Conserving biodiversity in the face of pressures such as habitat loss, invasive species and climate change is a challenge facing land managers and policy-makers globally. In this course we explore options for conserving biodiversity. We draw on land managers from different organisations to contribute to the course and prepare students for future employment in this field.

Specifically we investigate:

• Key threats to biodiversity, including habitat modification and loss, unsustainable resource use, invasive species and climate change.
• Management actions that mitigate threats to biodiversity, including selecting nature reserves, connectivity and wildlife corridors, ecosystem restoration and control of pest plants and animals.
• Policies to conserve biodiversity including financial incentives, market-based instruments (e.g. biodiversity offsetting), ecological triage and adaptive management.

There is an emphasis on inquiry-based learning. That is, relating relevant concepts and techniques to real-world situations through: (1) the involvement of working professionals; (2) a series of field-based workshops; and (3) an optional field trip.

 

This course is co-taught with undergraduate students but assessed separately.

Learning Outcomes

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

1. Articulate why society strives to conserve biodiversity.
2. Identify key threats to biodiversity.
3. Evaluate which management options are likely to be effective for conserving biodiversity across a wide range of different settings.
4. Develop appropriate policy options for conserving biodiversity in different settings.
5. Develop innovative strategies for conserving biodiversity.
6. Communicate informed critique or analysis of biodiversity conservation policy and practice across a range of mediums.

Research-Led Teaching

Learning activities and assessments are built around real conservation research, including contemporary case studies, published papers, and ecological datasets. Students will engage directly with the types of questions, evidence, and decisions faced by conservation researchers and practitioners.

Field Trips

There are regular field trips to local destinations and an optional 4-day field trip to Eden, NSW in Week 5.

Additional Course Costs

The optional field trip (4 days) will cost approximately $350.

Examination Material or equipment

There is no final examination in this course. Instead, assessment is integrated throughout the semester and is designed to reflect the way conservation scientists engage with research, evidence, data, and real-world conservation challenges.

Required Resources

Sturdy enclosed shoes (runners are OK), hat, sunscreen, rain jacket, notebook or similar, food and water bottle (for field exercises)

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:

• we provide feedback for every question in workshop assignments along with generic feedback to the class, including the mean mark
• for written assignments we provide feedback against each of the marking criteria, generic feedback to the class including the mean mark and an opportunity to get more detailed individual feedback
• students can book sessions with the lecturer or demonstrators to receive feedback on their draft assignments
• the convener and demonstrators are available by appointment throughout the semester.

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). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Course introduction and Restoring Ecological Processes	AI critique task and Vlog response Quiz 1 & 2 - based on skills session
2	Restoration and Rewilding of whole ecosystem.	AI critique task and Vlog response
3	Translocation Science and Genetics for Rewilding.	AI critique task and Vlog response Quiz 3 & 4 - based on skills session
4	FULL-DAY FIELD TRIP to Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary	AI critique task and Vlog response
5	Optional field trip to Eden, New South Wales	No assessments due this week
6	Restoration at a landscape scale.	AI critique task and Vlog response Quiz 5 & 6 - based on skills session
7	Conservation Decision-Making: Offsets, Policy and Practice.	Quiz 7- Offsets Assessment
8	Vegetation restoration and adapting to climate change.	AI critique task and Vlog response Quiz 8 & 9 - based on skills session
9	Research Project - Lab 1 - Project data introduction.	Working towards final assessments
10	Research Project - Lab 2 - Data analysis	Working towards final assessments
11	Research Project - Lab 3 - Data analysisPoster Symposium Session	Poster
12	Group Project PresentationClosing Plenary Synthesis	Group PresentationProject Report (individual)

Tutorial Registration

Not required

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Vlog Responses and AI Critique Tasks	30 %	30/09/2026	07/10/2026	1,2,3,4,5
Skills Session Quizzes	20 %	30/09/2026	07/10/2026	1,2,3,4,5
Offset Evaluation Quiz	5 %	*	*	2,3,4
Poster	15 %	18/10/2026	21/11/2026	1,2,3,4,5
Group Presentation	10 %	27/10/2026	21/11/2026	1,2,3,4,5
Individual Research Report	20 %	01/11/2026	21/11/2026	1,2,3,4,5

* 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 Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Extenuating Circumstances Application
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

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 Skills website. 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 ‘Canvas’ 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

While there is no separate participation mark, students are expected to attend scheduled classes, workshops, skills sessions, and field activities. Many assessment tasks are linked to activities undertaken during class and cannot be fully replicated through independent study.

