Key facts
UNE unit code: EM353
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - On Campus
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- Yes
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
As Australia’s animal and plant species rapidly decline, conservation has reached a critical juncture. Equip yourself with skills and knowledge in conservation biology that will enable you to become an agent of change, working towards the preservation of diversity in our unique ecosystems.
Studying this unit, you will be introduced to the core principles and practice of conservation biology, exploring not only the science of conservation, but also the policy and attitudes that drive and constrain progress in the field.
You will gain insights into assessment of species conservation status and management priorities, patterns and causes of rarity, extinction and decline, re-introductions, captive breeding, conservation genetics, biodiversity, threat analysis and mitigation, and the effects of fragmentation and isolation.
Focusing on issues of viability and management of ecological reserves, and current political issues, you will also examine conservation evaluation.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
| Trimester 1 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
| Start | Finish | Duration | Attendance | Offerings | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TBA | TBA | 3 days | Mandatory Intensive School | All offerings | The intensive school is mandatory for both online and on-campus students. |
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- analyse, evaluate, and demonstrate a broad understanding of the conservation threat to species and ecosystems using written or oral formats;
- research and critically evaluate conservation biology literature;
- analyse, evaluate and demonstrate a broad understanding of the principles of small and declining population theories and communicate this information to others using written or oral formats;
- prepare a scientific report or essay that critically discusses and evaluates the key issues of a scientific question; and
- analyse, evaluate and demonstrate a broad understanding of the principles of reserve selection and communicate this information to others using written or oral formats.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assignment | Yes | 25% | All offerings | Choice of one of the following two options:
|
| Final Examination - Assurance Task | Yes | 50% | All offerings | There is a supervised exam at the end of the teaching period in which you are enrolled. The exam will be offered online with supervision via webcam and screen sharing technology. Coordinated by UNE Exams Unit. To pass this unit, you must achieve at least 50% in this task, and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. |
| Scientific Report | Yes | 25% | All offerings | No. Words: 2000 |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Recommended material may be held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
Conservation Science: Balancing the Needs of People and Nature
ISBN: 9781319146719
Kareiva, P., Marvier, M., W. H. Freeman 2nd ed. 2017
Text refers to: All offerings
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