectures and Video Interviews

The unit adopts a "flipped classroom" pedagogy, for which content is presented in the form of prerecorded video interviews (vlogs) and lectures available through iLearn. Key concepts are discussed during the practical classes and online during dedicated timeslots using zoom. You will get the most out of these sessions if you view the pre-recorded material prior to this time. Within the practical classes you will have opportunity for you to ask questions, go over content you found difficult, or engage in discussion about the broader implications.

Practical Class

Each week you are expected to attend a two-hour practical class in which we cover knowledge analytical skills relevant to conservation genetics. We will also engage with key concepts introduced in the lectures and vlogs. We will communicate with you via your university email and through announcements on iLearn. Queries to convenors can either be placed on the iLearn discussion board or sent to the unit convenor via the contact email on iLearn

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:

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 connect.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

Academic Integrity

At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Academic Success

Academic Success provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.

The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources. 

Student Services and Support

Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:

Student Enquiries

Got a question? Ask us via the Service Connect Portal, or contact Service Connect.

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.

Unit information based on version 2026.02 of the Handbook