FACULTY OF SCIENCE SCHOOL OF BIOLOGICAL,...
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FACULTY OF SCIENCE SCHOOL OF BIOLOGICAL, EARTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES BIOS6671 BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES BIOS3671 CONSERVATION BIOLOGY AND BIODIVERSITY (Advanced) SESSION 2, 2012
Transcript of FACULTY OF SCIENCE SCHOOL OF BIOLOGICAL,...
FACULTY OF SCIENCE
SCHOOL OF BIOLOGICAL, EARTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
BIOS6671 BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION OF
NATURAL RESOURCES
BIOS3671 CONSERVATION BIOLOGY AND BIODIVERSITY
(Advanced)
SESSION 2, 2012
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Table of Contents
1. Information about the Course .............................................................................................................. 3 2. Staff Involved in the Course ................................................................................................................ 4 3. Course Details ...................................................................................................................................... 5 4. Rationale and Strategies Underpinning the Course ............................................................................. 8 5. BIOS6671/3671 Course Schedule 2012 ........................................................................................... 10 6. Assessment Tasks and Feedback ....................................................................................................... 13
BIOS6671 Assessment Tasks ....................................................................................................... 13 Bios 3671 Assessment Tasks ........................................................................................................ 15
7. Additional Resources and Support ..................................................................................................... 17 8. Required Equipment, Training and Enabling Skills .......................................................................... 18 9. Course Evaluation and Development ................................................................................................. 18 10. Administration Matters .................................................................................................................... 19 11. UNSW Academic Policy and Plagiarism ........................................................................................ 21 LECTURE NOTES ................................................................................................................................ 22 Intro Introductory Lectures .................................................................................................................... 23
Intro1 Introduction W Sherwin .................................................................................. 23 Intro2 Biodiversity conservation – a taxonomy of threats R Kingsford ........................... 23 Intro3 Policy & management for biodiversity conservation R Kingsford ......................... 23 Intro4 Adaptive management of ecosystems R Kingsford ............................................... 23
SS – Single Species Management .......................................................................................................... 24 SS1 Adaptive management D Keith ................................................................................. 24 SS2-5 Decisions and management for small or declining populations W Sherwin .......... 24 SS6 Redlisting species D Keith ........................................................................................ 25 SS7-8 Ex-situ conservation & management T Rogers ................................................ 25 SS9-10 Invasive Species in Australia M Letnic ......................................................... 26 SS11 Mammalian Extinction M Letnic ..................................................................... 26 SS12 Conservation of Arid Lands M Letnic ............................................................. 26 SS13 Resource management R Cooney ..................................................................... 26 SS14 Overabundant species - humans, exotics, natives W Sherwin ............................. 27 SS15-16 Exploitation and overexploitation in marine ecosystems W Sherwin ................ 27
MS Multiple Species Management ........................................................................................................ 28 MS1 Sustainable use R Cooney ..................................................................... 28 MS2 Biodiversity, rarity and their measurement W Sherwin ........................................ 28 MS3 Systematics & Biodiversity G Cassis ......................................................................... 28 MS4-7 Managing ecosystems W Sherwin ................................................................... 29 MS8-9 Wetlands, river & migratory species K Jenkins ............................................... 29 MS10 Microbial marine ecosystems A Campbell ........................................................... 30 MS11-12 Wetlands, river & migratory species K Jenkins ........................................... 30 MS13-14 Reserve Design P Adam .................................................................................... 31
C Concluding Lectures .......................................................................................................................... 31 C1 International Policy R Cooney ............................................................................ 31 C2 Making Conservation Biology Effective R Kingsford ............................................... 32
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PRACTICALS ....................................................................................................................................... 33 BD1 Biodiversity: Debate ............................................................................................................. 34 Debate (2%): ................................................................................................................................. 34 MS1 Evaluating Management Options: Forecasting the effects of different management regimes ....................................................................................................................................................... 35 MS/MB Forecasting Ranges ......................................................................................................... 51 BD 2 – Estimation of Biodiversity ................................................................................................ 68
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Faculty of Science – BIOS6671/3671 Course Outline 1. Information about the Course
NB: Some of this information is available on the UNSW Virtual Handbook1
Year of Delivery 2012
Course Code
BIOS 6671/3671
Course Name
BIOS6671 Biodiversity & Conservation Of Natural Resources BIOS3671 Conservation Biology & Biodiversity (Advanced)
Academic Unit School of Biological Earth and Environmental Science (BEES)
Level of Course BIOS6671 3rd year undergraduate & postgraduate BIOS3671: 3rd year undergraduate
Units of Credit 6 UOC
