Course coordinator
Professor Salit Kark
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2025 (28/07/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- The Environment School
This course provides a core baseline in conservation science and conservation biology in the context of wildlife conservation, discussing human wildlife-conflict, the processes for identifying threatened species, spatial conservation prioritisation and genetic considerations in biodiversity and wildlife management, providing hands-on experience in designing and undertaking applied conservation research using novel field techniques and approaches.
This course will introduce key concepts and research in the area of wildlife conservation.ﾠA series of lectures, discussions, and practicals will explore key wildlife and conservation issues, with a focus on human-induced environmental changes. We will show howﾠanimals change their movement patterns and behaviour in response to these changes, and highlight the consequences thereof in terms of generating and eliminating genetic variation and population implications. We will explore human interactions with wildlife and how this affects conservation at the global scale and will discuss waysﾠto mitigate impacts related to human-induced threats to wildlife and biodiversity, such as invasive species and land use changes. We will discussﾠstrategiesﾠthat mayﾠbenefit livelihood needs, challenges and opportunities related to global emerging threats. Finally, some successes and failures of international conservation initiatives will be discussed with a focus on frontline conservation regions in Australia, the Mediterranean Basin, Africa and around the world.
Course requirements
Assumed background
An undergraduate degree in biology with a specialisation in ecology, evolution, conservation, zoology or botany (or equivalent) or an undergraduate degree in environmental science and/or geography. Alternatively, have successfully met the pathway criteria as determined by the course coordinator.ﾠﾠ
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Professor Salit Kark
Associate Professor Diana Fisher
Associate Professor Paul Ebert
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
The course activities start in Week 3 of Semester. Since the practical session will include team work during prac time, students should plan to attend all pracs in person.
Aims and outcomes
For the student to:
- Gain hand-on and theoretical experience in conservation science
- Gain an in-depth understanding of key topics, methods and approachesﾠin conservation science and wildlife biology, ecology and conservation
- Gain skills involved in literature searches, abstract writing,ﾠproposal development, literature searching and reviewsﾠﾠ
- Gain and demonstrate skills in critical thinking and scientific writing by being able to integrate key ideas in conservation, human-wildlife conflict, biogeography, genetics, novel technologies,ﾠecological disturbances such as fire and invasive species in a conservation framework.
- Gain an understanding of some ofﾠthe main tools used in conservation and wildlife biology and the cross-disciplinary and cross-scale nature of the area.
- Develop teamwork and group work skills, as well as independentﾠlearning skills.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Identify conservation issues and the key factors involved
LO2.
Gain perspectives on, both the successes and failures, of national and international conservation initiatives with a focus on frontline conservation regions in Australia and Africa
LO3.
Produce short and concise summaries, both verbally and in written form, of conservation topics and in depth reviews of the scientific literature relating to particular conservation initiatives
LO4.
Advance teamwork and group work skills, as well as independent learning skills.
LO5.
Critically reflect on your development as a professional as a result of your course participation
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Poster |
Assessment 1a - Mini-Project, RiPPLE submission
|
35% |
10/09/2025 2:00 pm |
| Essay/ Critique |
Assessment 1b - Mini-project, Peer review
|
Pass/Fail |
17/09/2025 2:00 pm |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation |
Assessment 2 - Conservation genetics analysis and management plan report
|
35% |
17/10/2025 4:30 pm |
| Examination |
End of Semester Exam
|
30% |
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.
Assessment details
Assessment 1a - Mini-Project, RiPPLE submission
- Online
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Poster
- Weight
- 35%
- Due date
10/09/2025 2:00 pm
Task description
This task is linked to the module taught by Professor Salit Kark
Task Description:
Students will submit a poster (via Turnitin), summarizing their mini-project outcomes, including research goals, hypotheses, methods, results, and discussion, as further explained in Prac sessions and on Blackboard. Only one poster will be submitted per group.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT)
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
The assessment must be submitted as an electronic version through Turnitin and via Ripple.
Turnitin submission: Only one file per group should be submitted. All group members need to make sure each poster submitted has all group members full names and student numbers on the poster title. All group members are responsbile for ensuring the correct version of the poster was submitted on time by their group representative. Access the Assessment folder on the course Blackboard site and upload an electronic version through the Turnitin site for the assignment and retain the receipt as proof of submission. Each group will submit both via Turnitin for marking and via Ripple for peer feedback review.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
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.
You are required to submit assessable items on time. If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item, then 10% of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item (the assessment ‘marked from’ value) will be deducted as a late penalty for every day (or part day) late after the due date.
For example, if you submit your assignment 1 hour late, you will be penalised 10%; if your assignment is 24.5 hours late, you will be penalised 20% (because it is late by one 24-hour period plus part of another 24-hour period).
Assessment 1b - Mini-project, Peer review
- Online
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- Pass/Fail
- Due date
17/09/2025 2:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Peer assessment factor.
Task description
This task is linked to the module taught by Professor Salit Kark
Students will provide one of the others groups feedback on their poster and resources using Ripple. This will be explained in more detail in the practical session and on Blackboard. This is done by each student individually rather than in groups.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT)
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
The assessment must be submitted as an electronic version via Ripple.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
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.
You are required to submit assessable items on time. If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item, then 10% of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item (the assessment ‘marked from’ value) will be deducted as a late penalty for every day (or part day) late after the due date.
For example, if you submit your assignment 1 hour late, you will be penalised 10%; if your assignment is 24.5 hours late, you will be penalised 20% (because it is late by one 24-hour period plus part of another 24-hour period).
