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Unit of study_
WILD1002: Human Dimensions of Wildlife Conservation
2026 unit information
Why is saving wildlife impossible without understanding people? As we enter an era of unprecedented human impact on our planet, it has never been more important to recognise diversity in culture, beliefs, priorities and behaviour, all of which influence the ultimate success of wildlife conservation policy and practice. This unit introduces Wildlife Conservation students to the importance of understanding human perceptions and behaviour, alongside biological concepts, when designing wildlife conservation programs. Throughout semester students will explore the social, cultural, economic, and political dimensions that have shaped and continue to shape conservation practices and policies worldwide. As the continent’s first wildlife custodians, this unit highlights Aboriginal ways of knowing and doing in conservation. Students will also develop skills in quantitative and qualitative approaches to human dimensions research, and develop an understanding of the ways this information can be communicated and embedded in wildlife conservation decision making. Upon completion of the unit, students will have a holistic understanding of the human elements that are essential for the success of wildlife conservation initiatives. They will also have developed valuable graduate attributes in science communication, cultural competence, interdisciplinary effectiveness and influence. This unit acts as a starting point for students to explore and develop the skills to inspire and motivate collaborative restoration of the planet through a multi-faceted understanding of the role humans play in achieving successful conservation outcomes.
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Science
| Study level | Undergraduate |
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| Academic unit | Life and Environmental Sciences Academic Operations |
| 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. Understand the role of human perceptions and behaviour in shaping wildlife conservation actions and policy
- LO2. Develop an awareness and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural perspectives in wildlife conservation
- LO3. Gain proficiency in the application of social research methodologies essential for understanding the human dimensions of wildlife conservation
- LO4. Examine trends in the broader societal, political, and economic contexts relevant to conservation efforts
- LO5. Incorporate social science knowledge and research outcomes into the wildlife conservation decision-making framework and apply to real-world scenarios
- LO6. Collaborate effectively within diverse teams, fostering inclusivity, open-mindedness, honesty, and dedication towards shared goals
- LO7. Effectively convey ideas and findings through written and oral communication to diverse audiences, fostering engagement and understanding
- LO8. Exhibit personal integrity, inventiveness, and adaptability in navigating challenges encountered in both individual and team settings
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.
The outline is published 2 weeks before the first day of teaching. You can look at previous outlines for a guide to the details of a unit.
| Session | MoA ? | Location | Outline ? |
|---|---|---|---|
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Semester 2 2026
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Normal day | Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney |
Outline unavailable
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There are no availabilities for previous years.
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Modes of attendance (MoA)
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