Key facts
UNE unit code: ECOL320
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Yes
- Yes
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
A central goal of conservation biology is the conservation of genetic diversity within species, as it provides the capacity for organisms to evolve. Plants, animals and other organisms must adapt if they are to survive in our changing world. The loss of genetic diversity can lead organisms into an extinction vortex.
This unit combines the theory and practice of conservation ecology, with emphasis on current conservation questions and tools. You will engage with real world data sets and equip yourself with the tools to interpret conservation genetics results in practice.
With constant advancement in molecular technology and new applications for big data driving development and innovation, add value to your career with the skills 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 | All students must attend the mandatory online Intensive School via online technology. |
Enrolment rules
Notes
A range of software will be used, including GenAIEx, R, RStudio and STRUCTURE; 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; All on campus and online students must attend the mandatory intensive school.
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:
- demonstrate a depth of knowledge of the subject by describing and evaluating the use of molecular markers in addressing conservation challenges;
- demonstrate the application of knowledge relevant to the subject and the ability to work autonomously by designing and justifying a sampling regime for the study of a conservation genetics question;
- analyse a population-level data set and thereby demonstrate technical skill and the ability to evaluate information; and
- effectively communicate research results using scientific conventions.
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. To pass this unit, you must achieve a minimum of 50% in this task and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. 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. |
| 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 |
| Presentation - Assurance Task | Yes | 30% | All offerings | Design a research project and present a proposal for funding online with supervision via webcam and screen sharing technology. 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. |
| Quizzes | Yes | 10% | All offerings | A series of quizzes. No. Words: 400 |
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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