The media and scientific literature is full of information about the increasingly desperate plight of our native plants and animals. What you hear less about is the extraordinary efforts underway to reverse declines in biodiversity and how new scientific knowledge and tools are being applied to this end. That is the subject of this course, with a focus on recovering populations of threatened species and rebuilding functional ecological communities.

 

This course will introduce you to advanced concepts and tools for managing threatened species and ecosystems. Building on key concepts introduced in 2nd year courses, this course will provide you with an understanding of advanced concepts and tools, and the skills, to enable employment by conservation agencies/NGOs/consultants or to take further research in this area. It will focus on the interface between advances in science and practical management of threatened biodiversity with hands-on experience in ACT conservation reserves.   

Honours Pathway Option: an HPO is available for this course. Please talk to the course convener. Students will do a critical review of literature on a topic to be decided in consultation with the course conveners.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Apply contemporary concepts from ecological and evolutionary science to management for recovering threatened species and ecosystems.
2. Apply and evaluate new technologies to enhance management and monitoring of threatened species and ecosystems.
3. Identify practical problems through consultation with field managers and academic experts.
4. Develop skills in project design and data analysis.
5. Collaborate in group based presentation of project outcomes to stakeholders and academics.

Research-Led Teaching

This course is vey much research led, combining ongoing research by Moritz/Neaves in conservation genetics and systematics, by Manning on reintroductions to rebuild ecological communities, and Pierson/Neaves on captive breeding for translocations. The project component introduces students to management-driven research at Mulligans Flats in the ACT.

Field Trips

In week 4 there will be a ½ day field trip to the Mulligans flat field site. Students will then do more extensive field work for group projects in weeks 9 and 11. In person participation in these activities and associated laboratories is required.

Additional Course Costs

None

Examination Material or equipment

Pen only

Required Resources

Field work: students will need to have appropriate footwear and, for projects with night work, a good torch.

Recommended Resources

Recommended student system requirements 

ANU courses commonly use a number of online resources and activities including:

• video material, similar to YouTube, for lectures and other instruction
• two-way video conferencing for interactive learning
• email and other messaging tools for communication
• interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities
• print and photo/scan for handwritten work
• home-based assessment.

To fully participate in ANU learning, students need:

• A computer or laptop. Mobile devices may work well but in some situations a computer/laptop may be more appropriate.
• Webcam
• Speakers and a microphone (e.g. headset)
• Reliable, stable internet connection. Broadband recommended. If using a mobile network or wi-fi then check performance is adequate.
• Suitable location with minimal interruptions and adequate privacy for classes and assessments.
• Printing, and photo/scanning equipment

For more information please see https://www.anu.edu.au/students/systems/recommended-student-system-requirements

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• written comments
• verbal comments
• feedback to whole class, groups, individuals, focus group etc

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.

Other Information

Teaching Activities

• Lectures and Workshops –  Lectures, group discussions and workshops will be in blocks in the first half of semester. Materials will be provided on Wattle one week prior. Lecture material will be recorded but it is essential that you attend these meetings to complete the course.
• Groups research projects - These will involve night fieldwork, which will be scheduled closer to the data and practicals on campus. All activities involve group and will not be recorded, so attendance is necessary.

Should covid-related restrictions change, we will adapt accordingly.

Assessment

• Workshop mini-reviews will be submitted prior to each workshop on Wattle.
• Mid semester exam is an open book, take-home exam submitted to Wattle.
• Project presentations will be in person
• Project reports will be submitted on Wattle.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Week 1: 3-4 hour block, which includes lecture material and student-led discussions/workshop
2	Week 2: 3-4 hour block, which includes lecture material and student-led discussions/workshop	Paper summary for workshop 5% of assessment
3	Week 3: 3-4 hour block, which includes lecture material and student-led discussions/workshop	Paper summary for workshop 5% of assessment
4	Week 4: 1x 4 hr field trip and 1 student-led workshop	Paper summary for workshop 5% of assessment
5	Week 5: 3-4 hour block, which includes lecture material and student-led discussions/workshop	Paper summary for workshop 5% of assessment
6	Week 6: 3-4 hour block, which includes lecture material and student-led discussions/workshop	Paper summary for workshop 5% of assessment
7	Week 7: 3-4 hour block, which includes lecture material
8	Week 8: In-class test and Introduction to projects 2-3 hours and night field work >4 hrs	In class test 25% of assessment
9	Week 9: Introduction to data analysis 2-3 hours and night field work >4 hrs
10	Week 10: Field (>4 hrs) or laboratory work (3-4hrs) for projects
11	Week 11: Laboratory work - data analysis for projects 4 hrs
12	Week 12: Laboratory - student-led presentations on projects	10% of assessment on group presentations
13	Exam period: (2-18 June) - Individual project reports due	40% of assessment

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Learning Outcomes
Group presentation on research projects	10 %	2,3,4,5
Mid-term examination	25 %	1,2
Summaries of papers assigned for workshops 1-5	25 %	1,2
Individual written report on research project	40 %	1,2,3,4

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Policy and General Information 
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Integrity . In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

Students must attend 80% of classes and labs to attain a final grade

Examination(s)

Please note, that where a date range is used in the Assessment Summary in relation to exams, the due date and return date for mid-semester exams indicate the approximate timeframe in which the exam will be held; the due and return date for end of semester exams indicate the approximate timeframe in which the exam will be held and the date official end of Semester results are released on ISIS. Students should consult the course wattle site and the ANU final examination timetable to confirm the date, time and venue of the exam.

Assessment Task 1

Group presentation on research projects

Students will work together to develop a 20 minute presentation on their field project, including management motivation, aims, methods and outcomes, and in a form accessible to end-users.

Due date: In class, week 12 (May 24)

Presentation requirements: As above.

Assessment Task 2

Mid-term examination

In-class 50 minute test covering lectures 1 - 12.

Assessment Task 3

Summaries of papers assigned for workshops 1-5

5 one-page minireviews of research publications assigned for student-led workshops 1 to 5.

Value: 5 each 5% (total 25%)

Due date: at beginning of workshops 1 to 5 as per schedule

Word limit: 500

Presentation requirements: As per student handbook

Estimated return date: - one week from from submission date.

Assessment Task 4

Individual written report on research project

Each student will prepare their own written report, due in the week after end of semester.

Due date: 5pm, June 10th

Word limit: 2500

Presentation requirements: flexible - to be discussed with students

Estimated return date: - June 27

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically, committing to honest and responsible scholarly practice and upholding these values with respect and fairness.

The ANU commits to assisting all members of our community to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle and Academic Misconduct Rule, uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with.

The Academic Misconduct Rule is in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Very minor breaches of the academic integrity principle may result in a reduction of marks of up to 10% of the total marks available for the assessment. The ANU offers a number of online and in person services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. Visit the Academic Skills website for more information about academic integrity, your responsibilities and for assistance with your assignments, writing skills and study.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.

Returning Assignments

Assignments will be returned via Turnitin during semester, or after semester, available from the convener.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

No

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Diversity and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
• PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students