Students
BIOL874 – Biodiversity Survey and Monitoring
2018 – S2 Day
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Senior tutor
Nick Harris
Contact via 9850 4078
E8A172
8-10 & 1-2 Mon-Fri
Lecturer
Justin Clarke
Contact via 98507758
C5C 317
email only
Lecturer
Ben Pitcher
Contact via email only
Robert Harcourt
Caitlin Kordis
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| Credit points |
Credit points
4
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
ENVS803 or GSE803 or (admission to MMarScMgt or MConsBiol or GradDipConsBiol or GradCertConsBiol or MPlan or MSc)
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit provides training in the study of biodiversity survey and monitoring. Skills in observation and interpretation and field experience in taxonomy will be linked to the planning required to conduct safe, ethical and efficient surveys, including design, data entry, storage and analysis. Students gain skills in a wide range of standard survey techniques for a wide range of organisms. On completion, students will be able to design, conduct and report on biodiversity surveys.
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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:
- Gain experience of the range of specialist methods available to quantify plant and animal communities or populations, field and lab experience in the practice of a range of specialist survey techniques
- Gain experience in the skills required to review and evaluate survey data and scientific reports, relevant to biodiversity surveys. Gain experience of skills required in methods of sampling, measurement, analysis and interpretation. Demonstrated understanding of methods used for measuring and assessment of habitat including abiotic variables
- Obtain a working knowledge of the planning and implementation of field work necessary for projects utilising biodiversity survey techniques, including an understanding of animal ethics principles and practices and scientific reporting.
- Gain experience in using biodiversity survey data through analysis and use of all data collected and application of skills to improve results from biodiversity survey during field components.
- Show evidence of discussion and presentation skills enhanced through online discussions and field trip interaction and through planning and presenting written arguments in coherent, well structured and documented form. Gain experience in working as part of a team during the field trip, demonstrating effective communication skills within and between teams and to supervising staff.
General Assessment Information
To pass this unit all components of each assessment must be completed, and students need to achieve an overall minimum grade of 50%. You will be provided with marking schemes.
All requests for extensions must go via ask.mq as per Disruption policy:
http://students.mq.edu.au/student_admin/manage_your_study_program/disruption_to_studies/
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Selection of a Study Site | 20% | No | 20 Aug 2018 |
| Field Notebook | 20% | No | 14 September 2018 |
| Ethics & Scientific Licencing | 20% | No | 8 Oct 2018 |
| Field Trip Report | 40% | No | 5 November 2018 |
Selection of a Study Site
Due: 20 Aug 2018
Weighting: 20%
Identify and describe a site for a Hypothetical Biodiversity Survey including target species and the techniques to be used. This assignment will require you to use initiative and learning materials to locate a site suitable for a biodiversity survey. The site can be located in any tenure as long as it meets the objectives of the assignment.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Gain experience of the range of specialist methods available to quantify plant and animal communities or populations, field and lab experience in the practice of a range of specialist survey techniques
- Obtain a working knowledge of the planning and implementation of field work necessary for projects utilising biodiversity survey techniques, including an understanding of animal ethics principles and practices and scientific reporting.
- Show evidence of discussion and presentation skills enhanced through online discussions and field trip interaction and through planning and presenting written arguments in coherent, well structured and documented form. Gain experience in working as part of a team during the field trip, demonstrating effective communication skills within and between teams and to supervising staff.
Field Notebook
Due: 14 September 2018
Weighting: 20%
During the field trip for BIOL874, all students will be required to utilise a field notebook for data collection purposes. The field notebook includes data format, metadata and entry on site. Field notebooks will be assessed during the field trip and handed back to students for their field trip report.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Gain experience of the range of specialist methods available to quantify plant and animal communities or populations, field and lab experience in the practice of a range of specialist survey techniques
- Obtain a working knowledge of the planning and implementation of field work necessary for projects utilising biodiversity survey techniques, including an understanding of animal ethics principles and practices and scientific reporting.
- Show evidence of discussion and presentation skills enhanced through online discussions and field trip interaction and through planning and presenting written arguments in coherent, well structured and documented form. Gain experience in working as part of a team during the field trip, demonstrating effective communication skills within and between teams and to supervising staff.
