env3esb endangered species biology

ENDANGERED SPECIES BIOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT

ENV3ESB

2017

Credit points: 15

This subject addresses La Trobe's Sustainability Thinking Essential. Sustainability Thinking entails deep appreciation of how the choices we make affects the natural, economic, social, political and cultural systems — now and in the future.

Subject outline

ENV3ESB is an advanced study of conservation biology in practice, relating in particular to the biology and management of threatened and endangered species for long-term survival and recovery. This subject considers aspects of species biology critical to conserving threatened plants and animals. Lecture content will be covered in a case study format, using examples of present day endangered species. Topics covered vary each year, dependent on current issues in conservation, but may include; endangered species listing, extinction, species triage, captive breeding, population modeling, conservation physiology, conservation genetics and community ecology. In addition, students will design a detailed management plan (including consideration of the environmental, social, political and economic dimensions) to use the LaTrobe University Wildlife Sanctuary as the basis for the conservation of Victorian threatened species. This subject addresses La Trobe's Sustainability Thinking Essential, which entails deep appreciation of how the choices we make affects the natural, economic, social, political and cultural systems; now and in the future.

SchoolSchool of Life Sciences

Credit points15

Subject Co-ordinatorNick Murphy

Available to Study Abroad StudentsYes

Subject year levelYear Level 3 - UG

Exchange StudentsYes

Subject particulars

Subject rules

Prerequisites WCB2IC or ZOO2FE or BOT2PDE or GEN2EGE or WEM2ALP or WEM2ARZ or BIO2POS

Co-requisitesN/A

Incompatible subjects WCB3AC

Equivalent subjectsN/A

Special conditionsN/A

Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes

01. Critically review published conservation management plans present the results to an audience of peers

Activities:
In lectures, students will be instructed in the theory and concepts of species conservation and management issues. SMART objectives and their relationship to preparing a management plan are explained in a workshop. Criteria for reviewing Action Statements are also explained. Students work in self assigned groups and present findings as a group powerpoint presentation. Assessment is of the style and content of the powerpoints and the level of critical thinking displayed, and teamwork.
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,Quantitative Literacy)
Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
Personal and Professional Skills(Teamwork including leadership and working in groups,Autonomy and independence)
Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)

02. Prepare a plan of management, including a budget and justificaiton, for the conservation of a threatened species for the future

Activities:
In lectures, students will be instructed in the theory and concepts of species conservation and management issues. Workshops will be run explaining SMART objectives, and their relationship to preparing a management plan, and instructions given on preparing a budget. Students will be given resources for undertaking a detailed assessment of species "current and future status". Students will be required to gather as much information as possible from relevent experts and managers to present a detailed plan.
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,Quantitative Literacy)
Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,Quantitative Literacy)
Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
Personal and Professional Skills(Teamwork including leadership and working in groups,Autonomy and independence)
Personal and Professional Skills(Teamwork including leadership and working in groups,Autonomy and independence)
Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)

03. Use a solid understanding of conservation science to review and rank (with justification) species conservation plans

Activities:
Students will work in groups to undertake a ranking process and determine a priority list for the conservation and management of species.
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
Personal and Professional Skills(Teamwork including leadership and working in groups,Autonomy and independence)
Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)

04. Explain the theory, concepts and issues of species conservation.

Activities:
The ability to explain conservation concepts/ issues will be assessed in all assessments including the written end-of-semester examinations.
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,Quantitative Literacy)
Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,Quantitative Literacy)
Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,Quantitative Literacy)
Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)

Subject options

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Start date between: and    Key dates

Melbourne, 2017, Semester 1, Blended

Overview

Online enrolmentYes

Maximum enrolment sizeN/A

Enrolment information

Subject Instance Co-ordinatorNick Murphy

Class requirements

LectureWeek: 10 - 22
One 2.0 hours lecture per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.

WorkShopWeek: 10 - 22
One 3.0 hours workshop per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via blended.

Assessments

Assessment elementComments%ILO*
Critical review of action statements (15 min group presentation)1001, 04
Species management plan (2000 word equiv)3502, 04
Critical ranking of species conservation (500 word equiv)1003, 04
Final 2 hr exam4504