Clayton First semester 2008 (Day)
Incorporation of ecological, genetic and evolutionary knowledge in the management of natural resources, especially the biota and ecosystems. Major topics are: landscape ecology, adaptive management, triple-bottom-line trade-offs, impacts of invasive species, habitat restoration, landscape reconstruction and ecological futures. The practical element of the unit involves two campus-based projects and one field-based excursion conducted on a Saturday or Sunday.
On completion of this unit, students will have a grounding in the principles of landscape ecology, the application of the adaptive management process in natural resource management including ecological-economic trade-offs, issues and possible solutions to threats posed by invasive species, methods of wildlife management and an understanding of the need to cater for genetic variation and evolutionary potential. Students will have a firm grounding in the ecological theory on which natural resource management is based. Students will become familiar with some of the techniques available to managers, be able to critically evaluate management techniques, be aware that management is conducted within a socio-economic framework, and be familiar with some of the main issues confronting biological resource managers today. They will be able to express informed opinions on the economic, ethical and political considerations of resource management
Examination (2 hours): 60%
Practical reports (three, 10% each): 30%
Feedback assignments (five, 2% each): 10%
Two 1-hour lectures and 3 hours laboratory work per week