coursemapLoading course
Fenner School of Environment and Society · ANU College of Systems and Society
Conserving biodiversity in the face of pressures such as habitat loss, invasive species and climate change is a challenge facing land managers and policy-makers globally. In this course we explore options for conserving biodiversity. We draw on land managers from different organisations to contribute to the course and prepare students for future employment in this field. Specifically we investigate: - Key threats to biodiversity, including habitat modification and loss, unsustainable resource use, invasive species and climate change. - Management actions that mitigate threats to biodiversity, including selecting nature reserves, connectivity and wildlife corridors, ecosystem restoration and control of pest plants and animals. - Policies to conserve biodiversity including financial incentives, market-based instruments (e.g. biodiversity offsetting), ecological triage and adaptive management. There is an emphasis on inquiry-based learning. That is, relating relevant concepts and techniques to real-world situations through: (1) the involvement of working professionals; (2) a series of field-based workshops; and (3) an optional field trip. This course is co-taught with undergraduate students but assessed separately.
Workshop quizzes
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Work experience and report
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Exam
Learning outcomes 2, 3, 4, 5
The expected workload will consist of approximately 130 hours throughout the semester including: - Face-to face component which may consist of 1 x 1 hour lecture plus 1 x 4 hour workshop per week - Approximately 70 hours of self directed study which will include preparation for lectures and other assessment tasks. - One optional field trip. Please see Other Information for additional advice. Students are expected to actively participate and contribute towards discussions. Work Integrated Learning Placements All students engage with WIL partners (internal/external) as a major component of the course Other Information There is an optional field trip for which additional fees (approximately $200) must be paid.
There is no text book for this course, but all students are required to read the IPBES Global Assessment Report on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services Summary for Policymakers (https://ipbes.net/sites/default/files/inline/files/ipbes_global_assessment_report_summary_for_policymakers.pdf). Preliminary Reading Weekly interactive exercises are provided on the Learning Management System site for this course.