UWA Handbook 2025

Unit Overview

Description

This unit is designed to enhance postgraduate students' knowledge of the theory and practice of cross-cultural biodiversity science. It will cover four main areas: (1) history and practice of cross-cultural scientific understanding of components of biodiversity, including the importance of collections, species theory and cosmology; (2) using cross-cultural knowledge of disturbance ecology, fire regimes and threat abatement for natural resource management; (3) landscape scale understanding of biodiversity, with a special focus on comparing biodiversity from old, climatically buffered landscapes (OCBILs) with that from young often-disturbed fertile landscapes (YODFELs) from cross-cultural perspectives; and (4) approaches to the study of human use, care and transmission of scientific biodiversity knowledge from a cross-cultural perspective. The unit is delivered in two distinct parts—an online component consisting of the above four modules, and a week-long field excursion based in Albany, where students devise a co-management plan to address protection of a specific location's cultural and biodiversity values guided by Menang Noongar Elders and the unit coordinators. Students also complete a practical exercise in cross-cultural research which includes preparation of a Human Research Ethics application. Students will develop enhanced skills in the scientific study of biodiversity. They learn about respectful cross-cultural protocols in the pursuit of biodiversity knowledge, and develop an enhanced scientific understanding of biodiversity on country, seen through self- and group-learning and project development in a cross-cultural context.

Credit

6 points

Offering
(see Timetable)

Availability	Location	Mode
Non-standard teaching period	UWA (Perth)	Face to face

Outcomes

Students are able to (1) demonstrate in-depth knowledge of concepts in cross-cultural biodiversity science; (2) apply knowledge of correct protocols to consult and be guided by Aboriginal Elders regarding biodiversity science; (3) examine a biodiversity science topic that embraces cross-cultural perspectives; and (4) explain research findings in a written report.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) quizzes (individual); (2) practical exercise in cross-cultural research (group); and (3) co-management plan (individual). 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 Alison Lullfitz

Unit rules

Prerequisites

Enrolment in

72530 Master of Environmental Science
or 72520 Master of Biological Science

Incompatibility

Unit(s) ENVT3310 Biodiversity on Country

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 "
Participation in this unit will incur the following incidental fee(s):
Field trip (estimated cost - 275).

Contact hours

approximately 60 hours—mix of online component (lectures, video footage, reading, quizzes) and field excursion

Note

Please Note: “This unit has a compulsory five-day field trip prior to the beginning of the semester teaching period.”

Students are responsible for making their own way to the UWA Albany campus for the field trip. There is a public bus service linking Perth to Albany. The unit coordinator will organise transfers to and from the field stations from the Albany campus. Accommodation is arranged by the unit coordinator for the duration of the field trip and is included in students incidental fees.