Ethics & Scientific Licencing
Due: 8 Oct 2018
Weighting: 20%
Animal Ethics Authorisations and Scientific Permits are an essential component of all biodiversity surveys. Obtaining permission is not a simple process and it involves a deep understanding of the ecology, the biology and the rationale for the undertaking, as well as of the political implications for the landowners and management authorities. In this assignment you will apply for an ARA and a Scientific Licence for your Biodiversity Survey in Assignment One.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Gain experience of the range of specialist methods available to quantify plant and animal communities or populations, field and lab experience in the practice of a range of specialist survey techniques
- Gain experience in the skills required to review and evaluate survey data and scientific reports, relevant to biodiversity surveys. Gain experience of skills required in methods of sampling, measurement, analysis and interpretation. Demonstrated understanding of methods used for measuring and assessment of habitat including abiotic variables
- Obtain a working knowledge of the planning and implementation of field work necessary for projects utilising biodiversity survey techniques, including an understanding of animal ethics principles and practices and scientific reporting.
- Gain experience in using biodiversity survey data through analysis and use of all data collected and application of skills to improve results from biodiversity survey during field components.
- Show evidence of discussion and presentation skills enhanced through online discussions and field trip interaction and through planning and presenting written arguments in coherent, well structured and documented form. Gain experience in working as part of a team during the field trip, demonstrating effective communication skills within and between teams and to supervising staff.
Field Trip Report
Due: 5 November 2018
Weighting: 40%
Participate in a team survey of the study site on the field trip and provide a report on the results of the field trip surveys. Carry out flora and fauna surveys as per the Field Trip Agenda and Field Trip Outline.This assignment provides you with the opportunity to report on the activities conducted during the field trip, to synthesis, analyse and integrate your findings into a scientific format. The Report should be in the form of a Scientific Publication.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Gain experience of the range of specialist methods available to quantify plant and animal communities or populations, field and lab experience in the practice of a range of specialist survey techniques
- Gain experience in the skills required to review and evaluate survey data and scientific reports, relevant to biodiversity surveys. Gain experience of skills required in methods of sampling, measurement, analysis and interpretation. Demonstrated understanding of methods used for measuring and assessment of habitat including abiotic variables
- Obtain a working knowledge of the planning and implementation of field work necessary for projects utilising biodiversity survey techniques, including an understanding of animal ethics principles and practices and scientific reporting.
- Gain experience in using biodiversity survey data through analysis and use of all data collected and application of skills to improve results from biodiversity survey during field components.
- Show evidence of discussion and presentation skills enhanced through online discussions and field trip interaction and through planning and presenting written arguments in coherent, well structured and documented form. Gain experience in working as part of a team during the field trip, demonstrating effective communication skills within and between teams and to supervising staff.
Delivery and Resources
Technology Used and Required
Students are required to have access to a computer and the internet to access the teaching website and lecture materials. Students will also be required to have access to a word processor, spreadsheet manager and database programs to be able to complete set assessment tasks.
For field work students will require access to some field equipment, a complete list of which will be supplied within the teaching website on activation.
Unit Web Page
To access the unit and associated resources, please login to iLearn (http://ilearn.mq.edu.au/) Guides for assist students with on-line websites and resources can be found at
Student iLearn guides: https://www.mq.edu.au/iLearn/student_info/guides.htm
Student Echo guides: https://www.mq.edu.au/iLearn/student_info/lecture_recordings. htm
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). 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 (Note: The Special Consideration Policy is effective from 4 December 2017 and replaces the Disruption to Studies Policy.)
Undergraduate students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/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/study/getting-started/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
- Gain experience of the range of specialist methods available to quantify plant and animal communities or populations, field and lab experience in the practice of a range of specialist survey techniques
- Gain experience in the skills required to review and evaluate survey data and scientific reports, relevant to biodiversity surveys. Gain experience of skills required in methods of sampling, measurement, analysis and interpretation. Demonstrated understanding of methods used for measuring and assessment of habitat including abiotic variables
- Obtain a working knowledge of the planning and implementation of field work necessary for projects utilising biodiversity survey techniques, including an understanding of animal ethics principles and practices and scientific reporting.
- Show evidence of discussion and presentation skills enhanced through online discussions and field trip interaction and through planning and presenting written arguments in coherent, well structured and documented form. Gain experience in working as part of a team during the field trip, demonstrating effective communication skills within and between teams and to supervising staff.
