Course coordinator
Consultation is by appointment. Please email me to make an appointment.
This course explores the complex but fascinating interactions that occur between humans and wildlife species and how these relationships can be better managed to ensure coexistence. Using local, national and international case studies of human wildlife conflicts, students will develop an in-depth knowledge of both the ecological and sociological issues underpinning the conflict. Through a series of lectures and workshops students will also be given knowledge and skill sets that allow them to not only equitability assess both sides of human wildlife conflicts but help them construct and deliver management plans and facilitate conflict resolutions. Topics to be covered include the diverse perspectives from which wildlife is viewed in different societies, the role of policy and legislation in the protection of wildlife, specific urban, regional and rural examples of human wildlife conflict, zoonoses, wildlife utilisation and feral pest management.
This course will be last offered in external mode in 2025.
Management of human-wildlife interactions is considered to be one of the most challenging tasks for wildlife management practitioners around the world. Human-wildlife conflicts and resource competition imply costs on human social, economic or cultural life and on the ecological, social or cultural life of wildlife concerned, often to the detriment of conservation objectives and socio-economic realities. During this course, participants will learn about the human-wildlife interactions in regional, national and international settings, how these conflicts are managed, and how ideal conflict management strategies can be developed.
Like all real-world problems, addressing human-wildlife interactions requires transdisciplinaryᅠthinking and combining knowledge in new and interesting ways. We will exploreᅠtheoretical frameworks for approaching human-wildlife interactionsᅠthat go beyond disciplinary boundaries and provide a more holistic approach to better equip conservationists and other professionals in dealing with the issue. Dr. van Bommel blends scientific evidence of several academic disciplines (e.g., ecology, wildlife management, sociology, policy sciences, economics) and 20 years of real-world experience to help participants develop a deep understanding of human-wildlife interactions and will equip them with the practical skills necessary to develop human-wildlife conflict management strategies.
Using a variety of teaching and learning methods, students will learn about issues involved in determining and analysing human-wildlife interactions, and planning, implementing and evaluating conflict mitigation or prevention schemes. While the course covers theoretical components, it takes a very practical and pragmatic approach to management of human-wildlife interactions.
Course structure:
The course consists of the following modules:
Module 1. Understanding HWIs
Module 2. Stakeholder, values and dialogue readiness
Module 3. Knowledge, expertise and epistemic conflict
Module 4. Policy, Institutions & Multi-Level Governance
Module 5. Economics, Incentives & Distributional Conflict
Module 6. Interventions, Outcomes & Learning
At the School of Agriculture and Food Sustainability, we are committed to creating an inclusive and empowering learning environment for all students. We value and respect the diverse range of experiences our students bring to their education, and we believe that this diversity is crucial for fostering a rich culture of knowledge-sharing and meaningful exploration. We hold students and staff accountable for actively contributing to establishing a respectful and supportive learning environment.
Bullying, harassment, and discrimination in any form are strictly against our principles and againstᅠUQ Policy,ᅠand will not be tolerated. If you have any concerns about your experience in this course, we encourage you to tell a member of the course teaching team. Your well-being and a positive learning atmosphere are of utmost importance to us.
A background in Wildlife Science, Zoology or some understanding of wild (native or exotic) animal biology or management is strongly desirable.ᅠ
We recommend completing the following courses before enrolling in this one:
ANIM1026
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
ANIM7023 (co-taught)
Consultation is by appointment. Please email me to make an appointment.
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Please note that the order of the Modules may vary based on the availability of guest speakers. You will be informed of the dates and times of actual lectures, tutorials and workshops via Blackboard.
While attendance at guest lectures is not mandatory, it is highly encouraged. These sessions offer unique insights and real-world perspectives that are invaluable to your learning and understanding of the course material. Guest lectures are an opportunity to engage with experts and professionals who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience that can significantly enhance your grasp of complex topics.
