EDP2201

Conservation of bio-resources

Mr H Breidahl

8 points
* four 1-hour lectures and one 2-hours tutorial per week, plus 24 hours of practical exercises per semester (including field excursions and assignment work
* First semester
* Peninsula
* Prerequisites: EDP1201 or equivalent science subjects GAS1011 and SCS1011 (VCE environmental science, biology or similar subject would also be considered)

Objectives Upon successful completion of this subject, students should be able to demonstrate understanding of some of the varying definitions of the terms `conserve' and `conservation'; explain differences in the reasons for, and the methods of, conservation at the following levels: species, populations, habitats, communities, ecosystems and biodiversity; express their own opinions regarding the usefulness or desirability, in given circumstances, of aiming conservation attempts at one or more of the above levels; explain the roles of the various activities in conservation, for example, captive breeding programs, reintroduction programs, establishment of protected areas and establishment of biodiversity reserves; identify and discuss various issues which can affect conservation attempts (for example, conflicting land use requirements, sustainable development, ecotourism, feral plants and animals, habitat fragmentation); apply detailed knowledge of how an issue such as conflicting land use requirements, sustainable development, ecotourism, feral plants and animals or habitat fragmentation may affect conservation of the above levels; and recommend conservation strategies for real or hypothetical situations, taking into account the reasons for conservation and the circumstances which may affect the success or failure of the conservation attempt.

Synopsis Conservation of bio-resources begins with an overview of the conservation of biodiversity and the issues involved in conservation. Reasons for, and methods of, conserving species, populations, habitats, communities, ecosystems and biodiversity will be explored with case studies presented to exemplify successful and unsuccessful conservation projects aimed at each of these levels. Specific captive breeding and reintroduction programs, and the identification and use of protected areas and biodiversity reserves in conservation are examples of the case studies which may be presented. The subject continues with the identification and discussion of issues (for example, sustainable development; ecotourism; feral plants and animals; habitat fragmentation) which may affect conservation in theory and in practice. Students will choose one of these issues and examine, in project work, how the chosen issue affects a specific conservation program that they are aware of (eg a reintroduction program, a national park or reserve or a larger area such as the Victorian Alps region, which may have pressures other than conservation upon it).

Assessment Written assignment (3500 words): 60%
* Examination: 40%