BIO2031 - Biodiversity and bioresources

Leader: Dr Dennis O'Dowd

Offered

Clayton First semester 2008 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit provides a foundation for conservation and management of genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity. Topics include the origins and unfolding of life on earth, and the processes that have led to its current distribution and diversity; controversies surrounding the state of knowledge of present-day biodiversity, the means of measuring it, and the magnitude of losses resulting from human activities; and the value of biological diversity, primarily in terms of ecosystems 'services' and as bioresources.

Objectives

On completion of this unit, students will have increased their awareness of the history and the present state of knowledge biodiversity, including the forces that influence its distribution and richness; critically evaluated methods and underlying assumptions in estimates of current biodiversity and predictions of future losses; assessed the variety and magnitude of current threats to biodiversity; increased their awareness of the values of biological diversity as genetic and biological resources and for the ecosystem services provided; and, developed an informed, logical, and scientific approach to better evaluate biodiversity issues from both a scientific and policy perspective. Further, students will have developed critical, analytical, and technical skills in biodiversity assessment, including the means of measuring genetic and species diversity.

Assessment

Mid-semester theory examination (1 hour): 25%
Final theory examination (1 hour): 25%
Practical: two written reports (800 and 1200 words): 25%
One essay (1200 words): 10%
Quizzes on practical exercises: 15%

Contact hours

Two 1-hour lectures and one 3-hour practical or equivalent

Prerequisites

24 points of level one units

Prohibitions

ENV2726