Benefits of Attending Guest Lectures:
We understand that schedules can be challenging, but making an effort to attend these lectures can significantly enrich your academic experience. It also shows respect and appreciation for the experts who take the time to share their knowledge with us.
If you have any concerns regarding your official timetable or course allocations, or there are no suitable class times available, contact Faculty of Science Timetable science.mytimetable@uq.edu.au for advice.
If you have any questions about missing class activities, please contact your course coordinator.
The course aims to develop participant knowledge, understanding and skills to:
1) critically engage with theoretical questions and practical challenges posed by human-wildlife conflicts (HWIs).
2) understand, construct and deliver human-wildlife interaction management plans in many contexts and facilitate resolution.
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Apply Conflict Management Strategies in HWIs: Understand the three levels of conflict and the different conflict management processes, and apply this knowledge to develop practical strategies for managing human-wildlife conflicts effectively.
LO2.
Apply Stakeholder Engagement Strategies in HWIs: Understand the systemic properties of human-wildlife interactions, and apply this knowledge to engage effectively with various stakeholders to move conflicts towards coexistence.
LO3.
Apply Knowledge in HWIs: Understand the role of different types of knowledge in human-wildlife interactions, apply this understanding to identify the politicization of knowledge, and recognize how the involvement of experts and their expertise can influence conflict dynamics.
LO4.
Apply Financial Incentives for Conservation: Understand the role of financial incentives in managing human-wildlife interactions on private land and apply this knowledge to evaluate different economic tools, such as wildlife utilisation and market-based conservation efforts, to support sustainable land management practices.
LO5.
Apply Policy Frameworks in Human-Wildlife Conflict Management: Understand the role of policy in managing human-wildlife conflicts, and apply this knowledge to evaluate different policy instruments and their effectiveness in mitigating conflicts between humans and wildlife.
LO6.
Apply Evaluation Techniques in Human-Wildlife Interaction Management: Understand the role of evaluation in managing human-wildlife interactions, and apply this knowledge to develop and use evaluation questions, indicators, and data collection methods to assess the effectiveness of management strategies.
LO7.
Integrate knowledge: Integrate knowledge from ecological, social, and economic disciplines to develop comprehensive management strategies that are ethical, sustainable, and effective at multiple levels of human-wildlife conflict.
Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
---|---|---|---|
Paper/ Report/ Annotation | Conflict Management Case proposal | 10% |
22/08/2025 2:00 pm |
Paper/ Report/ Annotation | Sequential Assessment - Problem-Based Learning | 20% Each PBL assessment will contribute 5% towards the sequential assessment problem-based learning total of 20% |
PBL Assessment 1) 5/09/2025 2:00 pm PBL Assessment 2) 19/09/2025 2:00 pm PBL Assessment 3) 17/10/2025 2:00 pm PBL Assessment 4) 31/10/2025 2:00 pm |
Paper/ Report/ Annotation | Human-Wildlife Conflict Management Plan | 30% |
31/10/2025 2:00 pm |
Examination |
End of Semester Exam
|
40% |
End of Semester Exam Period 8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025 |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
22/08/2025 2:00 pm
Description:
Students will submit a brief proposal outlining their chosen human–wildlife conflict case. The proposal should describe the conflict and apply the Levels of Conflict framework to diagnose the nature of the conflict (issue, relationship, or identity). This task ensures early engagement with course concepts and sets the foundation for the conflict management plan developed across the semester.
Word limit: 1000 words (without references)
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) and/or Machine Translation (MT) tools, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which AI or MT will provide only limited support and guidance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
The use of AI or MT must be referenced appropriately. Please see assessment guidelines in blackboard course site for specific instructions.
You must submit your Assessment task, in Blackboard, via the Turnitin link by the submission deadline. You should also retain an electronic copy of every piece of assessment you submit.
Legal Declaration:
By submitting your work via this website, you formally declare that (1) it is your own original work, and no part of the work has been copied from any other source or person except where due acknowledgement is made; (2) no part of the work has been previously submitted for assessment in this or any other institution; and (3) you have read the Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and understand its implications.