Session(s) Offered S2 Assumed Knowledge, Prerequisites or Co-requisites
Assumed knowledge: BABS1101 and BABS1201 BIOS3671 is available to students in 3990 (Advanced Science, Life Sciences) and, subject to availability of places, to other high performing students
Hours per Week 5
Number of Weeks 12 weeks
Commencement Date 23 JULY 2012
Summary of Course Structure (for details see 'Course Schedule') Component HPW Time Day LocationLectures 3 hr per week Lecture 1 1 – 2 pm Wednesday Biomed F Lecture 2 4 - 6 pm Thursday Matthews C
Laboratory
2 hrs /week (4 hours in alternate weeks after debate)
9 – 1 pm Monday BIOSCI 402 or BIOSCI G11 see schedule
Lab – Option 1: Group A wks 2,3,4,6,8,10 Monday Lab – Option 2: Group B wks 2,3,5,7,9,12 Monday Tutorials (BIOS3671 only) 1 hr per week TBA TBA TBA Online Other activities, e.g., field trips
During practical class times
TOTAL BIOS6671 – 5
BIOS3671- 6
Special Details Excursion to Taronga Zoo or Blue Mountains during practical time is compulsory and will involve expense to individual students. See schedule for details
1 UNSW Virtual Handbook: http://www.handbook.unsw.edu.au/2011/index.html
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2. Staff Involved in the Course
Staff Role Name Contact Details Consultation Times Course Convenor
Dr. Jennifer Sinclair
BIOSCI 624 [email protected]
Appointment via email
Additional Teaching Staff
Lecturers & Facilitators
Prof Gerry Cassis
Matthews 1314 [email protected]
Appointment via email
Dr Rosie Cooney
Appointment via email
Jacinta Green
BIOSCI 501B [email protected]
Appointment via email
Prof Richard Kingsford
BIOSCI 567 [email protected]
Appointment via email
Dr Kim Jenkins
BIOSCI 514A [email protected]
Appointment via email
Dr David Keith
BIOSCI 508 [email protected]
Appointment via email
Dr Mike Letnic
BIOSCI 615 [email protected]
Appointment via email
A/Prof. Tracey Rogers
BIOSCI 625 [email protected]
Appointment via email
A/Prof Bill Sherwin
BIOSCI 552A [email protected]
Appointment via email
Tutors & Demonstrators
Sandra Vogel
In prac only
Technical Staff
Rochelle Johnstone
BIOSCI 647 [email protected]
Appointment via email
Other Support Staff
- - -
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3. Course Details
Course Description2 (Handbook Entry)
BIOS6671 Applications of community biology, population ecology and genetics to management of environmental problems in nature and artificial ecosystems, including Australian examples; nature and importance of global diversity; management and design of programs for the conservation of species and ecosystems, including reserves, off-site conservation, and computer simulations. Assumed knowledge: BABS1101 and BABS1201 Note: Field excursions are compulsory and will involve expense to individual students. BIOS3671 Applications of community biology, population ecology and genetics to management of environmental problems in nature and artificial ecosystems, including Australian examples. Nature and importance of global diversity, management and design of programs for the conservation of species and ecosystems, including reserves, off-site conservation, and computer simulations. Field excursions are compulsory and will involve expense to individual students. Current conservation issues will be addressed in small group projects.
Course Aims3
The aims of this course are to:
1. To impart an understanding of the scope of conservation biology, from short-term to long-term management, from single species to ecosystems, and for different geographical areas
2. To teach students how to find and evaluate any and all biological information that might be relevant in a conservation management program.
3. To introduce the social and legal aspects of conservation 4. To demonstrate methods to synthesise biological and other information, make
decisions, then produce adaptive action plans.
Student Learning Outcomes
At the end of this course, students should be able to:
1. Communicate their understanding of the scope of conservation biology, from short-term to long-term management, from single species to ecosystems, and for different geographical areas
2. Identify and evaluate any and all biological information that might be relevant in a conservation management program.
3. Discuss the social and legal aspects of conservation 4. Synthesise biological and other information in order to make decisions and
then produce adaptive action plans
Graduate Attributes Developed in this Course4 BIOS 6671 Science Graduate Attributes5
Level of FOCUS 0 = NO FOCUS
1 = MINIMAL 2 = MINOR 3 = MAJOR
Activities / Assessment
Research, inquiry and analytical thinking abilities
3
All activities and assessments require and enhance ability to synthesise biological and other information, make decisions, then produce adaptive action plans
2 UNSW Virtual Handbook: http://www.handbook.unsw.edu.au/ 3 Learning and Teaching Unit: http://teaching.unsw.edu.au/learning-and-teaching 4 Access the contextualised Science Graduate Attributes: http://www.science.unsw.edu.au/future-students/graduate-attributes
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Capability and motivation for intellectual development
2
Presentation of conflicts between different biological information, and between biological information and other (legal, social, political, etc), with discussion of ways to resolve these. Students have many opportunities to develop and express these skills through debates, essays, drafting conservation management advice, etc.
Ethical, social and professional understanding
3 Throughout the course there is emphasis not only on the biology but
also on the social legal and political aspects of conservation, and the best methods to integrate these.
Communication
2
Debate, written reports and management advice
Teamwork, collaborative and management skills
2 Students collaborate to debate topical conservation issues
Students write management advice based on computer forecasts they carry out for an endangered species under various different threat and management scenarios
Information literacy
3
As third year students, all reports are expected to be supported by citations of relevant peer-reviewed scientific literature, and critical evaluation of other non-reviewed information such as websites. Examples of appropriate sources are discussed in most lectures and practicals.
BIOS 3671 (ADV) Science Graduate Attributes5
Level of FOCUS 0 = NO FOCUS
1 = MINIMAL 2 = MINOR 3 = MAJOR
Activities / Assessment
Research, inquiry and analytical thinking abilities
3
All activities and assessments require and enhance ability to synthesise biological and other information, make decisions, then produce adaptive action plans Major report requires evaluation and integration of considerable data from a variety of sources, as the group of advanced students performs the roles of a team writing management advice on a current issue in conservation biology and biodiversity.
Capability and motivation for intellectual development
3
Presentation of conflicts between different biological information, and between biological information and other (legal, social, political, etc), with discussion of ways to resolve these. Students have many opportunities to develop and express these skills through debates, essays, drafting conservation management advice, etc. The major report is of course the foremost of these.
