Outline

Overview

With multiple pressures on earth's biodiversity, the field of Wildlife Conservation is increasing in importance, empowering decision makers to understand and protect wildlife and the ecosystems which support them. This unit of study explores the techniques and methods for undertaking conservation research, including population genetics and forensic analysis of eDNA, the complexity introduced when considering multiple stakeholders, and the use of the scientific method to inform wildlife conservation issues. You will investigate biodiversity surveys, species identification, forensics, phylogeography, population genetics and genetic management applied to wildlife conservation, and the socio-political and cultural issues which influence stakeholders. You will analyse current issues within wildlife conservation and articulate and acknowledge a variety of stakeholder views including Indigenous Australian perspectives, both orally and in written form. You will understand the processes involved in formulating an evidence-based management approach to contentious wildlife conservation issues, and how the scientific method can be leveraged to build a compelling conservation management plan.

Unit details and rules

Unit code	AVBS3004
Academic unit	Life and Environmental Sciences Academic Operations
Credit points	6
Prohibitions ?	AVBS3003 or AVBS4003
Prerequisites ?	12 credit points from (AVBS2XXX or BIOL2XXX or GEGE2X01 or QBIO2XXX)
Corequisites ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Catherine Grueber, catherine.grueber@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Catherine Herbert, catherine.herbert@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Jaime Gongora, jaime.gongora@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Final exam (Record+)	Online Final exam Canvas timed quiz	40%	Formal exam period	2 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Small test	Online Tutorial participation MCQ, short answer quizzes with tutorial activities	15%	Multiple weeks	30 mins/quiz
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Participation in tutorials and practicals Presentation of Tutorial Work	5%	Week 03	5 min
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Written assignment Critical writing exercise reflecting on recent extinctions	20%	Week 10	1000 words
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Group project Written report	20%	Week 13	3000 words
Outcomes assessed:
Participation	Attendance All tutorials, practicals and fieldwork activities are compulsory.	0%	Weekly	Up to 6 hours
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ? = Type B final exam ?

