BIO3112

Ecological management of biological resources

Dr Martin Predavec

6 points - Second semester - Clayton - Two 1-hour lectures and 3 hours laboratory work per week - Prerequisites: BIO2042, BIO2011 or by permission of the head of the department

Objectives On completion of this course students will have an increased level of knowledge about the management of biological resources, such as fisheries and forestry management. Students will be able to identify different types of biological resources and the issues associated with managing them; understand the aims of biological resource management; be familiar with the history of biological resource management; be familiar with the ecological theory upon which resource management is based; recognise and understand some of the techniques available to managers; be able to critically evaluate current management techniques; be aware of, and have developed informed opinions on, the economic, ethical and political considerations of resource management.

Synopsis The course deals specifically with biological resources and how they are managed. The subject starts with an introduction to biological resources, how they can be defined and some of the environmental problems arising out of mismanagement of these resources. The subject continues by looking at four separate issues: the management of aquatic resources; the management of terrestrial resources; the use of genetic techniques and concepts in environmental management and the ethical, political and economic issues associated with management. Students will be given practical examples of the techniques used in the management of biological resources, and where possible these will be Australian examples. The practical element of the course will involve laboratory-based work, campus-based field work and library-based studies.

Assessment Examination (2.5 hours): 50% - Project report: 40% - Government submission exercise: 10%

Recommended texts

Caughley G and Sinclair R E Wildlife ecology and management Blackwell Scientific, 1994

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