Ethical, social and professional understanding
3
Throughout the course there is emphasis not only on the biology but also on the social legal and political aspects of conservation, and the best methods to integrate these. The major report requires the students to act as a group of consultants advising some company or government agency on ways to manage a particular current biodiversity issue. Thus it would be impossible to avoid ethical social and professional understanding, and much of the tutorial time is spent developing these.
Access the contextualised Science Graduate Attributes: http://www.science.unsw.edu.au/future-students/graduate-attributes
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Communication
3
Debate, written reports and management advice The major report is written in individual sections by each student, but involves detailed communication, moderated by the instructors, in planning the relationship of the individual sections, presenting short seminars on their developing section, and integrating the sections into a final single document with a integrated introduction and conclusion, written jointly by all students.
Teamwork, collaborative and management skills
3
Students collaborate to debate topical conservation issues Students write management advice based on computer forecasts they carry out for an endangered species under various different threat and management scenarios Major report requires continuous teamwork, collaborative and management skills. As well as coordinating their own sections, students are encouraged to elect one another to different roles such as secretary. part of their mark is a score for teamwork attributes, given by other members of the group.
Information literacy
3
As third year students, all reports are expected to be supported by citations of relevant peer-reviewed scientific literature, and critical evaluation of other non-reviewed information such as websites. Examples of appropriate sources are discussed in most lectures and practicals. These skills are very highly developed in the process of researching and producing the major report, with assistance from the instructors.
Major Topics (Syllabus Outline)
Note that these codes are used to identify classes whose topic matter relates closely to others. Students would find it helpful to revise classes with the same code before each class. Intro Introduction SS Single species management MS Multiple species management C Conclusions
Relationship to Other Courses within the Program
In line with school policy, there are no formal pre-requisites. This course allows students to draw on material that they have learned in various second-year biological and environmental science courses, and apply this to conservation management. In third year, useful companion subjects are BIOS 3111 PACE, BIOS 3601 AFB, and BIOS 3081 OBAF, as well as BIOS3161 LIAL, BIOS 3091 MAE, BIOS 3061 PEP.
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4. Rationale and Strategies Underpinning the Course Teaching Strategies
Suggested approaches to learning in the course, and resource materials Students should approach each component of the course with the aim of evaluating whether particular aspects of biology are relevant to management decisions in the context of the particular conservation issue presented. Sheer memory work is NOT a recommended approach, and students should aim to comprehend the material and practice applying it to conservation situations, whether those presented in the course, or from other sources, such as newspapers. Learning is not a spectator sport. Active student participation is encouraged and will accelerate your learning. You are expected to attend ALL your scheduled classes. Since this subject is NOT offered in distance mode, if you miss classes, your progress will be significantly hindered. After attending lectures and practicals much of the material can be studied independently, with the aid the textbook, lecture outlines (on the web), and the references contained in the lecture notes. Some of the practical exercises may be completed independently. However, it is advised that students should spend some time discussing the interpretation of work with instructors during practical time, since performing practical tasks without critically thinking about the results is NOT adequate. Students typically require more help with the interpretation than with repetitive tasks such as performing computer simulations. The demonstrators are casual staff, and are therefore difficult to contact outside practical class times – use them while they are in the practical. Teaching methods will include delivery of lectures, laboratories, field trips, and directed readings with continuous assessment. As well as being introduced to theories and methods currently used in conservation biology, students will be challenged to continually evaluate whether particular aspects of biology are relevant to conservation management decisions in a variety of contexts. There will be an emphasis on tackling current conservation problems. This course will adhere to the UNSW Guidelines on Learning and Teaching. The course will be assessed by assignments throughout the session, and a final examination. Since this course lays emphasis on integration of different aspects of the material, to address specific conservation situations, marking of each assessment task will include emphasis on (a) integration and evaluation of material, as well as (b) specific relevant knowledge and skills. Detailed expectations for each assignment will be included in handouts or (for practical reports) in the practical notes. The final examination will cover the entire course, including material from any guest lectures and the non-assessed practicals. The proposed assessment can be summarized as follows:
Task weight Assessment Criteria
Press Release 6% Presentation of student debate Evaluation of arguments presented (250 words)
Debate Participation* 2% Preparation and active engagement in the debates to be held in prac class
SS1 Evaluating Management Options: PVA using VORTEX Report*
8% Usefulness of the report for a conservation manager Synthesis of biological data and predictions into the decision making process. Discussion of concepts involved in the forecasting process preformed by the students. Presentation of OWN data (NB stochastic simulation should ensure that no two students data are identical!!!) (750 words)
SS2 Forecasting Ranges CLIMEX Assignment*
8% Responses entered into boxes in prac material Understanding of the concepts in bioclimatic prediction for endangered species Clear Presentation (750 words)
Long Essay (NOT BIOS3671)
18% Coverage of the topic chosen Ability to find and evaluate relevant information Coherent presentation (2000 words)
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Task weight Assessment Criteria
SS/MS1 Excursion assignment*
8% Understanding of concepts covered in field excursion Clear presentation (750 words)
MS2 Measuring Biodiversity Report (BIOS6671 only)*
8%
Evaluation of responses to questions indicated in practicals manual. (750 words)
Major Report (BIOS3671 ONLY)
26% Content and length to be advised
Final Exam
50% Evaluation of responses to short answer questions
*Students complete 3 out of 4 starred assignments. You may only be assessed up to 100%, therefore you do not receive extra marks for completing all practical report tasks.