Assessment tasks
- Field Notebook
- Ethics & Scientific Licencing
- Field Trip Report
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
- Gain experience of the range of specialist methods available to quantify plant and animal communities or populations, field and lab experience in the practice of a range of specialist survey techniques
- Gain experience in the skills required to review and evaluate survey data and scientific reports, relevant to biodiversity surveys. Gain experience of skills required in methods of sampling, measurement, analysis and interpretation. Demonstrated understanding of methods used for measuring and assessment of habitat including abiotic variables
- Obtain a working knowledge of the planning and implementation of field work necessary for projects utilising biodiversity survey techniques, including an understanding of animal ethics principles and practices and scientific reporting.
- Gain experience in using biodiversity survey data through analysis and use of all data collected and application of skills to improve results from biodiversity survey during field components.
- Show evidence of discussion and presentation skills enhanced through online discussions and field trip interaction and through planning and presenting written arguments in coherent, well structured and documented form. Gain experience in working as part of a team during the field trip, demonstrating effective communication skills within and between teams and to supervising staff.
Assessment tasks
- Selection of a Study Site
- Field Notebook
- Ethics & Scientific Licencing
- Field Trip Report
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
- Gain experience in using biodiversity survey data through analysis and use of all data collected and application of skills to improve results from biodiversity survey during field components.
- Show evidence of discussion and presentation skills enhanced through online discussions and field trip interaction and through planning and presenting written arguments in coherent, well structured and documented form. Gain experience in working as part of a team during the field trip, demonstrating effective communication skills within and between teams and to supervising staff.
Assessment tasks
- Selection of a Study Site
- Ethics & Scientific Licencing
- Field Trip Report
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
- Gain experience of the range of specialist methods available to quantify plant and animal communities or populations, field and lab experience in the practice of a range of specialist survey techniques
- Gain experience in the skills required to review and evaluate survey data and scientific reports, relevant to biodiversity surveys. Gain experience of skills required in methods of sampling, measurement, analysis and interpretation. Demonstrated understanding of methods used for measuring and assessment of habitat including abiotic variables
- Obtain a working knowledge of the planning and implementation of field work necessary for projects utilising biodiversity survey techniques, including an understanding of animal ethics principles and practices and scientific reporting.
- Gain experience in using biodiversity survey data through analysis and use of all data collected and application of skills to improve results from biodiversity survey during field components.
- Show evidence of discussion and presentation skills enhanced through online discussions and field trip interaction and through planning and presenting written arguments in coherent, well structured and documented form. Gain experience in working as part of a team during the field trip, demonstrating effective communication skills within and between teams and to supervising staff.
Assessment tasks
- Selection of a Study Site
- Field Notebook
- Ethics & Scientific Licencing
- Field Trip Report
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
- Gain experience of the range of specialist methods available to quantify plant and animal communities or populations, field and lab experience in the practice of a range of specialist survey techniques
- Obtain a working knowledge of the planning and implementation of field work necessary for projects utilising biodiversity survey techniques, including an understanding of animal ethics principles and practices and scientific reporting.
- Gain experience in using biodiversity survey data through analysis and use of all data collected and application of skills to improve results from biodiversity survey during field components.
- Show evidence of discussion and presentation skills enhanced through online discussions and field trip interaction and through planning and presenting written arguments in coherent, well structured and documented form. Gain experience in working as part of a team during the field trip, demonstrating effective communication skills within and between teams and to supervising staff.
Assessment tasks
- Selection of a Study Site
- Field Notebook
- Ethics & Scientific Licencing
- Field Trip Report
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
- Gain experience of the range of specialist methods available to quantify plant and animal communities or populations, field and lab experience in the practice of a range of specialist survey techniques
- Gain experience in the skills required to review and evaluate survey data and scientific reports, relevant to biodiversity surveys. Gain experience of skills required in methods of sampling, measurement, analysis and interpretation. Demonstrated understanding of methods used for measuring and assessment of habitat including abiotic variables
- Obtain a working knowledge of the planning and implementation of field work necessary for projects utilising biodiversity survey techniques, including an understanding of animal ethics principles and practices and scientific reporting.
- Show evidence of discussion and presentation skills enhanced through online discussions and field trip interaction and through planning and presenting written arguments in coherent, well structured and documented form. Gain experience in working as part of a team during the field trip, demonstrating effective communication skills within and between teams and to supervising staff.
Assessment task
- Ethics & Scientific Licencing