This unit of study provides an introduction to the wildlife of Australasia, an overview of the present status of that wildlife, and an understanding of both conservation problems and management solutions. Issues in wildlife management are exemplified using a broad range of vertebrate species occupying different environments. Emphasis is placed on providing students with a coordinated and interdisciplinary approach to wildlife health and management, and on developing expertise in recognising and solving a broad range of problems in field populations. The unit integrates lectures, practical work and supervised study, and offers students the opportunity to work through real-world wildlife conservation problems relevant to their individual backgrounds.

This unit of study provides a first-hand introduction to the wildlife of Australasia, a practical overview of the present status of that wildlife, and an understanding of both conservation problems and management solutions. Issues in wildlife management are exemplified using sampling and diagnostic methods on a broad range of vertebrate species occupying different environments. The unit follows on from WILD5001 and provides practical experience via a five day field trip at the university farm "Arthursleigh" near Marulan NSW.

This unit of study provides an introduction to the health issues confronting wildlife in Australasia, an overview of the health status of that wildlife, and an understanding of both the investigation of health problems and the effective management of these. Issues in wildlife disease management are exemplified using a broad range of vertebrate species occupying different environments. Emphasis is placed on providing students with a coordinated and interdisciplinary approach to wildlife health, and on developing expertise in recognising and solving a broad range of health problems in field populations. The unit is taught intensively in a full-time week on the Camden campus (4 days) and the Sydney Campus (1day). The unit integrates lectures, practical work and supervised study, and offer students the opportunity to work through real-world wildlife conservation problems relevant to their individual backgrounds.

Vertebrate pests occur in many parts of the world, and can pose significant problems for management of habitat, agricultural productivity, human and wildlife health. This unit focuses on vertebrates that have been introduced to new environments, and considers in detail the impacts and management of pest vertebrates in Australia. Steps in pest management are reviewed, from problem analysis to acceptable levels of control, using case studies of cane toads, rabbits, house mice and red foxes. Traditional mortality methods of management are reviewed, and emphasis placed on developing methods based on fertility control. The Unit is taught in a full-time week at the university farm "Arthursleigh" near Marulan NSW. There are lectures, tutorials, and a variety of practical classes.

Wildlife populations do not remain static, but change in size and composition over both time and space. The challenge for managers is to recognise when change in target populations exceeds acceptable limits and intervention is necessary. This unit of study develops skills in assessing population status and recognising differences between 'small populations' and 'declining populations'. It introduces methods used in population pattern analysis, demographic analysis, threat and resource assessment, and determination of health, emphasising the value of a coordinated and interdisciplinary approach to problem recognition and resolution. This course is taught at both the Royal National Park and the main campus of the University of Sydney.

Wildlife populations are under a variety of threats, most of which result from human activities. Modern conservation biology seeks practical solutions to these problems using a wide variety of options. These options may include captive breeding and re-introduction programs, provided that a range of biological, ethical and politico-economic issues are addressed. This unit of study provides students with the tools to evaluate the likely cost-effectiveness of such programs. It also develops knowledge of the technologies available to capture and translocate wildlife, and of the planning required to ensure the best possible chance of success. The unit is taught in a full-time week at Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo, NSW. The unit integrates lectures, tutorials, practical work and site visits and offers students the opportunity to examine real problems in the conservation and management of threatened wildlife populations using relevant case studies.

A valuable opportunity to apply some of the knowledge gained from earlier coursework, WILD5009 comprises a research project on a topic with significant emphasis on wildlife health and/or population management, as arranged between the student and an appropriate supervisor. This research experience is highly valued by prospective employers as it shows a willingness and ability to undertake guided but independent research. The project is not conducted by way of contact hours per week for a semester. Instead the student is expected to work on the project full-time and in a continuous manner for the semester. This unit of study is available only to students enrolled in the Master of Applied Science (Wildlife Health and Population Management).