Useful links
Unit of study_
WILD2001: Measuring Biodiversity
2025 unit information
Biodiversity is defined as the "variability among living organisms from all sources including... diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems" [UN 1992 Convention on Biological Diversity]. Yet, the ongoing biodiversity crisis is often quantified by the loss of species, with a disproportionate focus on conserving individual species. This unit introduces students to the importance of assessing diversity at different scales, from ecosystems to species and their underlying genetic diversity, when designing conservation programs. Knowledge, understanding and practice in detecting, identifying, and differentiating both flora and fauna at these different scales is fundamental for anyone wanting a career in conservation biology or an associated discipline. In this unit, students will develop practical skills to assess floral and faunal diversity at these three scales using contemporary methodologies. They will develop a working knowledge of ecological and genetic sampling approaches and the use of relevant indexes to express diversity at different scales. These measures of diversity will be framed within the context of conservation policy and ethics throughout. The unit will be taught by experts and practitioners of wildlife conservation from the University of Sydney and Taronga Conservation Society Australia affording students the opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge of theory and practice from both Institutions.
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Science
| Study level | Undergraduate |
|---|---|
| Academic unit | Life and Environmental Sciences Academic Operations |
| Credit points | 6 |
|
Prerequisites:
?
|
12 credit points of AVBSXXXX or BIOLXXXX or WILDXXXX units of study |
|---|---|
|
Corequisites:
?
|
None |
| Prohibitions:
?
|
None |
| Assumed knowledge:
?
|
None |
The learning outcomes for this unit will be available two weeks before the first day of teaching.
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.
There are no availabilities for this year.
| Session | MoA ? | Location | Outline ? |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Semester 1 2025
|
Normal day | Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney |
Outline unavailable
|
There are no availabilities for previous years.
Find your current year census dates
Modes of attendance (MoA)
This refers to the Mode of attendance (MoA) for the unit as it appears when you’re selecting your units in Sydney Student. Find more information about modes of attendance on our website.