Rationale for learning and teaching in this course5,
Learning and teaching will focus on lectures, practical exercises where students learn to synthesise biological information, make decisions and produce adaptive management plans, and group work exploring fundamental concepts of conservation and management. Further, we will emphasise the role of using biological information to influence environmental policy
5 LTU – Teaching Philosophy: http://www.ltu.unsw.edu.au/content/teaching_support/teaching_portfolio.cfm?ss=0#putting
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5. BIOS6671/3671 Course Schedule 2012 Some of this information is available on the Virtual Handbook6 and the UNSW Timetable7.
Any alterations to the schedule will be announced in a preceding class and will be posted on Blackboard. If you miss a class, it is your responsibility to (i) catch up on the biology, and (ii) find out the details of any announcements. The Field Trip is compulsory. Ideally, we would go through the material in the order that it might be considered in a conservation agency, but the order must be disrupted because of availability of lecturers, computer rooms, etc. As senior students (or later as conservation biologists), you should have the skills to assemble the course in an order that suits you. The lecture codes (Intro, SS, MS, etc) and outlines should help to identify parts of the course that are closely related. Lecture Series (detailed summaries are later in the manual): Intro Introductory Lectures SS Single Species Management MS Multiple Species Management C Concluding Lectures WEEK PRACTICAL
Alternate groups (A&B) M on 9-1
LECTURE BIOMED F Wed 1-2
LECTUREMATTHEWS C Thu 4-5
LECTUREMATTHEWS C Thu 5-6
Tutorial BIOS3671 ONLY Time TBA
Assessment TasksFor more info please refer to Assessment Tasks section
1 16-20 Jul
NO PRACTICAL NO LECTURE NO LECTURE NO LECTURE NO MEETING
2 23-27 Jul
Groups A&B: INTROPress Release & Debate Prep (1 hour) CLB 5 J Green
Intro1 Introduction
W Sherwin
Intro2Biodiversity conservation – a taxonomy of threats
R Kingsford
Intro3 Policy & management for biodiversity conservation
R Kingsford
Project Intro(during prac) Select topics & form groups All Staff
3 30 Jul -3 Aug
Groups A&B: DebateCLB5
J Green
Intro4 Adaptive management of ecosystems
R Kingsford
SS1 Adaptive Management
D Keith
SS2 Decisions & management for small or declining populations
W Sherwin
Project SelectionFinalise groups & topics Group discussion Finalise meeting times
TBA
Groups A&BDebate Participation 2%
4 6-10 Aug
A: SS1 Evaluating Management Options PVA using VORTEX BIOSCI G07
W Sherwin
SS3 Decisions & management for small or declining populations
W Sherwin
SS4 Decisions & management for small or declining populations
W Sherwin
SS5 Decisions & management for small or declining populations
W Sherwin
Press Release due 6% (250 wds)
6 UNSW Virtual Handbook: http://www.handbook.unsw.edu.au/ 7 UNSW Timetable: http://www.timetable.unsw.edu.au/
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WEEK PRACTICAL Alternate groups (A&B) M on 9-1
LECTURE BIOMED F Wed 1-2
LECTUREMATTHEWS C Thu 4-5
LECTUREMATTHEWS C Thu 5-6
Tutorial BIOS3671 ONLY Time TBA
Assessment TasksFor more info please refer to Assessment Tasks section
5 13-17 Aug
B: SS1 Evaluating Management Options PVA using VORTEX BIOSCI G07
W Sherwin
SS6 Redlisting species
D Keith
SS7 Ex-situ conservation & management
T Rogers
SS8 Ex-situ conservation & management
T Rogers
Independent meeting time Outline discussion & feedback TBA
Group ASS1 Report Due 8% (750 wds) W Sherwin BIOS3671 only Prelim outline due (2%)
6 20-24 Aug
A: SS2 Forecasting Ranges BIOSCI G07
W Sherwin
SS9 Invasive species in Australia
M Letnic
SS10Invasive species in Australia
M Letnic
SS11Mammalian Extinction
M Letnic
Group BSS1 Report Due 8% (750 wds)
W Sherwin
7 27-31 Aug
B: SS2 Forecasting Ranges BIOSCI G07
W Sherwin
SS12 Conservation of arid lands
M Letnic
SS13Resource management
R Cooney
MS1Sustainable use
R Cooney
Group ASS2 Report Due 8% (no limit)
W Sherwin
3-7 Sep
3-7 SEPTEMBER: MID-SESSION BREAK
8 10-14 Sep
A:SS/ MS1 excursion(Zoo only) Refer to Blackboard for more information about excursions
T Rogers
SS14 Overabundant species – humans, exotics & natives
W Sherwin
SS15Exploitation & overexploitation in marine ecosystems
W Sherwin
SS16Exploitation & overexploitation in marine ecosystems
W Sherwin
Independent meeting time Outline discussion & feedback
TBA
Group BSS2 Report Due 8% (no limit) W Sherwin BIOS3671 only Comprehensive outline (2%)
9 17-21 Sep
B: SS/MS1 excursionZoo
T Rogers Blue Mountains
R Cooney Refer to Blackboard for more information about excursions
MS2 Biodiversity, rarity & their measurement
W Sherwin
MS3Systematics & biodiversity
G Cassis
MS4Managing ecosystems
W Sherwin
Project TalksFeedback on final project content
TBA
Group ASS/MS1 Report Due 8% (750 wds)
T Rogers
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WEEK PRACTICAL Alternate groups (A&B) M on 9-1
LECTURE BIOMED F Wed 1-2
LECTUREMATTHEWS C Thu 4-5
LECTUREMATTHEWS C Thu 5-6
Tutorial BIOS3671 ONLY Time TBA
Assessment TasksFor more info please refer to Assessment Tasks section
10 24-28 Sep
A: MS2 Measuring Biodiversity BIOSCI 449
J Sinclair
MS5 Managing ecosystems
W Sherwin
MS6Managing Ecosystems
W Sherwin
MS7Managing ecosystems
W Sherwin
Project TalksFeedback on final project content
TBA
Group BSS/MS1 Report Due 8% (750 wds)
T Rogers & Rosie Cooney
11 1-5 Oct
Public Holiday
No Practical
C1 International Policy
R Cooney
MS8Wetlands, river & migratory species
K Jenkins
MS9Wetlands, river & migratory species
K Jenkins
Group AMS2 Report Due 8% (750 wds)
J Sinclair
