ENS5310 - Securing biodiversity and ecosystems

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Overview

This unit examines the ways in which multiple forms of global change interact to drive the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services. Solutions for securing biodiversity and ecosystem services and ensuring the protection and sustainable use of renewable resources are discussed. The unit uses relevant policies and management approaches by … For more content click the Read More button below. You will develop their understanding of the concepts and the skills needed for translating and integrating scientific evidence into decision-making for the protection of biodiversity and ecosystems. To enhance this understanding you will collaborate with peers and experts to develop their capacity to use biological knowledge and evidence in professional planning, management and conservation.

The unit uses relevant policies and management approaches by which biodiversity and ecosystems are governed, to evaluate the scientific evidence base underpinning these, and to identify gaps and future solutions. Example topics covered include integrated land-use planning, area- and species-based conservation strategies, biosecurity, and the development of sustainable harvest systems.

You will develop their understanding of the concepts and the skills needed for translating and integrating scientific evidence into decision-making for the protection of biodiversity and ecosystems. To enhance this understanding you will collaborate with peers and experts to develop their capacity to use biological knowledge and evidence in professional planning, management and conservation.

Offerings

S1-01-CLAYTON-ON-CAMPUS

Rules

Enrolment Rule

PREREQUISITE: This is a specialist core unit for the Environmental Security specialisation. Non-cognate students in the specialisation must complete preparatory student (Part B) or ENS5010 prior to undertaking this specialist unit. If you are undertaking this unit as an elective within other specialisations you must consult with the unit coordinator about assumed foundational knowledge and preparatory material.

Students enrolled in S6004 Master of Food Science and Agribusiness will require manual enrolment.

Contacts

Chief Examiner(s)

Professor Damian Dowling

Unit Coordinator(s)

Dr Reid Tingley

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you should be able to:

Articulate fundamental scientific knowledge of biodiversity and ecosystem services to a multidisciplinary audience.

Critically analyse contemporary topics and debates in biodiversity and ecosystem science and demonstrate a practical understanding of the state of biodiversity and ecosystem services.

Identify and use appropriate strategies and tools for planning, management and conservation.

Interpret and assess the validity and implications of biodiversity and ecosystem assessment and reporting.

Apply effective communication skills to collaborate across academia, government and non-governmental and corporate organisations and negotiate diverse perspectives on biodiversity and ecosystems.

Teaching approach

Problem-based learning

The assignments provide the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills across the topic areas covered by this unit via a number of problem-based learning activities.

The workshop activities provide the opportunity to apply and interrogate the knowledge and skills developed through this unit and will include a broad range of teaching approaches across the course of the unit, including for example peer assisted learning, role play and problem-based learning. Workshops also consist of interactive seminars which provide the frameworks for organising the knowledge relevant to this unit, and the opportunity to query and discuss the online learning material.

Role play

Peer assisted learning

Online learning

Assessment summary

Within semester assessment: 100%

Assessment

1 - Biodiversity assessment

2 - Online quizzes

3 - Participation, completion and quality of class activity

Scheduled and non-scheduled teaching activities

Workshops

Workload requirements

Workload

Availability in areas of study

Environmental security