FACULTY OF SCIENCE

SCHOOL OF BIOLOGICAL EARTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES

BEES0006

SPECIAL PROJECT: CONSERVATION IN PRACTICE

Bridled Nailtail Wallaby

SESSION 2, 2014

Table of Contents

1. Information about the Course 2

2. Staff Involved in the Course 2

3. Course Details 3

4. Rationale and Strategies Underpinning the Course 7

5. Course Schedule 8

6. Assessment Tasks and Feedback 8

7. Additional Resources and Support 8

8. Required Equipment, Training and Enabling Skills 9

10. Administration Matters 9

11. UNSW Academic Honesty and Plagiarism 10


BEES5002 Special Project: Conservation in Practice - Course Outline

1. Information about the Course

Year of Delivery / 2014
Course Code / BEES0006
Course Name / BEES0006 Special Project: Conservation in Practice, Bridled Nailtail Wallaby
Academic Unit / School of Biological Earth and Environmental Sciences
Level of Course / 3rd Year Elective
Units of Credit / 6UOC
Session(s) Offered / S2
Assumed Knowledge, Prerequisites or Co-requisites / BIOS1101
Commencement Date / July 17 2014
Summary of Course Structure (for details see 'Course Schedule')
Component / Time / Day / Location
Field trip / All day intensive program / 17-26th July 2014 / Avocet, QLD
Special Details / This course is undertaken predominantly off campus and contact hours mostly limited to the field trip.
Further information will be available electronically however this course will involve personal initiative and autonomy to be demonstrated by the students.
This course will incur costs to the students for the field trip and travel to/from the nature refuge. All academic and administration requirements are covered by the university.

2. Staff Involved in the Course

Staff / Role / Name / Contact Details / Consultation Times
Course Convenor / Associate Lecturer Jaz Lawes / / By email
Additional Teaching Staff / Lecturers & Facilitators / Jaz Lawes
Mike Letnic
Andrew Elphinstone
Andrew Dinwoodie
Tim O’Reilly
Janelle Lowry /

/ By email
Tutors & Demonstrators / Jaz Lawes /
Other Support Staff / Jonathan Russell
Renee Chapman /

3. Course Details

Course Description[1]
(Handbook Entry) / This course is an advanced practical intensive in conservation management of endangered species and habitats endemic to Australia. The course is run twice yearly, principally as an intensive field-based course in conjunction with actual conservation management strategies currently in place for particular endangered species. The practical component for the conservation practices involving the endangered Bridled Nailtail Wallaby is run during O-week (and weekends approximately 10d) in Semester 2 at Avocet Nature Refuge, QLD.Students will receiveadvanced practical training in monitoring this endangered species and the implementation of their conservation programs. Student will participate in all aspects of these management surveys. Practical training will include current surveying methods, passive and active monitoring techniques of endangered species and their predators, population ecology, and some data analyses.Students will also develop a realistic understandingof the financial and logistical constraints placed on conservation management strategies and the facilitation of sustainable conservation management programs. The course coverage will include vertebrates and plants.
Course Aims[2] / This field based course is designed to provide students with the opportunity to learn about endangered species and their ecology alongside industry professionals. This provides a unique opportunity to gain insight about ecological research and industry with practical experience. Students will employ different techniques involved in researching and monitoring an endangered species, collect data and be able to demonstrate their understanding by reporting their findings in the form of a project proposal.
Student Learning Outcomes[3] / There are ten learning outcomes expected from this course:
a)  Demonstrate an understanding of the current conservation management practices of endangered species with a focus on those employed in Bridled Nailtail Wallaby conservation;
b)  Demonstrate proficiency in surveying methods via practical assessments;
c)  Develop skills using technical research equipment: in particular calipers, microchip insertion and scanners, remote cameras, and field guides;
d)  Become familiar with mandatory limitations on animal capture, handling, intervention and research with respect to following approved Animal ethic guidelines;
e)  Demonstrate an understanding of limitations placed on research regarding the ecology and individuality of the relationships between habitats and animals and our capacity to implement appropriate conservation management programs;
f)  Identify and implement appropriate techniques for monitoring Bridled Nailtail Wallaby conservation within Avocet Nature Refuge, QLD;
g)  Locate information on the conservation of endangered species in order to assess current conservation management plans and techniques;
h)  Communicate discipline specific information in a written format with appropriate referencing;
i)  Collaborate with colleagues to collect primary data that will allow you to make inferences regarding the ecology of Bridled Nailtail Wallabies and propose strategies for the future conservation management at Avocet Nature Refuge, QLD.
Graduate Attributes Developed in this Course[4]
Science Graduate Attributes5 /
Select the level of FOCUS
0 = NO FOCUS
1 = MINIMAL
2 = MINOR
3 = MAJOR / Activities / Assessment
Research, inquiry and analytical thinking abilities / 3 / Problem solving skills and flexibility will be demonstrated during field exercises conducted on the fieldtrip and daily experience field activities allow critical thinking of current management practices, while desk-top research is necessary for a literature review and a project proposal
Capability and motivation for intellectual development / 3 / The course provides a practical experience of a conservation management of endangered species and exposure to industrial and research professionals. The aim is to inspire students to get involved in conservation management practices. Skills in accessing information are developed through practical and written assessment tasks.
Ethical, social and professional understanding / 3 / The literature review is designed to encourage each student to think critically about current conservation management techniques research practices. The practical assessments will provide the opportunity for student to demonstrate their understanding of the practical aspect of the course both individually and as a team. The final recovery project proposal allows students to demonstrate their understanding of Bridled Nailtail wallaby conservation within Avocet Nature Refuge. Lectures from industry professionals during the fieldtrip give an insight into how and why people become involved in different facets of conservation management.
Communication / 3 /

