BIOL807 Modelling tools for Conservation Management
About this Unit
Semester 2, 2009
Offered: E2 - Evening Second Half-Year
Convenor: Dr ulian O'Grady
Prerequisites/corequisites: None
Credit Points: 4
Many nations require by law that risk analyses be performed to guide the optimal management of wild species. Computer models and Species assessment systems are standard tools for determining the likelihood that species will persist for a certain time into the future, and to flag species requiring management to enhance their survival prospects. This unit will instruct participants in the practical application of computer modelling and the use of internationally recognised species assessment systems to guide efficacious species management.
Each morning will usually start with a 1 to 1.5 hour lecture, then a tea break, followed by a 1.5 to 2 hour computer laboratory. After lunch, afternoon sessions will follow the same pattern. No substantial computer literacy is needed for the computing laboratories; just the ability to use a keyboard and mouse.
Teaching Staff
Convenors
Dr Julian O'Grady
Office: E8A 270
Phone: (02) 9850 8198
Email: jogrady@bio.mq.edu.au
Classes
Lectures: Six Saturdays 9:00am - 5:00pm in E8A 341 (see schedule below)
Unit web page
There is no web page for this unit.
Learning Outcomes
- To gain an understanding of the stochastic (chance) and deterministic (anthropogenic) threats that govern the persistence of wild species.
- To gain an understanding of how computer models and species assessment systems are used to gauge the extinction risk of wild species under the simultaneous impact of the abovementioned threats.
- To show how the abovementioned methods of gauging risk are applied to guide the effective management of wild species.
Teaching and Learning Strategy
Schedule of Lectures
Every effort will be made to adhere to this pre-arranged program; however, altered commitments may necessitate some changes. Students will be given as much warning as possible of any such circumstances.
| Date | Topics | Processes or concepts |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction. What is risk assessment and why is it needed in wildlife management? | This day will provide a basic understanding of population demographics, and then introduce the factors that predispose species to extinction and which therefore need to be addressed by management programs. | |
| Species assessment systems | The use of major international species assessment systems in guiding efficacious management programs will be described, and then demonstrated in a computing laboratory. | |
| Introduction to Population Viability Analysis (PVA) | This day will introduce the discipline of PVA and provide case-histories demonstrating its use in the management of wild species. The computing tutorials will provide a hands-on demonstration of simple matrix-based PVA models, the types of input data typically used in these models, and the common types of output data produced to guide management programs. | |
| MID SEMESTER BREAK | ||
| Population Viability Analysis (individual-based models) | This day will extend simple matrix-based models by reviewing then demonstrating more complex (but still user-friendly) individual-based PVA models, the extra types of input data typically required for these models, and the common types of output data produced to guide management programs. | |
| Modelling the fate of metapopulations and the genetic management of small isolated populations | Dedicated software for modelling the fate of species that exist as metapopulations is reviewed and demonstrated. This is followed by a hands-on demonstration of how to identify the most important threat challenging a species’ persistence, how to identify the most effective genetic management strategy from a suite of competing strategies, and the importance of gauging risk over a biologically meaningful timeframe. | |
| Modelling the fate of plants, especially long-lived plants and those with specialised life-histories | This day will review and demonstrate how more specialised software is required to realistically model the life-history of many plant species. | |
Relationship between Assessment and Learning Outcomes
There are two components to the assessment. Both are compulsory. The marks for each component and the latest due dates are:
| Assessment | Marks | Max. Length | Latest Due Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 40% | 4,000 words | Friday, 18 September 2008 |
| Modelling assignment | 60% | 4,000 words | Friday, 13 November 2008 |
Essay (40%)
The use of computer modelling as a tool for guiding efficacious species management has been debated in the literature. Review this debate by outlining the strengths and weaknesses of this approach. To this end, provide one or two case histories from the literature. We will discuss this assignment at length on the first day of this unit.
Modelling assignment (60%)
From the knowledge gained in this unit, you will develop a PVA model using VORTEX software (available free via the internet and reviewed and demonstrated on the fourth day of this unit) for an animal species of your choice. You will then use your model to conduct a viability analysis for your chosen species, and write your results as a scientific paper. We will discuss this assignment at length on the fourth day of this unit.
Assignment submission
All assignments must be submitted to the appropriate assignment box for your unit. Assignment boxes are located in the reception area of the ELS Centre (Room 101), which is on the ground floor at the western end of building E7A.
The Centre opens from 8.30am to 5.30pm on Monday to Friday. There is also an after-hours assignment submission box at the door of E7A which faces the central university walkway. You can access a campus map to assist in locating the building.
All assignments are to be submitted by 9.00am on the date specified and must include a completed and signed coversheet stapled to the front cover. You can download an Assignment Cover Sheet. Please note that ELS Centre staff have requested that assignments are NOT placed in folders or plastic covers.
Required and Recommended Texts/Materials
Plagiarism
The University defines plagiarism in its rules: "Plagiarism involves using the work of another person and presenting it as one's own." Plagiarism is a serious breach of the University's rules and carries significant penalties. You must read the University's practices and procedures on plagiarism. These can be found in the Handbook of Postgraduate Studies or on the web at: http://www.student.mq.edu.au/plagiarism/
The policies and procedures explain what plagiarism is, how to avoid it, the procedures that will be taken in cases of suspected plagiarism, and the penalties if you are found guilty. Penalties may include a deduction of marks, failure in the unit, and/or referral to the University Discipline Committee.
The GSE recommends that students familiarise themselves with the information contained on the Georgetown University Honor Council website which discusses plagiarism in an easy to understand and comprehensive manner.
University Policy on Grading
Academic Senate has a set of guidelines on the distribution of grades across the range from fail to high distinction. Your final result will include one of these grades plus a standardised numerical grade (SNG).
On occasion your raw mark for a unit (i.e., the total of your marks for each assessment item) may not be the same as the SNG which you receive. Under the Senate guidelines, results may be scaled to ensure that there is a degree of comparability across the university, so that units with the same past performances of their students should achieve similar results.
It is important that you realise that the policy does not require that a minimum number of students are to be failed in any unit. In fact it does something like the opposite, in requiring examiners to explain their actions if more than 20% of students fail in a unit.
The process of scaling does not change the order of marks among students. A student who receives a higher raw mark than another will also receive a higher final scaled mark.
For an explanation of the policy see:
http://senate.mq.edu.au/rules/Guidelines2003.doc or
http://senate.mq.edu.au/rules/detailedguidelines.doc
Student Support Services
Macquarie University provides a range of Academic Student Support Services. Details of these services can be accessed at http://www.student.mq.edu.au.
Advice for Students with Disabilities/Health Conditions
The Equity Support Unit (ESU) provides support and assistance to students with a disability/health condition in aiming to ensure that they do not experience disadvantage in reaching their academic potential. Service provision is determined on a case-by-case basis following an assessment of a student's needs and the provision of supporting documentation. Service provision is also dependent on the availability of resources.
To register with ESU, download an Advice of Disability/Health Condition form from http://www.reg.mq.edu.au/academic-index.html. This form must be completed annually, irrespective of whether a disability/health condition is temporary, long-term or permanent. Students wishing to request support services from the ESU should make an appointment to see a Disability Advisor immediately after enrolling at Macquarie University.
Phone: (02) 9850 6494/7497
Fax: (02) 9850 6063
TTY: (02) 9850 6493
Email: equity@mq.edu.au
In person: Level 2, Lincoln Building (C8A), Macquarie University
Website: http://www.sss.mq.edu.au/equity