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Submission of an Extension of Assessment Due Date (EADD) should be completed online through your My Requests tab via my.UQ Dashboard, in accordance with the University's Assessment Procedure (located in the Policies and Procedures section of this course profile) which outlines the requirements for requesting extensions to assessment due dates. Extensions require the correct evidence/documentation to support the requested length of time of the extension.
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
For example, a report worth a maximum of 40 marks, submitted 28 hours late will attract a penalty of 8 marks, calculated as 2 periods of 24 hours x 10% x 40 marks.
Assessment deadlines are firm and must be met. Late submission without permission or non-submission of assessable work will result in penalties being applied. Late submission of assessment will only be granted for documented medical reasons, accident, bereavement, jury service and other circumstances allowed in the UQ Policies and Procedures Library (PPL).
PBL Assessment 1) 5/09/2025 2:00 pm
PBL Assessment 2) 19/09/2025 2:00 pm
PBL Assessment 3) 17/10/2025 2:00 pm
PBL Assessment 4) 31/10/2025 2:00 pm
This is a sequential assessment task.
Problem-Based Learning (PBL) 1: assesses Learning outcome 2 (worth 5%)
Students will apply the stakeholder mapping, values and needs mapping, and dialogue readiness tools from Module 2 to their chosen conflict case. They will submit the completed tools alongside a 500-word written reflection. The reflection should explain key stakeholder dynamics, identify any mismatches between stakeholder needs and influence, and consider implications for future engagement strategies.
Problem-Based Learning (PBL) 2: assesses Learning outcome 3 (worth 5%)
Students will apply the tools from Module 3 to analyse the knowledge dynamics in their selected conflict case. This includes identifying the types of knowledge present, assessing whose knowledge is legitimised or marginalised, and mapping the roles of experts. Students will submit the completed tools along with a 500-word reflection on how knowledge and authority shape the conflict and potential solutions.
Problem-Based Learning (PBL) 3: assesses Learning outcome 4 (worth 5%)
In this task, you will apply the tools from Module 4 to map and critically assess the governance arrangements shaping your chosen case of human–wildlife conflict. This includes identifying key institutions, assessing pluralism and policy coherence, and exploring how stakeholders navigate or rework governance rules.
Problem-Based Learning (PBL) 4: assesses Learning outcome 5 (worth 5%)
This assessment invites you to analyse the economic dimensions of your chosen human–wildlife conflict case. Using the tools and concepts from Module 5, you will identify financial interventions already in place (e.g. compensation, subsidies, PES, tourism), assess their effectiveness, and explore how economic factors shape the conflict at different levels.
All Problem-Based Learning Assessment tasks:
These tasks have been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) and/or Machine Translation (MT) tools, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which AI or MT will provide only limited support and guidance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
The use of AI or MT must be referenced appropriately. Please see assessment guidelines in blackboard course site for specific instructions.
You must submit your Assessment task, in Blackboard, via the Turnitin link by the submission deadline. You should also retain an electronic copy of every piece of assessment you submit.
Legal Declaration:
By submitting your work via this website, you formally declare that (1) it is your own original work, and no part of the work has been copied from any other source or person except where due acknowledgement is made; (2) no part of the work has been previously submitted for assessment in this or any other institution; and (3) you have read the Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and understand its implications.
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Submission of an Extension of Assessment Due Date (EADD) should be completed online through your My Requests tab via my.UQ Dashboard, in accordance with the University's Assessment Procedure (located in the Policies and Procedures section of this course profile) which outlines the requirements for requesting extensions to assessment due dates. Extensions require the correct evidence/documentation to support the requested length of time of the extension.
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
For example, a report worth a maximum of 40 marks, submitted 28 hours late will attract a penalty of 8 marks, calculated as 2 periods of 24 hours x 10% x 40 marks.
