BIOD2701 Biodiversity and Conservation

Bruno Alves Buzatto

2016

4.5

2 x 1-hour lectures weekly
3 x 2-hour tutorials per semester
4 x 1-hour workshop-1s per semester
6 x 2-hour workshop-2s per semester
1 x 48-hour field trip per semester

1 of BIOL1101, BIOD1102

The topic will focus on conservation biology; including setting the priorities for conservation, causes of extinction; assessing vulnerability to extinction; landscape ecology, including fire ecology; and systematic and evolutionary biology; including studies on the origin and evolution of biodiversity, description and classification of biota, and conservation genetics. Case studies from Australian ecosystems will be explored.

To provide students with:

An understanding of the impact of habitat change on species persistence
A knowledge of the processes leading to population extinction
An appreciation of the biological, cultural, economic and social issues involved in conservation of endangered species
An appreciation of the changing nature of ecosystems
An appreciation of the contribution of ecology and genetics towards our Understanding of the interactions among species within ecosystems
An understanding of the impact of human activities on ecosystem stability
An understanding of evolutionary phylogeny and its relationship to conservation issues

At the completion of the topic, students are expected to be able to:

Understand the nature of the scientific method and some of its strengths and weaknesses and apply the method in designs of experiments
Understand at an advanced level the scientific bases of biological conservation
Describe factors influencing ecosystem change and species decline
Understand biological and other processes leading to the generation and loss of biodiversity
Understand some of the practical methods available for conserving rare and endangered species
Work in a small group to achieve common aims
Communicate effectively in spoken and written media
Learn practical skills involved in biodiversity studies

Key dates and timetable

Timetable details for 2016 are no longer published.

This information is from current details held on the Student Information System. Please report any errors or omissions to the relevant College Office.