BIOD1102 Introduction to Biodiversity and Conservation

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Overview

During the topic lectures will be delivered on the following:- What is biodiversity? How many living species are there? What is the distribution of global biodiversity? How is biodiversity measured? The role of systematics in assessing biodiversity. The role of ecology in understanding species interactions. Loss of biodiversity - rates … For more content click the Read More button below.

During the topic lectures will be delivered on the following:- What is biodiversity? How many living species are there? What is the distribution of global biodiversity? How is biodiversity measured? The role of systematics in assessing biodiversity. The role of ecology in understanding species interactions. Loss of biodiversity - rates of extinction. Loss of biodiversity - human impacts. The values of biodiversity - economic, social etc. Bioprospecting. Biological conservation - what are we trying to preserve and how can we achieve this?

Weekly tutorials will be held to assist students in the design and execution of their practical projects and to address any questions arising from the lecture material.

On the field trip and during practicals students will work in teams of approximately 5 students and will conduct a project over the semester on assessing biodiversity within a particular habitat.

Topic availabilities

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Tuition pattern

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Aims

This topic aims to provide students with:

An understanding of the extent of the world's biodiversity
An appreciation of the threat to biodiversity posed by human activities, including an understanding of the nature and levels of current rates of extinction
An understanding of the scientific bases of biological conservation
An appreciation of the nature of the scientific method and of its strengths and limitations
An ability to assess critically current and future developments relevant to the conservation of biological diversity
An appreciation of the societal and ethical contexts of conservation biology, of human impacts on biodiversity and of the professional practice of biologists
An appreciation of First Nations Peoples connections to biodiversity
An ability to work effectively and cooperatively as a member of small teams
An ability to communicate effectively using a variety of media

Learning outcomes

On completion of this topic you will be expected to be able to:

Recognise different characterisations of biodiversity and describe the major threatening process leading to biodiversity loss and species extinctions.

Express the values of biodiversity and conservation, including their societal and cultural significance in an Australian context.

Review major threats to species of conservation significance and apply knowledge of conservation and restoration practices to develop a species recovery plan

Demonstrate an ability to conduct biodiversity surveys, summarise numerical data and evaluate its relevance to evidence-based conservation

Assessments

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Current students should refer to FLO for detailed assessment information, including due dates. Assessment information is accurate at the time of publishing.

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Handbook

Introduction to Biodiversity and Conservation