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James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2024

For subject information from 2025 and onwards, please visit the new JCU Course and Subject Handbook website.

BZ3215 - Conservation Biology

Credit points:03
Year:2024
Student Contribution Band:Band 2
Prerequisites:(BS1001 OR BZ1001 OR BZ1005) AND (BS2460 OR BZ2440 OR BZ2880 OR MB2060) AND (BS1007 OR BZ1007 OR BZ1006 OR ZL1001 OR BZ1004 OR AG1004 OR BT1001 OR BZ1003 OR AG1003)
Administered by:College of Science and Engineering

Subject Description

    In this subject we learn to apply principles from population ecology, community ecology and genetics to the conservation of threatened populations and communities. Topics include: definitions and reasons for conservation biology, causes of extinction; genetics in conservation; threats to biodiversity; systematic conservation planning; a range of case studies.

Learning Outcomes

  • development of critical faculties in the use of theory-based techniques and guidelines for management
  • familiarity with current theories and controversies in conservation biology
  • understanding of the interface between theory and practice in conservation

Subject Assessment

  • Written > Test/Quiz 1 - (23%) - Individual
  • Written > Examination (College administered) - (20%) - Individual
  • Performance/Practice/Product > Practical assessment/practical skills demonstration - (30%) - Individual
  • Written > Critical Analysis - (27%) - Individual

Note that minor variations might occur due to the continuous subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.

Assumed Knowledge:  Students enrolling in this subject should have a good understanding of first and second year biology and ecology.

Inadmissible Subject Combinations:  BZ5215 ZL3204 ZL5204

Availabilities

Townsville Bebegu Yumba, Study Period 1, External

Census date:Thursday, 21 Mar 2024
Study Period Dates:Monday, 19 Feb 2024 to Friday, 14 Jun 2024
Coordinator(s):
Professor Lin Schwarzkopf
Lecturer(s):
MR Rishab Pillai
Professor Lin Schwarzkopf
Workload expectations:The student workload for this 3 credit point subject is approximately 130 hours.
  • 13 Hours - Online Workshops

Townsville Bebegu Yumba, Study Period 2, External

Census date:Thursday, 22 Aug 2024
Study Period Dates:Monday, 22 Jul 2024 to Friday, 15 Nov 2024
Coordinator(s):
Professor Lin Schwarzkopf
Lecturer(s):
MR Rishab Pillai
Professor Susan Laurance
Professor Lin Schwarzkopf
Assoc. Professor Alana Grech
MR Sebastian Hoefer
Workload expectations:The student workload for this 3 credit point subject is approximately 130 hours.
  • 13 Hours - Online Workshops