ENVS3003
10 units
3000 level
Course handbook
Description
The principles of nature conservation and the paradigm of global biodiversity comprise the core of this course. The past and present impacts of urban development, invasive species, disease and climate change on biodiversity loss in Australian ecosystems and biomes are analysed. Implications of threatening processes for the management of natural systems and wildlife are considered. In this course, you will apply principles of ecology, genetics, population dynamics, and spatial analysis to conservation biology at various landscape scales from the local to continental biomes. You will explore the levels of organisation of biodiversity from genes to populations, species and ecosystems and how these levels provide context for understanding theory and practice. You will develop an understanding of how human values, attitudes and behaviour can assist conservation practice. You will learn through class work and participation in field studies.
Availability2024 Course Timetables
Callaghan
- Semester 2 - 2024
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the course students will be able to:
1. Define and communicate the key paradigms of Conservation Biology relating to theory and practice of the discipline;
2. Compile and analyse historical, ecological and demographic data to identify causes of biodiversity loss;
3. Predict how distributions and abundances of populations change through the use of computer simulations
4. Work as a team member on a conservation project, identifying key roles, displaying effective oral and written communication, time management and meeting individual responsibilities in achieving project outcomes.
Content
Topics will be selected from:
1. What is Conservation Biology? What is biodiversity? How is biodiversity measured?
2. Landscape and spatial scales in Conservation
3. Drivers of extinction of Australian Fauna
4. Species distribution modelling and spatial conservation planning - explaining species distributions, connectivity and reserve design; spatial information systems and databases.
5. Invasive species theory; impacts on native fauna; managing invasive species
6. Population modelling and simulation, population dynamics.
7.Urban Ecology – urban biodiversity patterns, theory, conservation of urban biodiversity.
8. Population modelling and simulation, population dynamics
9. Genetics: genetic variation and extinction risks from inbreeding within small populations; genetic rescue; population simulation models
10. Translocation, reintroduction and assisted colonisation for the restoration of native fauna, ecological communities and ecosystem services.
11. Conservation psychology: the study and role of human attitudes, values, morals and behaviour in conservation science; human behavioural change; conservation messaging.
Requisite
This course replaces EMGT3030. If you have successfully completed EMGT3030 you cannot enrol in this course.
Assumed knowledge
ENVS2006 Ecology & Management of Australian Fauna (previously EMGT2050) and ENVS2004 Ecology (previously BIOL2070)
Assessment items
Tutorial / Laboratory Exercises: Computer Assignments
Quiz: Multiple quizzes will assess knowledge acquisition in the field of conservation biology
Participation: Field Work Participation and Engagement
Report: Written Reports
Contact hours
Semester 2 - 2024 - Callaghan
Field Study-1
- Face to Face Off Campus 34 hour(s) per term
- In order to participate in field work, students must complete a compulsory safety and fieldwork induction delivered during fieldwork hours.
- Compulsory Requirement: Students must meet the compulsory attendance requirement.
Lecture-1
- Face to Face On Campus 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 4 week(s) starting in week 1
Lecture-2
- Face to Face On Campus 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 4 week(s) starting in week 3
Tutorial-1
- Face to Face On Campus 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 1 week(s) starting in week 1
Workshop-1
- Face to Face On Campus 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 4 week(s) starting in week 1
Course outline
- ENVS3003 - Semester 2, 2023 (Callaghan) (PDF, 222.9 KB)
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.