Assessment deadlines are firm and must be met. Late submission without permission or non-submission of assessable work will result in penalties being applied. Late submission of assessment will only be granted for documented medical reasons, accident, bereavement, jury service and other circumstances allowed in the UQ Policies and Procedures Library (PPL).
31/10/2025 2:00 pm
This assessment requires you to develop a well-reasoned and context-sensitive Conflict Management Plan for your selected case of human–wildlife conflict. The plan should synthesise your insights from across the course — including your progressive assessments and the conflict management case proposal — and demonstrate your ability to apply the full HARMONI framework to a real-world case.
Your plan should address both short-term strategies and long-term transformations, taking into account stakeholder needs, institutional dynamics, power relationships, and appropriate governance and economic tools. It should also include a forward-looking reflection on monitoring, evaluation, and learning.
Word limit: 3,000 words - not including references.
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
The use of AI or MT must be referenced appropriately. Please see assessment guidelines in blackboard course site for specific instructions.
You must submit your Assessment task, in Blackboard, via the Turnitin link by the submission deadline. You should also retain an electronic copy of every piece of assessment you submit.
Legal Declaration:
By submitting your work via this website, you formally declare that (1) it is your own original work, and no part of the work has been copied from any other source or person except where due acknowledgement is made; (2) no part of the work has been previously submitted for assessment in this or any other institution; and (3) you have read the Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and understand its implications.
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Submission of an Extension of Assessment Due Date (EADD) should be completed online through your My Requests tab via my.UQ Dashboard, in accordance with the University's Assessment Procedure (located in the Policies and Procedures section of this course profile) which outlines the requirements for requesting extensions to assessment due dates. Extensions require the correct evidence/documentation to support the requested length of time of the extension.
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
For example, a report worth a maximum of 40 marks, submitted 28 hours late will attract a penalty of 8 marks, calculated as 2 periods of 24 hours x 10% x 40 marks.
Assessment deadlines are firm and must be met. Late submission without permission or non-submission of assessable work will result in penalties being applied. Late submission of assessment will only be granted for documented medical reasons, accident, bereavement, jury service and other circumstances allowed in the UQ Policies and Procedures Library (PPL).
End of Semester Exam Period
8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025
Format: The exam will consist of structured short essay questions designed to evaluate a foundational understanding of the course content. This format encourages students to demonstrate their knowledge and ability to apply learning to simpler scenarios.
Content: The exam will cover key concepts from all six modules:
Expectations: Students are expected to illustrate their understanding of course materials through direct application of concepts learned in class. The exam questions will focus on defining and explaining theories and tools discussed in the modules, with a lesser emphasis on complex synthesis or extensive critical analysis.
Duration: The exam will be 2 hours, allowing enough time for students to provide clear and concise answers.
Preparation: Students should review lecture slides, assigned readings, and participate in discussion forums to reinforce their understanding. Focusing on case studies and examples discussed in class will be helpful.
Assessment Criteria: Answers will be assessed based on understanding and application of basic concepts, clarity of expression, and accuracy in addressing the questions. Proper referencing of theories, concepts and frameworks (e.g. "According to Madden and McQuin's 'levels of conflict' framework, ......") and the ability to independently articulate course content will also be evaluated.
The exam will be an on-campus exam. Have your UQ student ID card available for all your exams. Students enrolled in In Person delivery must attend the exam in-person.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Planning time | 10 minutes |
---|---|
Duration | 120 minutes |
Calculator options | Any calculator permitted |
Open/closed book | Closed book examination - no written materials permitted |
Exam platform | Paper based |
Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
You may be able to defer this exam.
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
Grade | Description |
---|---|
1 (Low Fail) |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 0% - 34% |
2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 35% - 46% |
3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: 47% - 49% OR failure to meet the identified assessment hurdle below. |
4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 50% - 64% |
5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 65% - 74% |
6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 75% - 84% |
7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 85% - 100% |
Course Grading Rules and Assessment Hurdles
If a student obtains an overall percentage greater than the cut-offs set to achieve a 4 or higher for the course based on marks from a combination of progressive assessment and the final exam and the student does NOT score a passing mark for the End-of-Semester Exam, they are unable to achieve a grade higher than a 3 (failing grade) for the course.
