units

BIO2040

Faculty of Science

18 September 2017 22 November 2024
Monash University

Undergraduate - Unit

This unit entry is for students who completed this unit in 2014 only. For students planning to study the unit, please refer to the unit indexes in the the current edition of the Handbook. If you have any queries contact the managing faculty for your course or area of study.

print version

6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered, or view unit timetables.

LevelUndergraduate
FacultyFaculty of Science
Organisational UnitSchool of Biological Sciences
OfferedClayton First semester 2014 (Day)
Coordinator(s)Dr David Chapple

Synopsis

This unit deals with threats to the environment associated with human activities and potential solutions to redress their impacts. Recent losses of biota have been caused by habitat loss and degradation, climate change and pollution, the introduction of exotic species and overexploitation of natural resources. Science-based conservation measures are explored that may reduce loss of biodiversity/ecosystem function, including habitat preservation and restoration, combating climate change, and intensive conservation of species. We analyse how conservation efforts may involve trade-offs with biological, economic, social and political factors.

Outcomes

On completion of this unit students will be able to:

  1. Identify and describe the key environmental issues facing humankind and outline the role that humans play in environmental degradation and species extinction;

  1. Evaluate and compare the conservation techniques that can be used to restore habitats and ecosystem function;

  1. Appraise the special problems involved in attempting to conserve endangered species;

  1. Integrate complex political, economic and social issues to formulate effective conservation outcomes.

Assessment

Theory examination (2 hours): 50%
Practical assessment (1 class): 5%
Issues paper (1500 words): 20%
Project: 25%

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Dave Chapple

Workload requirements

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

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study

Ecology and conservation biology

Prerequisites

24 points of level one units; except for students enrolled in the Bachelor of Environmental Engineering who are exempt from this rule

Prohibitions

ENV2726, BIO2042