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Unit of study_
EDPT5004: Conservation Leadership and Change
2021 unit information
There has never been a more urgent and critical need to address the threats to biodiversity. Whilst humans are the main driver of these problems, they can also drive the solution. The contemporary understanding of conservation science reflects this, broadening the context from a focus on biology to people and the choices they make. To be effective, programs to conserve ecosystems must consider the human behaviour dimension. In the last decade, many zoos have begun to fully embrace social science and use behaviour change theories as a basis for their programs, experiences and exhibits. This has been a deliberate shift in order to move beyond merely awareness raising and onto facilitating the pro-wildlife and pro-environmental behaviours needed to address threats to biodiversity. Zoos also provide a unique opportunity to influence the next generation, as emotionally powerful childhood experiences of nature and wildlife have been shown to be an important factor behind environmentally responsible actions by adults. Combining many individual actions and changes in behaviour can assist in building towards a tipping point for legislative, regulatory, social and/or market changes. In this unit, students will explore Taronga Conservation Society Australia's campaigns and programs that lead the community to rethink the way we live and the impacts we have on our environment both at Taronga and in the community. The students in this course will learn how to apply models and methodologies to influence behaviour and create social impact to solve environmental problems and support healthy ecosystems for a sustainable future. They will also develop their capacity to lead and deliver education programs through a practical understanding of communication and environmental education strategies.
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Education
| Code | EDPT5004 |
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| Academic unit | Education |
| Credit points | 6 |
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Prerequisites:
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None |
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Corequisites:
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None |
| Prohibitions:
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None |
| Assumed knowledge:
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None |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. Demonstrate a thorough understanding of behaviour change theories in relation to current data in conservation science
- LO2. Critically analyse behaviour change interventions and conservation psychology initiatives.
- LO3. Identify opportunities to enhance professional practice and student learning outcomes through the strategic application of behaviour change theory.
- LO4. Critically evaluate the effectiveness of strategies and communication channels used to promote conservation behaviour.
- LO5. Persuasively communicate science as it relates to conservation in order to move audiences and effect change.
Unit availability
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There are no availabilities for this year.
Modes of attendance (MoA)
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