Key facts
UNE unit code: ECOL320
*You are viewing the 2027 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Yes
- Yes
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
Conserving genetic diversity within species is central to conservation biology, as it provides the capacity for organisms to evolve. The loss of genetic diversity can lead plants, animals and other organisms into an extinction vortex (declining fitness and population size), or impede the adaptation needed to survive in a changing world.
This unit combines the theory and practice of conservation genetics, with emphasis on contemporary conservation questions and analytical approaches. You work with real-world data sets and build your ability to interpret conservation genetics results in practice.
As molecular technologies and big-data applications continue to advance, this unit adds value to your career by developing the skillsets and knowledge needed to apply genetic and genomic analyses to the ecology and management of natural populations.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 2 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
| Start | Finish | Duration | Attendance | Offerings | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TBA | TBA | 3 days | Mandatory Intensive School | All offerings | Mandatory Online Intensive School. All students must attend the mandatory online Intensive School, delivered via online technology. Dates to be advised. |
Enrolment rules
Notes
This unit uses R and RStudio; The School of Environmental and Rural Science considers all practical/laboratory/tutorial activities as essential to student learning. Attendance and participation in all practical/laboratory/tutorial classes (sessions) is mandatory - exemptions will not be granted without supporting evidence.
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:
- articulate and apply the principles underlying conservation genetics, including genetic diversity and inbreeding, and explain the integration of genetics and evolution in ethical conservation management;
- evaluate and accurately describe the use of molecular markers in addressing conservation challenges;
- apply knowledge of conservation genetics and genomics to designing and conducting real-world research; and
- effectively communicate in written and verbal form using scientific conventions and respond to critical questions with reasoned, evidence-based answers.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Literature Search | Yes | 5% | All offerings | Targeted bibliography. No. Words: 500 |
| Mid-trimester Exam - Assurance Task | Yes | 30% | All offerings | Written exam, including an essay on the application of molecular tools to the conservation of endangered species. There is a supervised exam during the teaching period in which you are enrolled. The exam will be online with supervision via webcam and screen sharing technology. Coordinated by UNE Exams Unit. To pass this unit, you must achieve a minimum of 50% in this task and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. |
| Practical - Assurance Task | Yes | All offerings | The School of Environmental and Rural Science considers all practical/laboratory/tutorial activities as essential to student learning. Attendance and participation in all practical/laboratory/tutorial classes (sessions) is mandatory - exemptions will not be granted without supporting evidence. To pass this unit, you must satisfactorily complete this task and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. | |
| Practical Report | Yes | 25% | All offerings | Analyse real-world data and report results. No. Words: 1500 |
| Quizzes | Yes | 10% | All offerings | A series of quizzes. No. Words: 400 |
| Structured Presentation - Assurance Task | Yes | 30% | All offerings | Design a research project and present a proposal for funding, including justification of the methods to be used. Presentation will be followed by Q&A. Approximately 15 minutes. To pass this unit, you must achieve a minimum of 50% in this task and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. |
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 and the Genomics of Populations
ISBN: 9780198856573
Allendorf F. W., Funk W. C., Aitken S. N., Byrne M., Luikart G., Oxford University Press 3rd ed. 2022
Text refers to: All offerings
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