12 8-12 Oct
B: MS2 Measuring Biodiversity BIOSCI 449
J Sinclair
MS10 Microbial Marine ecosystems
A Campbell
MS11Wetlands, river & migratory species
K Jenkins
MS12Wetlands, river & migratory species
K Jenkins
Independent meeting time Discuss final project submission
TBA
Groups A&B(BIOS6671 only) Long Essay Due 18% (2000 wds) All staff
13 15-19 Oct
MS13 Reserve Design
P Adam
MS14 Reserve Design
P Adam
C2 Making Conservation Biology Effective
R Kingsford
Group BMS2 Report Due 8% (750 wds) J Sinclair BIOS3671 only Final Project Due (20%) Peer Assessment due (2%)
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6. Assessment Tasks and Feedback There are assignments throughout the session, and a final examination. The Schedule below gives details of each assessment component, the marks assigned to it, and the dates of submission. Assignment submission guidelines and procedures for obtaining assignment extensions are available under “Administrative Matters” Since this course lays emphasis on integration of different aspects of the material, to address specific conservation situations, marking of each assessment task will include emphasis on (a) integration and evaluation of material, as well as (b) specific relevant knowledge and skills. Neglecting either of these aspects will lead to a low mark. Detailed expectations for each assignment are included in handouts or (for practical reports) in the prac notes.
BIOS6671 Assessment Tasks
(BIOS3671 please refer to page 15) BIOS6671
Assessment Tasks
weight Knowledge & abilities
assessed (refer to course aims)
Assessment Criteria Date of Feedback
Release Submission WHO WHEN HOW
Debate Participation
2% Aims 2 & 3 Assessed on participation in debate by presenting, providing information for presenters, asking questions and/or posing arguments
Week 2 Prac In prac J Green Demonstrator J Sinclair
In prac Verbal & marks
Press Release 6% Aims 2 & 3 Presentation of single viewpoint of one of topics debated. Evaluation of arguments presented (1 page)
Week 2 Prac BSB Office Mon 9am Week 4
J Green demonstrator
Week 6 Verbal, written comments and marks
Long Essay (NOT BIOS3671)
18% Aims 1, 2, 3 & 4 Coverage of the topic chosen Ability to find and evaluate relevant information Coherent presentation (2000 words)
Week 2 Prac BSB Office Monday 9am Week 12
All staff By time of final exam
Written comments and marks
Final Exam
50% Aims 1, 2, 3, & 4 Evaluation of responses to short answer questions. Evaluation of responses to short essays. Covers material from entire course, including all pracs, lectures and guest lectures.
Scheduled by exams Branch
Scheduled by exams Branch
All Instructors - Marks
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Complete 3 of the following 4 assessment tasks
SS1 Evaluating Management Options Report
8% Aims 1, 2 & 4 Usefulness of the report for a conservation manager. Synthesis of biological data and predictions into the decision making process. Discussion of concepts involved in the forecasting process preformed by the students. Presentation of OWN data (NB stochastic simulation should ensure that no two students data are identical!!!) (750 words)
Group A: Wk 4 prac B: Wk 5 prac
BSB Office Mon 9am Grp A: Wk 5 Grp B: Wk 6
W Sherwin J Sinclair demonstrator
Week 8 Verbal, written comments and marks
SS2 Forecasting Ranges CLIMEX Assignment
8% Aims 1, 2 & 4 Responses entered into boxes in prac material. Understanding of the concepts in bioclimatic prediction for endangered species. Clear Presentation (no word limit)
Group A: Wk 6 prac B: Wk 7 prac
BSB Office Mon 9am Grp A: Wk 7 Grp B: Wk 8
W Sherwin demonstrator
Week 10 Verbal, written comments and marks
SS/MS1 Excursion assignment
8% Aims 1, 2, & 3 Understanding of concepts covered in field excursion Clear presentation (750 words)
Group A: Wk 8 prac B: Wk 9 prac
BSB Office Monday 9am Grp A: Wk 9 Grp B: Wk 10
T Rogers & R Cooney
Wk 13 Verbal, written comments and marks
MS2 Measuring Biodiversity Report
8%
Aims 1, 2, 4 Evaluation of responses to questions indicated in prac manual. (750 words)
Group A: Wk 10 prac B: Wk 12 prac
BSB Office Monday 9am Grp A: Wk 11 (Tues 9am) Grp B: Wk 13
J Sinclair demonstrator
By time of final exam
Verbal, written comments and marks
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Bios 3671 Assessment Tasks
Task weight Knowledge & abilities
assessed (refer to course aims)
Assessment Criteria Date of Feedback
Release Submission WHO WHEN HOW
Debate Participation
2% Aims 2 & 3 Assessed on participation in debate by presenting, providing information for presenters, asking questions and/or posing arguments
Week 2 Prac In prac J Green Demonstrator J Sinclair
In prac Verbal & marks
Press Release 6% Aims 2 & 3 Presentation of single viewpoint of one of topics debated. Evaluation of arguments presented (1 page)
Week 2 Prac BSB Office Mon 9am Week 4
J Green demonstrator
Week 6 Verbal, written comments and marks
BIOS3671 Adv. project preliminary outline
2% Aims 1, 2, 3 & 4 Content and length to be advised
Week 2 In tutorial Week 5
TBA In class Verbal & marks
BIOS3671 Adv. project comprehensive outline
2% Aims 1, 2, 3 & 4 Content and length to be advised
Week 2 In tutorial Week 8
TBA In class Verbal & marks
Major Report (BIOS3671 ONLY)
22% Aims 1, 2, 3 & 4 Content and length to be advised Peer assessment (2%) Individual work (5%) Group work (15%)
Week 2 BSB Office Monday 9am Week 13
TBA By time of final exam
Written comments and marks
Final Exam
50% Aims 1, 2, 3, & 4 Evaluation of responses to short answer questions. Evaluation of responses to short essays. Covers material from entire course, including all pracs, lectures and guest lectures.
