Graduate School of The Environment
GSE852 Wildlife Habitat Management
About this Unit
Semester 2, 2011
Offered: X2 - External/Online delivery; Second Half-Year
Convenor: Georgeanna Story
Prerequisites/corequisites: None
Credit Points: 4
The decline of many species can be attributed to the loss or degradation of habitats, particularly in areas of intensive human land use. Identification and understanding of wildlife habitats is of critical importance if we are to manage these resources successfully and attempt to control for the effects of reduced habitat. In this unit we explore the relationship between wildlife and habitats. You will develop an understanding of the underlying principles of wildlife habitat management and how these are incorporated into current management practices at a local and regional scale. You will learn about the concepts of habitat selection and other associated theories, examine the issues surrounding indigenous management, learn to identify key habitat components within various ecosystems and gain practical experience in habitat assessment techniques. This is a core unit worth 4 credit points within the Wildlife Management (Habitat) postgraduate degrees.
Teaching Staff
Convenor: Ms Georgeanna Story
Mobile: 0429 779 928
Email: scatsabout@yahoo.com.au
Classes
GSE852 is offered as an online unit via distance education with the unit content available through Blackboard. Within the unit site you will have access to weekly lecture materials, reference lists, recommended websites, assessment tasks and other relevant materials. Entry to the unit is through the log on page at http://learn.mq.edu.au/. Use your 8 digit student number for your username. There are no on-campus sessions or scheduled field trips for this unit.
Regular contributions to the online discussion forum are an assessable component of this course and comprise 10% of the assessment marks.
Unit web page
Login to the unit through Blackboard (http://learn.mq.edu.au/)
Technology Used and Required
Students are required to be computer literate and possess basic skills in word processing, web searching and library use. Students are expected to either own, or have ready access to a suitable computer. The University provides email and web access to all students. The GSE has a teaching and computer laboratory E8A 341 where students can use computers when classes are not in session - check the timetable on the door. Information on specific software and hardware requirements and use of the university website can be found on the Technical Information page.
Learning Outcomes
Through the successful completion of this unit the student will have the following learning outcomes that contribute to a Macquarie University graduate's capabilities (listed as headings):
Discipline Specific Knowledge and Skills
- Understand and discuss the theoretical concepts of wildlife habitat use and selection
- Understand and discuss the theoretical concepts of habitat configuration and fragmentation
- Understand current indigenous land management practices in relation to wildlife habitat
- Understand the role of habitat modeling in current habitat management
- Understand the key habitat types within various ecosystems
- Determine appropriate assessment techniques for different objectives
- Understand the implications of climate change on wildlife habitat
Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking
- Be able to incorporate cross cultural issues into management actions
- Be able to understand and analyse issues involving wildlife habitat management
- Be able to collect and appraise information relating to wildlife habitat
- Understand management actions when faced with limitations and uncertainty
Problem Solving and Research Capability
- Develop ability to source information, analyse key points and synthesise an integrated report on the issue.
- Be able to develop and conduct a suitable habitat assessment
- Be able to analyse data and draw appropriate conclusions from results
- Develop a capacity for independent leaning
Creative and Innovative
- Develop and evaluate wildlife habitat management techniques
- Develop creative thinking skills to address problems or gaps in knowledge
Effective Communication
- Demonstrate scientific report writing skills
- Plan and present information in a coherent and integrated manner
- Be able to effectively contribute to debate with clear and supported ideas
Engaged and Ethical Local and Global Citizens
- Understand the ethical considerations of wildlife habitat management
- Be able to evaluate and integrate diverse cultural views
- Develop an understanding of local and global effects on wildlife habitats
- Develop a professional and ethical responsibility
Socially and Environmentally Active and Responsible
- Understand and appreciate the importance of social and cultural influences
- Be able to work at a professional level in groups of people with disparate backgrounds
- Develop the ability to understand the wider implications of environmental problems and their solutions
Capable of Professional and Personal Judgement and Initiative
- Be able to apply wildlife habitat management strategies to real situations
- Evaluate appropriate management options for each situation
- Be able to to incoroporate multiple disciplines to meet management target
Commitment to Continuous Learning
- Demonstrate effective time management and work organisation skills
- Assess your own learning and problem solving approach and performance
- Develop proffessional affiliations
Graduate Capabilities Developed
Teaching and Learning Strategy
This unit is delivered online through WebCT. Lectures are presented in a weekly format and each lecture includes a selection of references for further reading. A discussion board is available for a web based discussion on set questions posed within the lecture material. The discussion board is also useful for any question a student may have about other issues or problems encountered.
Within this unit you are expected to follow the current lectures and regularly participate in discussion through the discussion forum.
A basic description of the topics for each week follows.
Schedule of Lectures
| Week | Topics |
|---|---|
| 1 |
Why Mange Habitat?
|
| 2 |
Indigenous Land Management
|
| 3 |
Basic Concepts of Habitat Management
|
| 4 |
Habitat Configuration
|
| 5 | Key habitats: Forests and Woodlands (shrubby) |
| 6 | Key habitats: Woodlands (grassy) and Grasslands |
| 7 | Key habitats: Rivers and Wetlands |
| 8 | Key habitats: Semi-arid and Arid Desert Lands |
| 9 |
Assessing Habitat
|
| 10 |
Regional Scale Management
|
| 11 | Habitat Management Case Studies |
| 12 | Climate Change and Habitat Management |
| 13 | Conclustions and Unit Review |
Assessment Requirements
The assessment tasks for this unit are designed to allow you to demonstrate your understanding of the course content. The allocation of marks within each component reflects the relative importance of each task.
There are two assessment components within this unit:
- three (3) written assignments
- participation in online discussion.
Marks for the three assignments in the unit will be awarded on the following basis.
| Assignment | Max. Length | Marks | Due Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assignment 1: Indigenous habitat management | 2000 words | 20% | 30 August 2010 |
| Assignment 2: Habitat modelling tools | 2000 words | 20% | 20 September 2010 |
| Assignment 3: Habitat assessment | 5000 words | 50% | 15 November 2010 |
| Participation in Disucssions Forum* | 10% | Continual Involvement |
Extensions may only be granted if sought before submission date. Assignments submitted late will be marked subject to penalties of 10% of available marks deducted per day late.
Specific details of each assignment can be accessed through the Assignments tool within the unit. This tool is used to view and download information about assignments, submit completed assignment files, view assignment marks and download graded assignments. Details of each assignment will be time-released to coincide with the presentation of specific lecture material relating to the assignment.
*Participation in the Discussions forum is part of the assessment for this unit and is worth 10% of your overall mark. Set questions for discussion postings are found within lecture notes and you will be marked throughout the semester on your participation in these questions. Grades are allocated for initial postings and the contribution to existing discussions.
How Do I Request an Extension?
If you need an extension, please contact the Unit Convenor before the due date. You must supply a written note outlining your reasons for needing the extension. Extensions are normally granted for one (1) week only. Late assignments will be accepted and marked; but will incur a penalty of 10% loss of available marks per calendar day after the due date. To avoid this penalty, you must request and be granted an extension.
Examination Conditions
There are no examination requirements within this unit.
Requirements to Complete this Unit Satisfactorily
To complete this unit satisfactorily all assessment tasks must be submitted and an overall pass mark be obtained.
Required and Recommended Texts/Materials
There is no set text for this unit.
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