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REN8202 Conservation for Sustainable Futures

 

 

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Welcome to REN8202 Conservation for Sustainable Futures. This course is in external (EXT) mode in Semester 1,offered  by the Faculty of Sciences as part of the Postgraduate Certificate and Masters in Sustainability Science programs, and is available in a number of other postgraduate programs in other Faculties. The course is designed as an introductory course in ecology in the context of sustainable development. 

The following materials are designed to be supplementary to information provided to enrolled students on the official course webpage on StudyDesk accessed through UConnect (see link below). Students enrolled in the course should consult the StudyDesk.

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For non-enrolled students, scroll down the page or use the links for more information regarding REN8202 Conservation for Sustainable Futures.

About the Course   |   Staff/Contacts   |   Topics   |   Assessment 

Dr Andy Le Brocque
(REN8202 Examiner)


 

 Privacy  |  ABN: 40 234 732 081  |  CRICOS: QLD 00244B; NSW 02225M  |  © Sciences, University of Southern Queensland  |  Updated 2 April 2012

 

 


About the Course

 

Semester:

Mode:

Credit Points:

Faculty:

Pre-requisites:

Examiner:

2

EXT

 1.00

Sciences

Nil

Dr Andy Le Brocque

 

Synopsis:

Ecology and conservation are closely related scientific disciplines that explore the very nature of life in terms of the distribution and abundance of organisms and interactions between organisms and their environment (ecology), and the diversity, scarcity and conservation of species, communities and ecosystems (conservation). This course provides a foundation in general ecological concepts and principles relevant to the sustainable management of the environment and an understanding of how ecological systems and processes have been impacted upon by human activities. The concept of biodiversity, mechanisms behind speciation and patterns in biodiversity, key threatening processes, and current issues in the conservation of biodiversity are examined. The course also examines concepts of pattern and processes in human-modified landscapes (including land transformation, habitat fragmentation, patch dynamics, conservation corridors and connectivity), implications for conservation and ecological sustainability.

Further information can be obtained in the official Course Specifications for this course available through UConnect. The official REN8202 Course Specifications should be checked in all instances.


 

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Staff/Contacts

 

Dr Andy Le Brocque (Course Examiner & Team Leader)

 

Senior Lecturer (Ecology & Sustainability) – Toowoomba Campus

Department of Biological & Physical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences; Phone: (07) 4631 1529 | Email: lebrocq@usq.edu.au

External Materials: Editor. Primary author Modules 1 – 2, 8 – 9, & 12. Major contributor to other modules.
Lectures (recorded): Modules 1 – 2, 8 – 9, & 12 (Toowoomba)

Assoc. Prof. Joachim Ribbe (Course Moderator)

 

Associate Professor (Climatology) & Head, Department of Biological & Physical Sciences  – Toowoomba Campus

Department of Biological & Physical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences; Phone: (07) 4631 1529 | Email: lebrocq@usq.edu.au

 

Dr Kate Reardon-Smith

Casual Lecturer (Environment & Sustainability) – Toowoomba & Springfield Campuses

Faculty of Sciences / Australian Centre for Sustainable Catchments. Phone: (07) 4631 5579 | Email: Kathryn.Reardon-Smith@usq.edu.au

External Materials: Contributor Modules 3 – 7, 10 – 11
Lectures (recorded): Modules 3 – 7, 10 – 11 (Toowoomba)

 

 


 

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Topics

 

Module

Topic

1

The Nature of Ecology

2

Distribution & Abundance

3

Population Structure & Life History

4

Population Growth & Regulation

5

Species Interactions 1: Mutualism

6

Species Interactions 2: Predation

7

Species Interactions 3: Competition

8

Community Dynamics

9

Diversity

10

Ecosystems: Metabolism & Productivity

11

Ecosystem Dynamics Under Changing Climates

12

Ecosystem Health & Human Impacts


 

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Assessment*

 

Item

Name

Weighting

1

Online Quizzes (x 3)

30%

2

Assignment 1 (Case Study Proposal)

5%

3

Assignment 2 (case Study ePoster)

25%

4

2 Hour Final Examination

40%

 

*Assessment details From 2013; current students should consult the Course Studydesk


 

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