Scheduled by exams Branch
Scheduled by exams Branch
All Instructors - Marks
Complete 2 of the following 3 assessment tasks
SS1 Evaluating Management Options Report
8% Aims 1, 2 & 4 Usefulness of the report for a conservation manager. Synthesis of biological data and predictions into the decision making process. Discussion of concepts involved in the forecasting process preformed by the students. Presentation of OWN data (NB stochastic simulation should ensure that no two students data are identical!!!) (750 words)
Group A: Wk 4 prac B: Wk 5 prac
BSB Office Mon 9am Grp A: Wk 5 Grp B: Wk 6
W Sherwin J Sinclair demonstrator
Week 8 Verbal, written comments and marks
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Task weight Knowledge & abilities
assessed (refer to course aims)
Assessment Criteria Date of Feedback
Release Submission WHO WHEN HOW
SS2 Forecasting Ranges CLIMEX Assignment
8% Aims 1, 2 & 4 Responses entered into boxes in prac material. Understanding of the concepts in bioclimatic prediction for endangered species. Clear Presentation (no word limit)
Group A: Wk 6 prac B: Wk 7 prac
BSB Office Mon 9am Grp A: Wk 7 Grp B: Wk 8
W Sherwin demonstrator
Week 10 Verbal, written comments and marks
SS/MS1 Excursion assignment
8% Aims 1, 2, & 3 Understanding of concepts covered in field excursion Clear presentation (750 words)
Group A: Wk 8 prac B: Wk 9 prac
BSB Office Monday 9am Grp A: Wk 9 Grp B: Wk 10
T Rogers & R Cooney
Wk 13 Verbal, written comments and marks
rows as needed
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7. Additional Resources and Support
Text Books
Lindenmayer DB and Burgman MA 2005, Practical Conservation Biology. CSIRO, Sydney. (not required)
Course Manual
Course manual will be available on the unit e-learning website
Required Readings
As this course is designed to develop and evaluate students ability to select and criticize material, students make their own choices of reading matter from the material presented in classes and course manual.
Additional Readings
Hunter ML 1996, Fundamentals of Conservation Biology. Blackwell. New, TR Conservation Biology: An introduction for Southern Australia. Oxford UP. Pullin AS 2002 Conservation Biology. Cambridge University Press. Other references will be given in individual lectures, using citations of electronically available material Students who have recently arrived from institutions where memorization is the only permitted method of learning, may find it useful to read the book “To Hit the ground running: a student workbook” Bartlett A Holzknecht S and Thom A 1999 (Asia pacific Press ANU) This is in the library. Demonstrators and tutors. They can help you integrate the lecture and prac and tutorial material. Note however, that they are casual staff NOT paid outside class hours, so use them during class!! Lecturers: As the ultimate source of help, for each lecture, prac, or tutorial, the lecturer responsible is indicated by their name in the schedule. For example, enquiries about the genetics of this class, or requests for appointments, should be directed to this lecturer’s email address. It will be much easier for the lecturer to help you rapidly if you come with a written attempt at a problem, or a page of notes on which you have identified your FIRST point of difficulty in the notes.
Recommended Internet Sites
Online material Most lecturers put notes for their lectures onto the unit e-learning website Lectures are available as iLectures This Manual is available on the unit e-learning website UNSW Library. One starting point for assistance is: info.library.unsw.edu.au/web/services/services.html From the library website, the Sirius Database is useful for accessing scientific databases such as current contents and science citation index.
Societies
Society for Conservation Biology Australasian Wildlife Management Society
Computer Laboratories or Study Spaces
All students in course with BIOS codes can use G07 and G11 for preparation of assignments. See the BEES student office (BIOSCI G27) for access. Certain pracs will be in the computer lab – refer to schedule for details.
