Handbook : Unit informationEdith Cowan University

School: Science

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

• Unit Title

  Wildlife Management

• Unit Code

  SCI3115

• Year

  2019

• Enrolment Period

  1

• Version

  1

• Credit Points

  15

• Full Year Unit

  N

• Mode of Delivery

  On Campus
  

• Unit Coordinator

  Dr Robert Allyn DAVIS

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Description

This unit introduces students to the ecological principles underlying the management of native and introduced wildlife in Australia. It provides students with a broad overview of Australian wildlife biology and with the skills and techniques necessary to manage wildlife populations for conservation or economic purposes.

Prerequisite Rule

Students must pass 2 units SCI2116 and SCI2118.

Equivalent Rule

Unit was previously coded SCI2370

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Apply a range of wildlife census techniques and demonstrate how to analyse survey data.
2. Apply adaptive management principles to wildlife management.
3. Demonstrate the practical skills required to manage wildlife populations in Australia.
4. Describe the population dynamics, carrying capacity and sustainable harvest of wildlife species in Australia.
5. Explain the origins, ethical considerations and primary objectives of wildlife management.
6. Explain the role of captive breeding in the management of threatened species.
7. Outline the basic principles of landscape ecology, habitat selection, foraging ecology, competition and predation.

Unit Content

1. Landscape and habitat requirements, and foraging strategies of a selected range of wildlife species.
2. Modern wildlife management techniques applied in Australia and other parts of the world.
3. Predator-prey interactions, competition and carrying capacities of selected wildlife species.
4. Research on the role of captive breeding and wildlife reintroduction programmes in the Australian context.
5. Sampling theory and wildlife census techniques, including practical application of field surveys, data collection and analysis.
6. The key factors regulating native wildlife populations in Australia.
7. The nature of human-induced habitat change on wildlife distribution and abundance.
8. The scope and roles of a wildlife manager.

Learning Experience

Students will attend on campus classes as well as engage in learning activities through ECU Blackboard.

For more information see the Semester Timetable

Additional Learning Experience Information

This unit uses technology enhanced learning with a mix of lectures and tutorials. Theory focuses on core concepts in the management of Australian wildlife, including habitat requirements, population growth, predator-prey interactions, and the role of captive breeding in wildlife conservation. Students have regular laboratories that allow students to apply the concepts covered in tutorials.

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

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