BIO3111 · Applied ecology

Overview

Applied Ecology is concerned with managing the impact of human activities on the natural environment, such that the effects of human disturbance are minimised and protection and preservation of ecological communities is maximised. Specifically this course explores the many ways in which ecological knowledge and concepts can be used to inform natural resource management and achieve positive conservation outcomes. In this course, you are introduced to the many dimensions of environmental challenges, gain experience with evidence-based tools and approaches to support effective management of natural systems. The course will focus on a range of issues that are of current importance in both academic research and policy-making for Australia and globally. There is a specific emphasis on developing the skills needed for successful careers in conservation and natural resource management. The practical component of the unit involves a field trip and three projects that focus on developing essential skills used by environmental managers. The tutorials are providing practical experience with decision-support tools relevant to a range of environmental problems. We hope you enjoy this unit and find it a valuable introduction to best practice environmental management.

Areas of study: Ecology and conservation biology Environmental science Zoology

Offerings

The Handbook publishes no offerings for this unit.

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. Describe the links between natural resource management and the ecological theory on which it is based;
2. Apply the principles of environmental management at local, regional, national and global scales;
3. Use decision-support tools to assist in making robust, evidence-based management decisions;
4. Analyse the social, economic, ethical and political considerations of resource management and how they impact decisions;
5. Communicate natural resource management advice to non-specialist audiences;
6. Survey and identify unfamiliar flora and fauna;
7. Work effectively in a group to address conservation and development problems.

Workload

• Two 1-hour lectures (on-demand recordings); • One 1-hour tutorial session; • One 3- hour laboratory session (or equivalent) and • 6 hours of self-directed study per week

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.