Developing science communication skills is a large part of collaborative projects. You will be required to collaborate with your colleagues for an extended period of time during the fieldtrip; examined on practical aspects of the course with assessments; and to complete two written assessments (a literature review prior to the field trip and a project proposal post field trip)

Teamwork, collaborative and management skills / 3 / You will work collaboratively in small groups to conduct monitoring practical activities during the field trip aiming to develop collaborative skills necessary for teamwork. All assessments are written up individually.
Information literacy / 3 / The course includes substantial exposure to the conservation management practices currently in place for the Bridled Nailtail Wallaby. Individual research undertaken by students for written desk-top assessments will build literacy in current available research literature on conservation management of endangered species.
Major Topics
(Syllabus Outline) / Conservation management practices of endangered species with a focus on the Bridled Nailtail Wallaby conservation strategies currently in place at Avocet Nature Refuge (QLD).
Relationship to Other Courses within the Program / This course is ideally taken as a 3rd year elective, allowing student to demonstrate and implement or complement skill learnt in courses such as:
BIOS2061 – Vertebrate Zoology
BIOS2011 – Evolutionary Physiology and Ecology
BIOS2051 – Flowering Plants
BIOS3171 – Evolution
BIOS3011 – Animal Behaviour
BIOS3601 – Advanced Field Biology
BIOS3061 – Plant Ecology
BIOS3671 – Conservation Biology and Biodiversity (Advanced Level)

4. Rationale and Strategies Underpinning the Course

Teaching Strategies / Our teaching philosophy is centered on the belief that effective learning is supported when students are actively engaged in the learning process and when this process is strongly linked to practical experiences and research. You are encouraged to take responsibility for your own learning through investigative research, analysis, and evaluation. Your communication and practical skills, information literacy and team-work abilities are developed in the context of the field of conservation management.
Rationale for learning and teaching in this course[5], / A literature review equips each student with a base of knowledge of current conservation management practices of endangered species. This also encourages critical thinking and awareness of limitations of working with endangered animals.
Practical experience in small groups with a industry professionals is used to deliver practical content within the course and include the opportunity for questions and guided problem solving. The field trip is a challenging but fun exercise offering an opportunity to experience field research and conservation management while also developing practical and interpersonal skills. Students are guided in the process of developing and implementing conservation practices and assessment of these supported by their collected data and other peer-reviewed research. A field project proposal is used to assess the students’ comprehension and interpretation of the data gathered.
Survey competency will be assessed as the practical component of the course where skills learnt in tracking, identification and health assessment are examined.
This course encourages a community of between professionals and students as well as between mentors and peers. We believe this offers the opportunity to broaden their experience outside the Kensington campus. Communicating experiences commonly confirms ideas and enables extensive engagement within a program and enables rapid assimilation of new skills.
The literature review and project proposal provide exposure to the primary scientific literature and encourage the development of information literacy.

9

5. Course Schedule

The contact hours for this course are predominantly during the field trip (17th to 26th July 2014) with other contact and information communicated electronically.

Assessments (outlined below) and all relevant information will become available to students a minimum of 2 weeks prior to submission.