Assessment summary

Online final exam: the final exam will cover all material in the unit from both lectures and practical classes/tutorials. The exam will have a mixture of multiple choice questions and short answer questions. Final exam: This assessment is compulsory and failure to attend, attempt, or submit will result in the award of an AF grade. If a second replacement exam is required, this exam may be delivered via an alternative assessment method, such as a viva voce (oral exam). The alternative assessment will meet the same learning outcomes as the original exam. The format of the alternative assessment will be determined by the unit coordinator.
Participation in tutorials and practicals: prepare and deliver an in-class presentation based on the tutorial work.
Group project: this assessment will require you to prepare a written report on the group project you have undertaken this semester. Choosing from a selection of projects you are provided, you will work in a group on a wildlife conservation and management case study to answer a specific wildlife conservation question using real data. Prepare a report following the format of a scientific paper.
Online tutorial participation: multiple choice and short answer quizzes that will test your understanding of the material covered in the tutorials. These online quizzes will only be open for responses for a 24 h period, as specified on Canvas.
Attendances: all tutorials, practicals and fieldwork activities are compulsory.
Written assignment: critical writing exercise reflecting on a recent extinction. Choosing from a selection of scenarios you are provided: summarise species-specific details relevant to the extinction, evaluate evidence for the cause of extinction, propose an appropriate (retrospective) management action, and use evidence to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of your plan.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	At HD level, a student demonstrates a flair for the subject as well as a detailed and comprehensive understanding of the unit material. A ‘High Distinction’ reflects exceptional achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates the ability to apply their subject knowledge and understanding to produce original solutions for novel or highly complex problems and/or comprehensive critical discussions of theoretical concepts.
Distinction	75 - 84	At DI level, a student demonstrates an aptitude for the subject and a well-developed understanding of the unit material. A ‘Distinction’ reflects excellent achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates an ability to apply their subject knowledge and understanding of the subject to produce good solutions for challenging problems and/or a reasonably well-developed critical analysis of theoretical concepts.
Credit	65 - 74	At CR level, a student demonstrates a good command and knowledge of the unit material. A ‘Credit’ reflects solid achievement and is awarded to a student who has a broad general understanding of the unit material and can solve routine problems and/or identify and superficially discuss theoretical concepts.
Pass	50 - 64	At PS level, a student demonstrates proficiency in the unit material. A ‘Pass’ reflects satisfactory achievement and is awarded to a student who has threshold knowledge.
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Written assignments submitted late without permission (see Special Considerations: http://sydney.edu.au/students/special-consideration-and-arrangements.html) will incur a late penalty equal to 5% of the maximum awardable mark per day. These deductions will continue for 10 calendar days or until a solution for the assignment is released or marked assignments are returned to other students. At that point the mark awarded will be zero. For example, on an assignment given a mark of 70/100, the penalty would be 5 marks if submitted up to 24 hours late, resulting in a final mark of 65/100. If the assignment is submitted 6 days late, the penalty would be 30 marks and the final mark would be 40/100. If the assignment is more than 10 days late, the final mark will be zero.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Multiple weeks	Conservation Case studies	Lecture (10 hr)
Multiple weeks	Conservation Group Project	Project (6 hr)
Week 01	Introduction to Wildlife Conservation Theory	Lecture and tutorial (5 hr)
Week 02	Techniques for Wildlife Conservation	Lecture and tutorial (5 hr)
Week 03	Wildlife Conservation Challenges: Nationally and Internationally	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 03	Techniques for Wildlife Conservation	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	In-situ and Ex-situ Wildlife Conservation	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 04	Techniques for Wildlife Conservation	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	Data Collection and Experimental Design	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 05	Data Collection using iNaturalist	Field trip (2 hr)
Week 06	Conservation Genetics	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	Using eDNA as a Conservation Tool	Science laboratory (3 hr)
Week 07	Population Genetics	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	Nuclear DNA Markers and Paternity Assignment	Science laboratory (3 hr)
Week 08	Genetics and Captive Breeding	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 08	Genetics and Captive Breeding	Computer laboratory (2 hr)
Week 09	Taxonomy and Species Concepts	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 09	Conservation Case Studies	Computer laboratory (2 hr)
Week 10	Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Conservation	Lecture (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Due to the exceptional circumstances caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, attendance requirements for this unit of study have been amended. Where online tutorials/workshops/virtual laboratories have been scheduled, students should make every effort to attend and participate at the scheduled time. Penalties will not be applied if technical issues, etc. prevent attendance at a specific online class. In that case, students should discuss the problem with the coordinator, and attend another session, if available.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. describe contemporary challenges faced by conservation biologists
LO2. articulate the complex interplay of stakeholders involved in wildlife conservation
LO3. use techniques employed by scientists to support an evidence-based approach to wildlife conservation
LO4. critically evaluate, interpret, and present the scientiﬁc data that underpins wildlife conservation decisions in real world scenarios
LO5. describe and appreciate the varied stakeholder views, particularly in contentious wildlife conservation decisions
LO6. critically evaluate the outcomes of wildlife conservation programs.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

No changes have been made since this unit was last offered. To address student feedback, we will: show more explicit linkage between the genetic concepts from lectures and applications described in case studies; outline the specific LO for each lecture; provide recommended readings/references for students who want to get familiar with/better understand concepts before class or expand their knowledge; and provide lecture scripts where possible. We acknowledge that the remote learning/online teaching including different styles of teaching have represented many challenges for students and we academics do what is in our hands to minimise this impact. Besides all these challenges, we continue encouraging students exercising their responsibility to actively engage in this and all learning activities and ask questions during the actual classes and tutorial to clarify concepts.

Additional information

Work, health and safety

We are governed by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and Codes of Practice. Penalties for non-compliance have increased. Everyone has a responsibility for health and safety at work. The University’s Work Health and Safety policy explains the responsibilities and expectations of workers and others, and the procedures for managing WHS risks associated with University activities.

General Laboratory Safety Rules

No eating or drinking is allowed in any laboratory under any circumstances
A laboratory coat and closed-toe shoes are mandatory
Follow safety instructions in your manual and posted in laboratories
In case of fire, follow instructions posted outside the laboratory door
First aid kits, eye wash and fire extinguishers are located in or immediately outside each laboratory
As a precautionary measure, it is recommended that you have a current tetanus immunisation. This can be obtained from University Health Service: unihealth.usyd.edu.au/

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

AVBS3004: Wildlife Conservation

Semester 1, 2022 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect