Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

This unit commences with a one-week field work component in Albany in the second week of February each year. Thereafter, commitments include a period of self-study and preparation of assignments, which include a species recovery plan, a scientific report and a video response. As part of the field component, students undertake field work in collaboration with officers from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions to analyse the conservation status, threats and biology/ecology of a selected threatened species. The integrated field-based practical and lecture program in the unit provides an overview of various considerations needed for the design of recovery plans and also critically examines the various factors involved in the conservation of threatened species.

Topics covered include assessing the conservation status of species, understanding and managing threatening processes such as habitat loss and fragmentation, fire and dieback, genetic considerations (such as in-breeding) associated with small population sizes, genetic drift and hybridisation, spread of disease, reintroduction, translocation and captive breeding, and conservation of threatened species using protected areas. Students gain an appreciation of the need for careful planning, execution and monitoring of threatened species by developing a species recovery plan for selected threatened species.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Non-standard teaching periodUWA (Perth)Face to face
Non-standard teaching periodAlbanyFace to face
Details for undergraduate courses
  • Level 3 core unit in the Conservation Biology; Wildlife Conservation major sequences
  • Level 3 elective
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) demonstrate an understanding of the distribution of, and threats faced by the threatened flora and fauna of the South Coast region, and the conservation measures adopted to conserve these species and communities; (2) demonstrate an understanding of basic ideas and concepts in the conservation of threatened plant species through recovery planning; (3) design and carry out a research plan to investigate important aspects of the biology/ecology of threatened species and the threats they are facing; (4) demonstrate an understanding of the risks involved, and precautions taken, when handling endangered species; (5) critically analyse field-collected data on an endangered species, compare the data with the available literature, and present the data in a scientific report; and (6) critically analyse the available data and literature sources for threatened species and use the data to develop a recovery or management plan.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) multi-species recovery plan; (2) scientific report; and (3) video response. Further information is available in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Dr Barbara Cook
Unit rules
Prerequisites
Successful completion of
one Unit(s) BIOL2261 Conservation Biology (ID 1250)
or Unit(s) ENVT2221 Global Climate Change and Biodiversity (ID 1293)
or Unit(s) ENVT2250 Ecology (ID 1228) or equivalent
Incidental fees
Incidental student fees and charges are costs incurred by students as part of their studies at UWA that are in addition to their tuition fees (further information is available here).
Participation in this unit will incur the following incidental fee(s):
Field trip (estimated cost - Up to $750).
Contact hours
Block taught in early February in Albany before the start of Semester 1 (ancillary charges to cover cost of food and accommodation which is borne by the student)), followed by online Collaborate or Microsoft Teams sessions during the semester:
Note
This unit is recognised by the University as a service learning unit. Service learning refers to community engagement activities that are embedded in units of study, being structured and assessed as formal educational experiences.
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.