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Biology Teaching and Learning Centre and the Fenner School of Environment and Society · ANU College of Science and Medicine / ANU College of Systems and Society
The media and scientific literature is full of information about the increasingly desperate plight of our native plants and animals. What you hear less about is the extraordinary efforts underway to reverse declines in biodiversity and how new scientific knowledge and tools are being applied to this end. That is the subject of this course, with a focus on recovering populations of threatened species and rebuilding functional ecological communities. This course will introduce you to advanced concepts and tools for managing threatened species and ecosystems. Building on key concepts introduced in 2nd year courses, this course will provide you with an understanding of advanced concepts and tools, and the skills, to enable employment by conservation agencies/NGOs/consultants or to take further research in this area. It will focus on the interface between advances in science and practical management of threatened biodiversity with hands-on experience in ACT conservation reserves. Honours Pathway Option: an HPO is available for this course, this may be in the form of and enrichment extension of research projects. Please talk to the course convener. Expression of Interest required: Due to fieldwork restrictions, places are limited and an EOI is required by early January for consideration - see "Other Information" below for details.
Group presentation of outcomes and peer-review of contribution
Learning outcomes 2, 3, 4, 5
Mid-term examination
Learning outcomes 1, 2
4 x Summaries of papers assigned for workshops (2.5% each)
Learning outcomes 1, 2
Written report on research project, including management relevance
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4
It is a course requirement that students attend 80% of workshops and labs to attain a final grade
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4
The expected workload will consist of approximately 130 hours throughout the semester including: - Face-to face component which may consist of 8 x 4 hour lectures/workshops throughout the semester. - 1/2 day Field trip in the 1st half of the semester, plus 36 hrs of field/on campus group-based projects in the 2nd half of the semester. - Approximately 60 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 Projects Other Information Places are limited because this course includes field-based projects at Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary, that are dependent on the availability of appropriate staff. Please register your interest online. Applications will open in early November and close on January 10th. Please include a short paragraph of why you want to take this course, including your expectations and what you hope to gain from this course. Entry will be based on your expression of interest and academic merit. Please note that most of this course occurs off-campus and includes fieldwork which may occur at night. Attendance is expected to at least 80% of workshop/labs to pass the course (transport to the site will be provided as required, and students who are unable to undertake night field work are encouraged to discuss other options with the convenor.).
Nil Preliminary Reading Students will be assigned published papers or reviews as background to core topics and expected to discuss these in the workshops