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

Protected areas such as national parks and reserves cover around 17% and 7% of the world's land and sea surface respectively and are implemented to conserve or manage biodiversity through the regulation and restriction of human activities. With accelerating rates of species extinctions worldwide, coupled with the impacts of climate change on biodiversity, pressure is growing to designate more protected areas. However, the effectiveness of protected areas in conserving biodiversity is often questioned, whilst the practical and ethical consequences of restricting human access and resource usage frequently results in conflict between stakeholders.

This unit allows students to gain a detailed insight into the impacts and effectiveness of terrestrial and marine protected areas, using a case study approach drawing on political ecology to explore the tensions associated with their designation and management. The drivers behind protected area implementation and mechanisms to generate social, economic and environmental benefits for nearby communities will be examined. Students will be expected to make regular and reasoned contributions to class debate, supporting a pedagogical approach based on deep learning and participatory activities.

Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to 1) explain and interpret the classification of protected areas and their worldwide distribution; 2) show how political ecology helps identify the drivers behind protected area implementation; 3) compare, contrast and debate the impacts of protected areas on biodiversity and local human communities; 4) critique measures to generate social, economic or environmental benefits from protected areas; 5) judge the viability of the protected area approach to conservation for the 21st century.

Credit
6 points
Offering
AvailabilityLocationMode
Not available in 2024UWA (Perth)Face to face
Not available in 2024OnlineOnline timetabled
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) interpret the classification of protected areas and their worldwide distribution; (2) analyse how political ecology helps identify the drivers behind protected area implementation; (3) evaluate the impacts of protected areas on biodiversity and local human communities; (4) critique measures to generate social, economic or environmental benefits from protected areas; and (5) evaluate the viability of the protected area approach to conservation for the 21st century.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) briefing paper; (2) podcast; and (3) report and presentation. 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 Linda Robson
Contact hours
4 hours per week
  • 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.