Overview
The ecological, genetic and bioenergetic principles underlying biological conservation; genetics and population dynamics of small populations; conservation problems relating to habitat, food, competition and predation.
This paper presents the principles that underlie biological conservation, including ecology, population biology, conservation genetics, and the tools and solutions available to address anthropogenic threats to biodiversity. Some topics covered include pollution, climate change, predation, competition, habitat, over-exploitation, GMOs, small populations, translocations, ancient DNA in conservation, protected areas, and genetic rescue. The paper is designed for students majoring in Zoology or Ecology, but can also be taken by others with an appropriate background and an interest in conservation biology. This paper is valuable for students with an interest in conservation, as well as people working in conservation agencies (e.g. Department of Conservation or non-governmental organisations).
About this paper
| Paper title | Conservation Biology |
|---|---|
| Subject | Zoology |
| EFTS | 0.15 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period | Semester 2 (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) | $1,318.20 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Prerequisite
- 54 200-level points from Science Schedule C
- Restriction
- ECOL 311, WILM 406
- Recommended Preparation
- ECOL 111 and ECOL 212
- Schedule C
- Science
- Eligibility
- The paper requires a basic biology background.
- Contact
- Teaching staff
Professor Bruce Robertson (Paper coordinator)
- Teaching Arrangements
The paper includes lectures, practicals (conservation genetics), and a field trip.
- Textbooks
Textbooks are not required for this paper.
The course material refers to recently published research in scientific journals.
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Global perspective, Interdisciplinary perspective, Lifelong learning, Scholarship, Communication, Critical thinking, Environmental literacy, Research, Self-motivation.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
- Conservation Biology students will gain an understanding of the basic ecological principles underlying conservation. Students will be able to gather and analyse information and answer questions about conservation and will be able to apply their knowledge to discuss and solve real-life problems. Above all students will have an appreciation of the need for and an ability to apply critical thinking, scientific rigour and a systematic approach to conservation problems.
- Assessment details
50% internal assessment; 50% final examination in the examination period
Overview
The ecological, genetic and bioenergetic principles underlying biological conservation; genetics and population dynamics of small populations; conservation problems relating to habitat, food, competition and predation.
This paper presents the principles that underlie biological conservation, including ecology, population biology, conservation genetics, and the tools and solutions available to address anthropogenic threats to biodiversity.
Some topics covered include pollution, climate change, predation, competition, habitat, over-exploitation, GMOs, small populations, translocations, ancient DNA in conservation, protected areas, and genetic rescue.
The paper is designed for students majoring in Zoology or Ecology, but can also be taken by others with an appropriate background and an interest in conservation biology. This paper is valuable for students with an interest in conservation, as well as people working in conservation agencies (e.g., Department of Conservation or non-governmental organisations).
About this paper
| Paper title | Conservation Biology |
|---|---|
| Subject | Zoology |
| EFTS | 0.15 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period | Semester 2 (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for 2027 have not yet been set |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Prerequisite
- 54 200-level points from Science Schedule C
- Restriction
- ECOL 311, WILM 406
- Recommended Preparation
- ECOL 111 and ECOL 212
- Schedule C
- Science
- Eligibility
- The paper requires a basic biology background.
- Contact
- Teaching staff
Co-ordinator: Professor Bruce Robertson
- Dr Georgina Pickerell
- Dr Jerusha Bennett
- Dr Rebecca French
- Associate Professor Nic Rawlence
- Teaching Arrangements
The paper includes lectures, practicals (conservation genetics), and a field trip.
- Textbooks
Textbooks are not required for this paper.
The course material refers to recently published research in scientific journals.
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Global perspective, Interdisciplinary perspective, Lifelong learning, Scholarship, Communication, Critical thinking, Environmental literacy, Research, Self-motivation.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
- Conservation Biology students will gain an understanding of the basic ecological principles underlying conservation. Students will be able to gather and analyse information and answer questions about conservation and will be able to apply their knowledge to discuss and solve real-life problems. Above all, students will have an appreciation of the need for and an ability to apply critical thinking, scientific rigour and a systematic approach to conservation problems.
- Assessment details
Internal Assessment (50%)
Final Examination (50%)