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Unit of study_

AVBS4003: Wildlife and Evolutionary Genetics

2020 unit information

This unit of study focuses on the role and animal and veterinary biosciences in the field of wildlife management management and diseases using project-based, open learning space and research-led teaching approaches. The unit encourages an approach that spans management, wildlife biology and laboratory sciences. In recognition of the power of genetics as a tool in wildlife management and research, a large component of this course reviews fundamental genetic, genomic and immunogenetic principals and their application to understanding, managing and conserving wildlife. This unit also covers themes in Indigenous knowledges related to animal management and conservation as well as cultural competence. At the end of this unit of study, students will demonstrate an understanding of: important issues in wildlife management in Australia and the Asia-pacific region; project management as it applies to multifaceted wildlife research and management issues; application of a range of genetic and physiological methods to the study of ecological issues; the use of appropriate analytical methods and molecular markers in wildlife conservation and management; the underlying genetic structural design of the natural world and how this reflects and influences evolutionary processes in healthy and diseased populations; the use of molecular information to test hypotheses about evolutionary, ecological and social structure of species; how to critically review the ways in which genetic principals are applied to the management and conservation of species; the use of appropriate analytical methods and molecular markers in wildlife conservation and management; how to conduct an investigation into a management problem in wildlife including project design and management recommendations. Students are expected to immerse themselves into the field of conservation, evolutionary genetics and wildlife to develop the ability to critically evaluate the subject. There will be a substantial amount of reading required for the course. There is no formal text; students will be directed to a recommended reading list of both primary and secondary literature.

Unit details and rules

Managing faculty or University school:

Science

Study level Undergraduate
Academic unit Life and Environmental Sciences Academic Operations
Credit points 6
Prerequisites:
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48cp of 2000-level or 3000-level units
Corequisites:
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None
Prohibitions:
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AVBS3004
Assumed knowledge:
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Expected background in genetics, genomics and wildlife.

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

  • LO1. apply a range of genetic and physiological methods to the study of ecological, conservation and management issues
  • LO2. critically review the ways in which genetic principals are applied to the management and conservation of species
  • LO3. describe use of molecular information to test hypotheses about evolutionary, ecological and social structure of species
  • LO4. explain the applications and limitations of some molecular methods used in monitoring disease in wildlife programs
  • LO5. understand the underlying genetic structural design of the natural world and how this reflects and influences evolutionary processes in healthy and diseased populations
  • LO6. demonstrate project management skills as they apply to multifaceted wildlife research and management issues
  • LO7. conduct an investigation into a management problem in wildlife including project design and management recommendations
  • LO8. understand the cultural competence aspects that need to be taken into consideration to undertake wildlife research and community work in cross cultural situations.

Unit availability

This section lists the session, attendance modes and locations the unit is available in. There is a unit outline for each of the unit availabilities, which gives you information about the unit including assessment details and a schedule of weekly activities.

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There are no availabilities for this year.
Session MoA ?  Location Outline ? 
Semester 2 2020
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

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Modes of attendance (MoA)

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