School Of Natural SciencesEnvironmental Biology 3.3Western Sydney University Unit Code: 300466.1
Discipline: BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES NOT ELSEWHERE CLASSIFIED
Student Contribution Band: NP
Level: 3
Credit Points: 10
Assumed Knowledge
Knowledge of first year university biology equivalent to satisfactory completion of 300221 - Biology 1, 300222 - Biology 2.
Equivalent Units
BI303A - Environmental Biology 3.1 (V1)
About this Unit
From 2009 this unit will be replaced by 300617 - Conservation Biology. This unit will develop a sound understanding of the dynamics and characteristics of a range of Australian ecosystems encompassing natural and modified systems. The critical underpinning concepts are based upon international biodiversity conventions and the Australian Biodiversity Strategy. These divide biodiversity into three levels: within species, species and ecosystem diversity. Whilst revising basic ecological concepts, emphasis will be placed on understanding the Australian terrestrial biota at each diversity level. Other concepts covered include conservation of wildlife, not only associated with the more traditional wildlife management practices but also the emerging area of urban wildlife and their management. There will also be an emphasis on measurement of biodiversity and associated bioindicators. Students will be introduced to best practice in environmental monitoring.