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8. Required Equipment, Training and Enabling Skills
Equipment Required
For field excursion trip: rain gear, sunscreen, drinking water
Enabling Skills Training Required to Complete this Course
Evaluating whether particular aspects of biology are relevant to management decisions in the context of the particular conservation issue presented. Sheer memory work is NOT a recommended approach, and students should aim to comprehend the material and practice applying it to conservation situations, whether those presented in the course, or from other sources, such as newspapers. You are expected to attend all your scheduled classes. Since this subject is NOT offered in distance mode, if you miss classes, your progress will be significantly hindered. After attending lectures and pracs much of the material can be studied independently, with the aid the textbook, lecture outlines (on the web), and the references contained in the lecture notes. Some of the practical exercises may be completed independently. However, it is advised that students should spend some time discussing the interpretation of work with instructors during pracs, since performing prac tasks without critically thinking about the results is NOT adequate. Students typically require more help with the interpretation than with repetitive tasks such as performing computer simulations. The demonstrators are casual staff, and are therefore difficult to contact outside prac times – use them while they are in prac.
9. Course Evaluation and Development
Student feedback is gathered periodically by various means. Such feedback is considered carefully with a view to acting on it constructively wherever possible. This course outline conveys how feedback has helped to shape and develop this course.
Mechanisms of Review
Last Review Date
Comments or Changes Resulting from Reviews
Major Course Review
2011
The course underwent major review to become a hybrid 3rd year undergraduate and postgraduate master’s level course. It is now part of the curriculum of the Masters of Conservation Biology and Masters of Environmental Management. The course structure now consists of component son single species management, multiple species/ecosystem management, and a third component on policy, law and society.
CATEI8
2011
Student feedback on the course is gathered periodically, using various means, including the Course and Teaching Evaluation and Improvement (CATEI) Process. This feedback is generally positive, and written comments show that any aspect of the course which one student disliked was usually well-liked by another student. Nevertheless, all suggestions for improvement are considered carefully with a view to acting on them constructively where possible. For example the computer simulations are seen by some students as most useful because they are tools that could actually be used when working for a conservation agency, while other students simply dislike using computers. Therefore we have reduced the scope of the exercises, and added small lectures within the computer practicals to remind students of the applications that had previously been outlined in lectures. The codes were added in response to
8 Science CATEI procedure: http://www2.science.unsw.edu.au/guide/slatig/catei.html
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student requests to clarify the relationships between different classes. (Unfortunately, related classes cannot always be sequential, because of specialized room requirements, staff availability, etc). In 2011, assessment was added to the field excursion in response to student comments from previous years. In 2012 we have reduced the length of assessments and the number of assessment tasks required to be completed by students by giving the choice of practical reports. Assessment weights were also adjusted to more accurately reflect the proportion of total workload.
10. Administration Matters
Expectations of Students
You are expected to attend all your scheduled classes. The field excursion is compulsory. Since this subject is NOT offered in distance mode, if you miss classes, your progress will be significantly hindered. Any alterations to the schedule will be announced in a preceding class. If you miss a class, it is your responsibility to (i) catch up on the course material, and (ii) find out the details of any announcements. Students whose attendance at classes or assessment is affected by obligatory religious ceremonies should discuss ways of dealing with this clash with one of the convenors prior to, or at the commencement of, the course; you may be required to show proof of the nature of the ceremony and your obligation to attend. Suggested approaches to learning in the course, and resource materials Students should approach each component of the course with the aim of evaluating whether particular aspects of biology are relevant to management decisions in the context of the particular conservation issue presented. Sheer memory work is NOT a recommended approach, and students should aim to comprehend the material and practice applying it to conservation situations, whether those presented in the course, or from other sources, such as newspapers. You are expected to attend all your scheduled classes. Since this subject is NOT offered in distance mode, if you miss classes, your progress will be significantly hindered. After attending lectures and practicals much of the material can be studied independently, with the aid the textbook, lecture outlines (on the web), and the references contained in the lecture notes. Some of the practical exercises may be completed independently. However, it is advised that students should spend some time discussing the interpretation of work with instructors during practicals, since performing practical tasks without critically thinking about the results is NOT adequate. Students typically require more help with the interpretation than with repetitive tasks such as performing computer simulations. The demonstrators are casual staff, and are therefore difficult to contact outside practical class times – use them while they are in practical classes
Assignment Submissions
Due dates, word-lengths, percentages, and the staff member responsible are shown in the schedule. Assignments are due in the BSB Student Office (G27) by 9am on Monday of the week shown in the schedule, unless otherwise posted. View submission guidelines for each assignment under Assessment Tasks. You must keep a copy of all work handed in. Late assignments will have marks deducted – 10% deduction per day late. If you have a problem which affects your work, you should immediately apply for special consideration and see the appropriate lecturer if you need an extension for a particular assignment. If you need a long extension, tell the lecturer well before the deadline. BEES cover sheet and related information are at: http://www.bees.unsw.edu.au/current
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Occupational Health and Safety9
UNSW Occupational Health and Safety policies are at UNSW: http://www.ohs.unsw.edu.au/ohs_policies/index.html http://www.ohs.unsw.edu.au/ohs_students/index.html BEES OH&S requirements are at http://www.bees.unsw.edu.au/ohs. OH&S Obligations The School of BEES recognises its obligations to provide a safe working environment for all persons involved in School-related activities. To achieve this goal with regards to teaching and learning, the School adopts the UNSW Occupational Health and Safety Policy (2001) and the UNSW OH&S Responsibility and Accountability Document (2001). These documents stipulate that everyone attending a UNSW workplace must ensure their actions do not adversely affect the health and safety of others. This outcome is achieved through the establishment of a documented chain of responsibility and accountability for all persons in the workplace, extending from the Head of School through to the students undertaking courses offered by the School of BEES. As part of this chain of responsibility and accountability, the Course Authority is responsible for ensuring all activities associated with this course are safe. The Course Authority has undertaken detailed risk assessments of all course activities and identified all associated potential hazards. These hazards have been minimised and appropriate steps taken to ensure your health and safety. For each activity, clear written instructions are given and appropriate hazard warnings or risk minimisation procedures included for your protection. It is the student's responsibility to prepare for all practical work. Students should be familiar with the written procedures scheduled for the practical class and identify all personal protection requirements needed to complete the exercise in a safe manner. Students must comply with all safety instructions given by the Course Authority and/or Laboratory / Field Demonstrator, and observe the Safety Information located outside or within teaching rooms. If you are unsure of any safe operating procedures or written instruction regarding safety, you should seek further information from the Course Authority and/or Laboratory / Field Demonstrator before attempting the task. Failure to comply with safety instructions may, in the first instance, be considered as a form of academic misconduct. If the outcome of a student's failure to comply with safety instructions results in personal injury, or endangers the health and safety of others, then the matter may be dealt with by WorkCover as a breach of the NSW OH&S Act (2000).