6. Assessment Tasks and Feedback

Assessment Tasks

There are four mandatory assessments within this course:

·  25% Literature review – Due on arrival at Avocet Nature Refuge, QLD (17th July 2014)

Topic:Review current wildlife management practices in Australia and their effectiveness by comparing strategies of two native animals.

1700 words, include 10-15 references

Available for students: 1st July 2013

·  35% Practical Assessments – On-site at Avocet Nature Refuge (17-26th July 2014)

Group wallaby health assessment10%

Local Bird and Flora identification practical exam 15%

Sand Plot animal tracking spot test 10%

·  40% Final Project Proposal – Due date: Wednesday 24th September 2014 (this date could be subject to change depending on availability of data)

You have been asked, as a conservation expert, to assess and expand on the current recovery plan for the Bridled Nailtail Wallaby at Avocet Nature refuge (Lundie-Jenkins and Lowry 2005) and an ultimate goal to expand the current habitat range and population size of Bridled Nailtail Wallabies.

You have been allocated an initial budget of AU$300000 with AU$50000 each year thereafter for a total of 5 years (total AU$500000). Using the 4 C's of conservation (community, culture, commerce and conservation) and the data that we collect on the field trip at Avocet Nature Refuge (from Sand

plot, Trapping, and Cameras), write a project proposal that further promotes and safeguards the recovery of the BNTW population at Avocet Nature refuge.

You may use the current recovery plan as a guide for structure.

All strategies need to be properly researched and referenced and budget spending accounted for (i.e. include a budget).

This project proposal should reveal findings of the field trip and be supported with data collected during the field trip.

NB: Further information (i.e. data etc.) will be released early Semester 2.

Feedback

All assessments will be marked and feedback given by Jaz Lawes four weeks (maximum) after submission.

7. Additional Resources and Support

Many journals are available via the library and accessible using your student number and zPass. Additional relevant research and support will be available electronically as it is required.

8. Required Equipment, Training and Enabling Skills

Equipment Required / A head torch, a pillow, sleeping bag and good walking boots will be beneficial for the field trip. Wet weather gear is also recommended.
Further itinerary details will be provided prior to the field trip.
Address questions to /

10. Administration Matters

Expectations of Students / Students are expected to complete all assignments on time and attendance to the field trip is compulsory. Participation in all activities at Avocet Nature Refuge is mandatory.
Assignment Submissions and Assessment Procedures
UNSW Assessment Policy[6] / Literature review must be submitted with a School of BEES coversheet on the 17th July at Avocet Nature Reserve to Jaz Lawes. Final project propsals must be submitted to the Student Office (G27, Biological Sciences Building), and also on-line (via email) by 4pm on the due date. Finalproject proposals will also be submitted to Turnitin to identify potential plagiarism. Students sign a cover sheet at the office on submission of their assessment. The cover sheet requires that you have made a photocopy back-up of your assignment. For assessments submitted up to seven (7) days late a 10% per day penalty applies. Assessments submitted more than seven (7) days late will not be marked. If medical grounds preclude submission of the assessment by due date, contact should be made with Jaz Lawes as soon as possible. A medical certificate will be required for late submission on medical grounds and must be appropriate for the extension period.
Occupational Health and Safety[7] / Information on relevant Occupational Health and Safety policies and expectations can be found at: www.ohs.unsw.edu.au
Equity and Diversity / Students who have a disability that requires some adjustment in their teaching or learning environment are encouraged to discuss their study needs with the course Convenor prior to, or at the commencement of, their course, or with the Equity Officer (Disability) in the Equity and Diversity Unit (9385 4734 or http://www.studentequity.unsw.edu.au/ ).
Issues to be discussed may include access to materials, signers or note-takers, the provision of services and additional exam and assessment arrangements. Early notification is essential to enable any necessary adjustments to be made.
Student Complaint Procedure[8]
Grievance Contacts / School Contact / Faculty Contact / University Contact
Dr Jes Sammut

Tel: 9385 8281 / A/Prof Julian Cox
Associate Dean (Education)

Tel: 9385 8574
or
Dr Gavin Edwards
Associate Dean (Undergraduate Programs)

Tel: 9385 4652 / Student Conduct and Appeals Officer (SCAO) within the Office of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Students) and Registrar.
Telephone 02 9385 8515, email
University Counselling and Psychological Services[9]
Tel: 9385 5418

11. UNSW Academic Honesty and Plagiarism