Examination(s)

This course does not include a final examination. Rather, learning is assessed progressively through a series of tasks completed throughout the semester, allowing students to apply knowledge and skills in authentic conservation contexts.

Assessment Task 1

Vlog Responses and AI Critique Tasks

The Vlog Responses and AI Critique Tasks consist of twelve short written reports completed during Weeks 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 8. Together, these tasks contribute 30% of the final course mark.

These assessments are designed to develop critical thinking, scientific literacy, communication skills, and the ability to evaluate both research evidence and AI-generated content. They also support workshop discussions that examine alternative perspectives, interpretations, and approaches to conservation decision-making.

Detailed instructions, marking criteria, and submission requirements are provided on the course Canvas site.

Assessment Task 2

Skills Session Quizzes

The Skills Session Quizzes consist of four online quizzes completed in Weeks 1, 3, 6, and 8. Each quiz contributes 5% to the final course mark, for a total of 20% across the semester.

These quizzes assess proficiency in the quantitative and analytical skills developed throughout the course, including R programming, data analysis, spatial data, mapping, and related conservation research methods. The quizzes are aligned with the associated skills sessions and are designed to reinforce key concepts and techniques that will be applied in the Phase 2 research projects.

Detailed instructions, marking criteria, and submission requirements are provided on the course Canvas site.

Assessment Task 3

Offset Evaluation Quiz

Quiz based on Week 7 Watson Offset Field Trip.

Assessment Task 4

Poster

The Poster Symposium consists of an A3 poster and an in-person poster presentation held in Week 11. This assessment contributes 15% of the final course mark.

Students will develop and present a poster on a biodiversity conservation topic related to one or more themes explored in the course. The poster is designed to communicate scientific ideas and evidence to a broad audience and must include a "Future Questions" section that identifies priorities for future research and a "Ministerial Briefing" section that translates key insights into policy and management recommendations.

Detailed instructions, marking criteria, and presentation requirements are provided on the course Canvas site.

Assessment Task 5

Group Presentation

The Group Research Presentation is based on a research project completed using conservation data from Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary. Student groups will analyse their chosen dataset and present their findings to the class. This assessment contributes 10% of the final course mark.

Assessment marks are allocated as 7% for the group presentation and 3% for an individual peer review component, in which students evaluate the contribution of their group members to the project. The presentation is designed to develop collaborative research, data interpretation, scientific communication, and teamwork skills.

Detailed instructions, marking criteria, presentation requirements, and peer review procedures are provided on the course Canvas site.

Assessment Task 6

Individual Research Report

The Individual Research Report is a capstone assessment due in Week 12 and contributes 20% of the final course mark.

Students will prepare a scientific research report based on a conservation research project conducted at Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary, including a one-page Ministerial Briefing that communicates key findings and recommendations to a non-specialist decision-maker.

The assessment is designed to develop skills in scientific writing, data analysis, critical interpretation, and evidence-based conservation decision-making. Detailed instructions, marking criteria, and submission requirements are provided on the course Canvas site.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

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

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material. Any use of artificial intelligence must be properly referenced. Failure to properly cite use of Generative AI will be considered a breach of academic integrity.

Returning Assignments

All assignments are marked in Canvas. A notification will be sent via email when assignments have been marked.

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

In exceptional circumstances the convenor will allow an assignment to be re-submitted, but this must be negotiated in person with the course convenor.

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 Accessibility 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 supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents all ANU students