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Fenner School of Environment and Society · ANU Joint Colleges of Science
Effective management and conservation of ecosystems requires an ability to quantify what is there and how it is changing; as well as an understanding of the options to manage these ecosystems for sustainability. This course investigates the use of broadly applicable ecological principles and methods to restore or sustainably manage woodland and forest ecosystems. We begin with how desirable objectives for sustainable ecosystem management can be defined, particularly focusing on criteria and indicators, the adaptive management cycle and a precautionary approach. A range of examples including traditional silvicultural and other systems is used to explore how plant community structures and dynamics can be manipulated to achieve management objectives. The course uses a “hands-on” approach to develop skills in the quantitative assessment, measurement and modelling techniques that are fundamental to assessing the state of an ecosystem. Field exercises are designed to provide experience in assessing whether applied management approaches are leading to the desired changes in system structure and dynamics. The field and applied focus of the course provides experience with the basic quantitative skills that are sought by employers of natural resource management and ecology graduates in areas ranging from hands-on management to policy. Students apply their learning to a management planning task within the major assignment, and deliver the results of their work in a conference-style setting at the end of the semester. Smaller quizzes and reports throughout the course help develop skills to assess and interpret forest and woodland structures and conditions, and to develop solutions for multiple management objectives. Students may expect to interact with researchers and other professionals from the Fenner School of Environment and Society, Forests NSW, Greening Australia, and the Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency. This course is co-taught with undergraduate students but assessed separately.
Computer-based quizzes to demonstrate student learning of underlying theories and practice of ecosystem assessment and management. These quizzes will draw extensively from practical classes.
Learning outcomes 1, 3, 4
A major report on the proposed management of a forest or woodland to meet specified objectives. Students will justify an ecosystem management system and outline a monitoring approach to provide quantitative evidence that the proposed system is meeting the objectives. This assessment requires students to demonstrate ability to integrate knowledge of measurement, modelling and management, in the format of a 2500-word report.
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
A final report that demonstrates deep understanding of ecological assessment and management.
Learning outcomes 2, 3, 4
The expected workload will consist of approximately 130 hours throughout the semester including: - Face-to face component which may consist of 2 x 1 hour lectures plus 1 x 3 hour workshop per week. - Approximately 70 hours of self directed study which will include preparation for lectures, presentations and other assessment tasks. Students are expected to actively participate and contribute towards discussions. Work Integrated Learning Fieldwork Students may engage with WIL partners (internal/external) as a component of the course Other Information If you do not meet the requisites for this course, it may be possible to receive a permission code. If you are prompted for a permission code on ISIS, please request one online via the following form.
Not applicable