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Unit outline_

BIOL2924: Ecology and Conservation (Advanced)

Semester 2, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

The content of BIOL2924 will be based on BIOL2024 but qualified students will participate in alternative components at a more advanced level. The content and nature of these components may vary from year to year.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Life and Environmental Sciences Academic Operations
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
An annual average mark of at least 70 in the previous year
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
BIOL2024
Assumed knowledge
? 

BIOL1XXX or MBLG1XXX

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Peter Banks, peter.banks@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 2 September 2024
Type Description Weight Due Length
Supervised exam
? 
Final Exam
Multiple choice and short answer
40% Formal exam period 2 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
Small continuous assessment group assignment Project Proposal
Climate Watch Project Proposal
10% Week 03 See Canvas
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO9 LO10 LO11
Small continuous assessment group assignment Climate Watch Results
see Canvas
0% Week 05 See Canvas
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO5 LO7 LO9 LO10 LO11
Small continuous assessment Climate Watch report findings
Report discussion on findings from climate watch report
20% Week 08 See Canvas for details
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO11 LO10 LO9 LO7 LO6 LO5
Assignment Marine Assemblages Report
Marine Assemblages Report
20% Week 10
Due date: 11 Oct 2024 at 23:59
See Canvas
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10 LO11
Assignment Biodiversity Poster
Poster on biodiversity assessment lab
10% Week 12
Due date: 25 Oct 2024 at 23:59
See Canvas
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO3 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO9 LO10 LO11
Assignment Advanced project
Advanced project on Hot topics in Conservation
0% Week 13
Due date: 01 Nov 2024 at 23:59
See Canvas
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6 LO7 LO10
group assignment = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

  • Final exam: This exam will test your overall understanding of the subject, both theoretical and practical. 
  • This assessment is compulsory and failure to attend, attempt, or submit will result in the award of an AF grade.
  • If a second replacement exam is required, this exam may be delivered via an alternative assessment method, such as a viva voce (oral exam). The alternative assessment will meet the same learning outcomes as the original exam. The format of the alternative assessment will be determined by the unit coordinator.
Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

 

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 high distinction 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 distinction 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 credit level, a student demonstrates a good command and knowledge of the unit material. A ‘credit’ reflectssolid 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 pass 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.

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.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

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 2023 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 2023. 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

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 1. Introduction to ecology and conservation; 2. Ecosystems, biomes and habitats Lecture (2 hr)  
Understanding Phenology Practical (3 hr)  
Week 02 1. Vegetation and threatened ecological communities; 2. Forests - from ferns to fur, managing invasives Lecture (2 hr)  
Introduction to climate watch project Practical (3 hr)  
Week 03 1. Ecology of Cities 1; 2. Ecology of Cities 2 Lecture (2 hr)  
Climate watch: group project proposals and risk assessments Practical (3 hr)  
Week 04 1. Arid and alpine: conservation and climate change; 2. Woodlands: fire friend or foe Lecture (2 hr)  
Climate watch: group proposal feedback and data management Practical (3 hr)  
Week 05 1. Grassland and agro-ecosystems ; 2. Hot topics in ecological marine research Lecture (2 hr)  
Taronga Visit re Conservation in Action Field trip (3 hr)  
Week 06 1. Plankton; Coral Reefs Lecture (2 hr)  
Plankton - Diversity in Sydney Harbour Practical (3 hr)  
Week 07 1. Coastal Habitats 1; 2. Coastal Habitats 2 Lecture (2 hr)  
Monitoring Marine Assemblages Part 1 Practical (3 hr)  
Week 08 1. Coastal habitats 3 2. Restoration and Marine Reserves Lecture (2 hr)  
Monitoring marine assemblages part 2 Practical (3 hr)  
Week 09 1. What is applied ecology - paradigms in conservation; 2. Managing populations and species Lecture (2 hr)  
Quantifying Biodiversity Lab Practical (3 hr)  
Week 10 1. Public Holiday ; 2. Managing ecosystems Lecture (2 hr)  
Discussion workshop - what is an alien species? Practical (3 hr)  
Week 11 1. The Evil Quartet 1&2 -habitat loss and over exploitation; 2. The Evil Quartet 3&4 - invasive species and meltdowns Lecture (2 hr)  
Modelling conservation strategies Practical (3 hr)  
Week 12 1. Conservation and climate change; 2. Conservation Futures Lecture (2 hr)  
The Conservation Message at Taronga Practical (3 hr)  
Week 13 1 Summing up Ecology; 2. Revision Session Lecture (2 hr)  
Climate Watch Presentations Practical (3 hr)  

Attendance and class requirements

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. Attendance rolls will be taken.

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.

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.

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

  • LO1. understand the characteristics of the major biomes of the world for terrestrial and marine systems
  • LO2. understand the fundamental principles driving ecological processes for individual populations though to ecosystems
  • LO3. understand the major conservation threats to biodiversity in Australia and the world
  • LO4. understand the philosophical differences between ecology and conservation
  • LO5. appreciate the inherent complexity in natural systems and in conservation issues
  • LO6. appreciate the importance of ecology to conservation management
  • LO7. appreciate the importance of rigorous, evidence-based solutions for conservation management
  • LO8. identify the ecology of the major terrestrial and marine biomes of the world
  • LO9. pose ecological questions and design appropriate ecological field sampling regimes
  • LO10. critique ecological literature and assess evidence for conservation issues
  • LO11. present and analyse ecological data to test hypotheses

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
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

We have a new academic take over the Terrestrial Ecosystems lectures and labs and made changes to the activities in the Climate Watch labs in response to student feedback. We also have a new academic take over the Marine Ecosystem module and have modified the statistics required for the lab classes

Work, health and safety

We are governed by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and Codes of Practice. Penalties for non compliance have increased. Everyone has a responsibility for health and safety at work. Information about the Uni-versity’s Work Health and Safety policy http://sydney.edu.au/whs/policies/legislation.shtml. explains the responsibilities and expectations of workers and others, and the procedures for managing WHS risks associated with University activities.

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.