Outline

Overview

Our ever-changing world requires knowledge that extends across multiple disciplines. The ability to identify and explore interdisciplinary links is a crucial skill for emerging conservation professionals and researchers alike. Conservation scientists need to consider and address the social and economic constraints in the environments within which their activities take place, to ensure successful implementation. This unit presents the opportunity to bring together the concepts and skills you have learnt in your discipline and apply them to a real-world problem. For example, you will participate in a wildlife conservation project that will traverse biological, ethical, sociological and Indigenous studies, and apply your understanding of conservation concepts to problems that are big challenges for the 21st Century. In this unit you will continue to understand and explore interdisciplinary knowledge, while also meeting and collaborating with students from the Taronga Wildlife Conservation degree stream and from across the University through project-based learning, identifying and solving problems, collecting and analysing data and communicating your findings to diverse audiences. This unit will also foster the ability to work with and in disciplinary teams, essential for both professional and research pathways. All of these skills are highly valued by employers.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Life and Environmental Sciences Academic Operations
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	ENVX2001 and BIOL2032 and 12 credit points from (BIOL2X22 or BIOL2X24 or GEGE2X01)
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Catherine Herbert, catherine.herbert@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Evaluation	Article review Review a peer reviewed article	10%	Week 04	500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Group Presentation 1 Pitch a novel conservation idea	10%	Week 06	10 min	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Literature Review Species background: indigenous scientific knowledge & sustainable practices	30%	Week 08 Due date: 26 Sep 2025 at 23:59	1,500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	Reflective article Topic tbc	10%	Week 11 Due date: 24 Oct 2025 at 23:59	500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	Report Report based on findings of research and peer review on project process.	30%	Week 13 Due date: 07 Nov 2025 at 23:59	2,500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Group Presentation 2 Present the findings of your research	10%	Week 13 Due date: 07 Nov 2025 at 09:00	10-12 minute group presentation	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

The Individual Literature Review Task is compulsory and must be completed to pass the unit. Failure to do so will result in an AF grade for the entire unit.

Assessments in the Taronga Interdisciplinary Project Unit are designed to make you think about wildlife conservation from different perspectives. You will explore these perspectives.

An outline of the assessments is given above. Full details and a rubric for each assessment will be provided on Canvas.

AI responsible use policy

AI is evolving, responsible use is important
You are free to use AI to help you plan and improve your assessments
Be aware of its limitations

To learn more about using generative AI at USYD, visit: bit.ly/students-ai

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2021 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

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 sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

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:

5% penalty per day (including weekends) up to 10 days. >10 days will receive a score of zero.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

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.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Overview of Unit lecture and tutorial at Taronga	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 02	Lecture and tutorial	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 03	Lecture and tutorial	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 04	Lecture and tutorial/prac	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 05	Lecture and tutorial/prac	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 06	Lecture and tutorial/prac	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 07	Lecture and tutorial/practical.	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 08	Lecture and tute/prac	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 09	Lecture and tute/prac	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 10	Lecture and tute/prac	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 11	Lecture and tute/prac	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 12	Self-guided group work	Project (4 hr)
Week 13	Group presentations	Presentation (4 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

All classes will be held face-to-face at Taronga.

Unless otherwise stated, students are expected to attend at least 80% of timetabled activities as defined in the unit of study outline. A student may fail this unit of study because of inadequate attendance. On-site attendance will enhance your experience ensuring you fully understand the content of the unit. We will endeavour to record lectures but there will be no live zoom lectures and no remote tutorial/practical materials.

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.

Required readings

Journal article readings will be prescribed throughout semester.

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. Apply disciplinary knowledge to solve problems in an interdisciplinary context
LO2. Find, define and delimit authenic problems in order to address them
LO3. Create an investigation strategy, explore solutions, discuss approaches and predict outcomes
LO4. Analyse data using modern information technology and digital skills
LO5. Demonstrate integrity, confidence, personal resilience and the capacity to manage challenges, both individually and in teams
LO6. Collaborate with diverse groups and across cultural and disciplinary boundaries to develop solution(s) to the project problem
LO7. Communicate project outcomes effectively to abroad audience.

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.

Any feedback provided in the unit of study survey at the end of semester will be taken into consideration for future years. The assessment structure has been changed to allow better spacing of assessment tasks within semester, and to provide students with early feedback to promote improvement throughout semester.

Additional information

Science student portal

Work, health and safety

Risk assessments will be undertaken where necessary and circulated via Canvas.

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

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

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

WILD3888: Taronga Interdisciplinary Project

Semester 2, 2025 [Normal day] - Taronga Mosman

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

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