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CANI510 Wild Dog Ecology

Updated: 31 October 2012
Credit Points 6
Offering
Responsible Campus Teaching Period Mode of Study
Armidale Trimester 1 Off Campus
Armidale Trimester 1 On Campus
Intensive School(s)
Start Finish Attendance Notes
25 April 2013 28 April 2013 Mandatory The intensive school is mandatory for both on- and off-campus students.
Supervised Exam There is a UNE Supervised Examination held at the end of the teaching period in which you are enrolled.
Pre-requisites candidature in a postgraduate award in the School of Environmental and Rural Science or the School of Science and Technology
Co-requisites None
Restrictions CANI310
Notes None
Combined Units CANI310 - Wild Dog Ecology
Coordinator(s) Wendy Brown (wbrown@une.edu.au)
Unit Description

In 'Wild Dog Ecology' we explore the ecology, evolution and natural history of wild canids; the origins of the domestic dog; and issues surrounding dog control and wild dog conservation. Students will participate in field work to gain first-hand experience in techniques used to monitor wild dog activity and learn best practice management for the control of wild dogs and dingoes in Australia.

Prescribed Material
Mandatory 		Text(s):

Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.

The Wild Canids - Their Systematics, Behavioural Ecology and Evolution
ISBN: 9781929242641
Fox, M.W. (ed), Dogwise Publishing 2009
Text refers to: Trimester 1 , On and Off Campus
Dogs: Their Fossil Relatives and Evolutionary History
ISBN: 9780231135290
Wang, X. and Tedford, R.H., Columbia University Press 2010
Text refers to: Trimester 1 , On and Off Campus
Recommended Material
Optional 		Text(s):

Note: Recommended material is held in the University Library - purchase is optional

Dogs: A New Understanding of Canine Origin, Behaviour and Evolution
ISBN: 9780226115634
Coppinger, R. and Coppinger, L., University of Chicago Press 2nd ed. 2004
Text refers to: Trimester 1 , On and Off Campus
Disclaimer Unit information may be subject to change prior to commencement of the teaching period.
Assessment
Title Exam Length Weight Mode No. Words
Assignment 1 20% 2000
Relates to Learning Outcomes (LO) and Graduate Attributes (GA)
LO: 1 GA: 1-4
Assignment 2 20% 2000
Relates to Learning Outcomes (LO) and Graduate Attributes (GA)
LO: 1-2 GA: 1, 2, 4, 6, 7
Oral Assessment (Debate) 10%
Relates to Learning Outcomes (LO) and Graduate Attributes (GA)
LO: 1, 3 GA: 1-2, 7-8
Practical 20%
Relates to Learning Outcomes (LO) and Graduate Attributes (GA)
LO: 2-3 GA: 1, 6-8
Final Examination 2 hrs 30%
Relates to Learning Outcomes (LO) and Graduate Attributes (GA)
LO: 1, 3 GA: 1-3, 6-7

Learning Outcomes (LO) Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
  1. demonstrate an advanced level of understanding of the ecology and evolution of wild canids and their interactions with human society;
  2. apply modern techniques to monitor wild dog activity using current best practices with a high level of understanding and knowledge; and
  3. develop policies based on high order knowledge and understanding of the complex and often conflicting issues surrounding dog control and wild dog conservation, and implement these policies effectively and diplomatically in a practical situation.

Graduate Attributes (GA)
Attribute Taught Assessed Practised
1 Knowledge of a Discipline
Students acquire knowledge through exposure to latest information including recent research data. Knowledge is assessed and practised in activities and all assessment tasks. 		True True True
2 Communication Skills
Communication skills are practised and assessed in all written and oral assessment tasks. 		True True
3 Global Perspectives
Wild canids populate every continent except Antarctica, and issues surrounding wild dog conservation and dog control are not unique to Australia but are common issues around the world (eg African Wild Dog, Wolves in North America and Europe). This global perspective is included in the unit content, and included in some assessment tasks (Assignment 1 and exam). 		True True
4 Information Literacy
For Assignment 1, students are required to access, reference and critically evaluate information. 		True True
5 Life-Long Learning
Students will learn new skills and concepts that can be applied to new situations that the students are likely to encounter in the future. 		True True
6 Problem Solving
In assignment 2 students will be asked to formulate solutions to complex scenarios, such as those involving conflicting issues of conservation and pest management. In the practical assessment, students will be required to demonstrate their proficiency in wildlife management skills, and will be assessed on their ability to apply appropriate techniques in a practical situation. Some exam questions will also involve problem solving. 		True True True
7 Social Responsibility
The animal welfare implications and OHS issues related to animal management and surveillance activities will be highlighted throughout the unit. Social responsibility issues related to dog control (eg dog attacks) will also be covered. 		True True True
8 Team Work
Students will work in groups for some activities. Team work is also a large component of the field work (practicum) including group preparation and shared living, and the debate. 		True True True
   

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