BIOD3701 Human Impacts and Biodiversity

Professor Karen Burke Da Silva

2018

4.5

2 x 50-minute lectures weekly
1 x 50-minute tutorial weekly
1 x 180-minute workshop weekly
1 x 3-hour project work weekly

1 of BIOL2711, BIOD2701

BIOD8701 has been successfully completed

This topic includes:

Studies on the evolutionary history, relationships and ecological roles of major groups of Australian native plants and animals
Analyses of human impacts on, and conservation biology of, major components of the Australian native biota
Relevant skills in critical analysis in the area of biodiversity and conservation
Field work which will illustrate principles of conservation biology in an Australian context

This topic aims to develop:

An understanding of the nature, significance and role of major components of the Australian native biota
An understanding of the major conservation issues regarding the major components of the Australian native biota
An appreciation of the biological, cultural, economic and social issues involved in conservation of endangered species
An understanding of the methodologies of monitoring and conserving endangered species
An understanding of the changing nature of ecosystems and biological communities, particularly in the Australian context
An understanding of the impact of human activities on biodiversity in Australia
A knowledge of current examples of ecosystem conservation and restoration following disturbances of varying severities and types, focussing on Australian case histories

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

Apply generic skills of problem solving, critical thinking, in the development of individual written reports, and in effective team work
Demonstrate their understanding of issues influencing the biodiversity and conservation of some of the major components of the Australian native biota
Apply skills in collecting and identifying organisms from some of the major groups of Australian native organisms
Demonstrate their understanding of the nature of the scientific method and some of its strengths and weaknesses and apply the method in designs of experiments
Describe factors influencing ecosystem change and species decline and understand the nature of factors that lead to the generation and loss of biodiversity
Appreciate the ways in which modern analytical software packages may be used to estimate and analyse phylogenetic trees and how this information is applied to the conservation of threatened taxa
Work in a small group to achieve common aims and communicate effectively in spoken and written media

Key dates and timetable

Timetable details for 2018 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.