Additional Information
You must address any additional assessment requirements identified in this CP.
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Should you fail a course with a grade of 3, you may be eligible for supplementary assessment. Refer to my.UQ for information on supplementary assessment and how to apply.
Supplementary assessment provides an additional opportunity to demonstrate you have achieved all the required learning outcomes for a course.
If you apply and are granted supplementary assessment, the type of supplementary assessment set will consider which learning outcome(s) have not been met.
Supplementary assessment can take any form (such as a written report, oral presentation, examination or other appropriate assessment) and may test specific learning outcomes tailored to the individual student, or all learning outcomes.
To receive a passing grade of 3S4, you must obtain a mark of 50% or more on the supplementary assessment.
Please note the following when writing assignments
You must not re-use past work from previous assessments in your assignments.
Academic Integrity and Plagiarism
All reported work must be done by the individual student. Assignments that look and sound alike will be reported as plagiarism – a serious offence at UQ. Please note the university’s policy on academic integrity and plagiarism which can be accessed at Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy.
Turnitinᅠ
Assignments that are required to be submitted through TurnItIn, mustᅠonlyᅠbe uploaded to the assessment specific Turnitin link on the relevant course Blackboard site.ᅠ If you submit any version of your assessment item to any alternative Turnitin link, this is considered cheating and you will be held liable for this action.ᅠ
Release of marks
Unless specifically indicated by the lecturer involved,ᅠevery attempt will be made to haveᅠthe results for progressive assessment tasks available within 3 weeks of submission. For items of assessment submitted in the last 2 weeks of the semester, the results will be available before the day of your end of semester examination in the course, unless otherwise indicated by the Course Coordinator. Results and feedback availability will be advised to you by email or announced via the course Blackboard site.ᅠ
Re-mark Applications – refer to theᅠUniversity's Re-mark Policyᅠto check your eligibility
Before applying for a remark, students should consider the following:
Remark applicationsᅠwill notᅠbe considered without first having contacted your course Co-ordinator.
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Item | Description | Further Requirement |
---|---|---|
ANIM2033/ANIM7023 Course Blackboard site | Blackboard is the main method of communication for this course. | |
ANIM2033 Course Profile | Provides details of specifications, rationale, aims and structure of the course. It also informs you of the assessment for this course, including weightings and due dates. |
Further readingsᅠ- We strongly encourage you to read widely, relying on refereed sources (journal articles, books). Some references to key readings will be suggested on Blackboard.
Please note: This course ANIM2033 is co-taught with ANIM7023, these courses share a Blackboard site.
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
---|---|---|
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 3 |
Workshop |
Module 1 - HWI in contemporary society (intro) HWI in contemporary society, planning for co-existence, levels of conflict. Learning outcomes: L01 |
Multiple weeks From Week 4 To Week 5 |
Workshop |
Module 2 - Voluntary tools Stakeholders, perceptions, values and behaviour change. Learning outcomes: L02 |
Multiple weeks From Week 6 To Week 7 |
Workshop |
Module 3 - Informational tools The role of scientific knowledge and traditional knowledge in conflict management Learning outcomes: L03 |
Multiple weeks From Week 8 To Week 9 |
Workshop |
Module 4 - Financial tools Financial and economic incentives to increase tolerance and co-existence Learning outcomes: L04 |
Mid Sem break (29 Sep - 05 Oct) |
Not Timetabled |
In-Semester break (Reading) Use this time to catch up on reading and completion of assignments. |
Multiple weeks From Week 10 To Week 11 |
Workshop |
Module 5 - Regulatory tools Policy factors, governance and institutions Learning outcomes: L05 |
Multiple weeks From Week 12 To Week 13 |
Workshop |
Module 6 - Evaluation Evaluation of management of HWI, recap, exam training Learning outcomes: L06, L07 |
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.