Assessment Procedures
Assignment procedures are in the box "Assignment Submission" for assignments, if you have a problem which affects your work, you should immediately apply for special consideration and see the appropriate lecturer if you need an extension for a particular assignment. If you need a long extension, tell the lecturer well before the deadline. The final examination will be scheduled by the examinations branch. Students should be available for examination throughout the entire UNSW mid-year examination period. Supplementary examinations will only be granted to students who miss the final examination due to illness or other unexpected reasons outside their control. A student who wishes to apply for a supplementary examination should contact one of the course convenors as soon as the problem becomes apparent, as well as applying for special consideration through the student office. If a supplementary examination is granted, it will be held before the beginning of session 2. Until then, you should maintain a current address with SIS, and be available for contact and assessment."
Equity and Diversity
Those students who have a disability that requires some adjustment in their teaching or learning environment are encouraged to discuss their study needs with the course Convenor prior to, or at the commencement of, their course, or with the Equity Officer (Disability) in the Equity and Diversity Unit (9385 4734 or www.equity.unsw.edu.au/disabil.html). Issues to be discussed may include access to materials, signers or note-takers, the
9 UNSW Occupational Health and Safety: http://www.ohs.unsw.edu.au/index.html
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provision of services and additional exam and assessment arrangements. Early notification is essential to enable any necessary adjustments to be made. Information on designing courses and course outlines that take into account the needs of students with disabilities can be found at: www.secretariat.unsw.edu.au/acboardcom/minutes/coe/disabilityguidelines.pdf
Grievance Policy10
School Contact Faculty Contact
University Contact
BEES Grievance Officer A/Prof Jesmond Sammut [email protected] Tel: 9385 8281
A/Prof Julian Cox Associate Dean (Education) [email protected] Tel: 9385 8574 or Dr Scott Mooney Associate Dean (Undergraduate Programs) [email protected] Tel: 9385 6125
Graduate Research School Tel: 9385 2969 Compass University Counselling Services11 Tel: 9385 5418
11. UNSW Academic Policy and Plagiarism
What is Plagiarism? Plagiarism is the presentation of the thoughts or work of another as one’s own. *Examples include: • direct duplication of the thoughts or work of another, including by copying material, ideas or concepts from a book,
article, report or other written document (whether published or unpublished), composition, artwork, design, drawing, circuitry, computer program or software, web site, Internet, other electronic resource, or another person’s assignment without appropriate acknowledgement;
• paraphrasing another person’s work with very minor changes keeping the meaning, form and/or progression of ideas of the original;
• piecing together sections of the work of others into a new whole; • presenting an assessment item as independent work when it has been produced in whole or part in collusion with
other people, for example, another student or a tutor; and • claiming credit for a proportion a work contributed to a group assessment item that is greater than that actually
contributed.† For the purposes of this policy, submitting an assessment item that has already been submitted for academic credit elsewhere may be considered plagiarism. Knowingly permitting your work to be copied by another student may also be considered to be plagiarism. Note that an assessment item produced in oral, not written, form, or involving live presentation, may similarly contain plagiarised material. The inclusion of the thoughts or work of another with attribution appropriate to the academic discipline does not amount to plagiarism. The Learning Centre website is main repository for resources for staff and students on plagiarism and academic honesty. These resources can be located via: www.lc.unsw.edu.au/plagiarism The Learning Centre also provides substantial educational written materials, workshops, and tutorials to aid students, for example, in: • correct referencing practices; • paraphrasing, summarising, essay writing, and time management; • appropriate use of, and attribution for, a range of materials including text, images, formulae and concepts. Individual assistance is available on request from The Learning Centre. Students are also reminded that careful time management is an important part of study and one of the identified causes of plagiarism is poor time management. Students should allow sufficient time for research, drafting, and the proper referencing of sources in preparing all assessment items. * Based on that proposed to the University of Newcastle by the St James Ethics Centre. Used with kind permission from the University of Newcastle † Adapted with kind permission from the University of Melbourne
10 UNSW Grievance Policy: http://www.gs.unsw.edu.au/policy/documents/studentcomplaintpolicy.pdf https://my.unsw.edu.au/student/atoz/Complaints.html#Howtomakeacomplaint 11 Compass – University Counselling Service http://www.counselling.unsw.edu.au/compass_programs/