Assessment 2 - Conservation genetics analysis and management plan report
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 35%
- Due date
17/10/2025 4:30 pm
Task description
This task is linked to the module taught by A/Prof Paul Ebert
Based on information provided to you in the first practical of the conservation genetics module, you will select an endangered species from the IUCN Red List of threatened species. In subsequent practicals, you will be provided information that will help you develop recommendations for the genetic analysis and management planof the species. This project will require you to apply theoretical knowledge from lecture, new skills from the prac and information from the primary literature as you develop the genetic analysis and management plan for the species. You will develop your management plan each week during the prac time, so attendance of pracs will be needed. The analysis and management plan will constitute your assessment for the module.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT)
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Online submission by Turnitin only by the due date and time. No hard copy or assignment cover sheets are required. Submission via email is not accepted.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
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.
You are required to submit assessable items on time. If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item, then 10% of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item (the assessment ‘marked from’ value) will be deducted as a late penalty for every day (or part day) late after the due date.
For example, if you submit your assignment 1 hour late, you will be penalised 10%; if your assignment is 24.5 hours late, you will be penalised 20% (because it is late by one 24-hour period plus part of another 24-hour period).
End of Semester Exam
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025
Task description
The End of Semester exam will be essay-style. You will have a choice of three questions, essay-style , and will answer one of the three choices.
Hurdle requirements
See ADDITIONAL COURSE GRADING INFORMATION for the hurdle relating to this assessment item.Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Course grading
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: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 0% |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 30% |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 45% |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 50% |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 65% |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 75% |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 85% |
Additional course grading information
Assessment Hurdle
In order to pass this course, you must meet the following requirements (if you do not meet these requirements, the maximum grade you will receive will be a 3):
- You must obtain 45% or more on the end of semester exam
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is not available for some items in this course.
Should you fail a course with a grade of 3 you may be eligible for supplementary assessment. Supplementary assessment is not available if you have failed Assessment 1A & 1B of this course.
Supplementary assessment provides an additional opportunity to demonstrate you have achieved all the required learning outcomes for a course.
Supplementary assessment can take any form such as a written report, oral presentation, examination or other appropriate assessment. If you apply and are granted supplementary assessment, the type of supplementary assessment set will consider which learning outcome(s) have not been met.
To receive a passing grade of 3S4, you must obtain a mark of 50% or more on the supplementary assessment.
Additional assessment information
Applications for Extensions to Assessment Due Dates
Read the information contained in the following links carefully before submitting an application for extension to assessment due date.
For guidance on applying for an extension, information is available here: https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/applying-assessment-extension
For the policy relating to extensions, information is available here (Part D): https://policies.uq.edu.au/document/view-current.php?id=184
Please note the University's requirements for medical certificates here: https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/uq-policies-and-rules/requirements-medical-certificates
Learning resources
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
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
If you do not have any background in conservation, management, ecology, science etc, you are most welcome to take a look at this free book before and during the course:
Sodhi NS & Ehrlich PR (2010) Conservation Biology For All. Oxford University Press. Freely downloadable fromﾠhttp://www.mongabay.com/conservation-biology-for-all.html
Study material will be provided via the CONS6009 course website. More detailed information on assessment may also be accessed via this website.
To access this material, visit theﾠ"Class Resources"ﾠlink onﾠthe CONS6009 course website.ﾠThis provides access the study material and further information on the assessment items for this course.
ﾠ
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Not scheduled |
Not Timetabled |
Course Information This course starts in Week 3 due to program reasons. Since the practical session will include team work during prac time, students should plan to attend all pracs in person. |
Week 3 (11 Aug - 17 Aug) |
Lecture |
Wildlife Conservation: Introduction, Human wildlife interaction Note: Course starts in week 3 due to program reasons Lecturer: Kark Wildlife and Conservation: Overview Challenges in wildlife conservation, conservation science, history of the area, human perceptions, human-wildlife interactions, cross-scale conservation |
Practical |
Practical session 1 (human wildlife interactions projects) Lecturer: Kark, Tutors Statistics and conservation, Introduction to Project, Human Ethics, Surveys in science Project planning session, Team work Since the practical session will include team work during prac time, students should plan to attend all pracs in person. |
|
Week 4 (18 Aug - 24 Aug) |
Lecture |
Wildlife Conservation: Approaches and tools Lecturer: Kark Wildlife Conservation: Introduction, tools and approaches for conservation across scales: from genes to species, communities and ecosystems. Key conservation conflicts, fencing, refuges, threatened species conservation, hunting, trade and wildlife conservation, policy-related issues, dilemmas and opportunities |
Practical |
Practical session 2 (human wildlife interactions projects) Lecturer: Kark, Tutors Background to conservation science: Research Process, Experimental Design, tools in conservation science, Critical scientific writing and planning skills, conservation planning and wildlife conservation |
|
Week 5 (25 Aug - 31 Aug) |
Lecture |
Wildlife Conservation: Science, planning and interactions Lecturer: Kark Humans & Wildlife Conservation: setting conservation priorities Extinctions and trends, conservation across spatial scales: from global to local, Reducing conflict, How do we decide what to conserve, setting conservation priorities for wildlife, biodiversity, ecosystem and landscape considerations, conservation hotspots, gap analysis, incorporating threats and costs into wildlife conservation, advanced tools, IUCN extinction categories, cross boundary collaboration and wildlife conservation, human-wildlife conflict and interactions |
Practical |
Practical session 3 (human wildlife interactions projects) Lecturer: Kark, Tutors Tools in conservation (field and lab, observational and experimental), Critical scientific writing and planning skills, Writing a Critique, Presentation Skills, Work on projects, statistical analyses and presentation preparation |
|
Week 6 (01 Sep - 07 Sep) |
Lecture |
Applied Wildlife Conservation Lecturer: Kark Dynamic conservation, wildlife conservation outside protected areas, wildlife conservation lessons: the case of the Northern Spotted Owl, management, ecology and policy, major reserve design principles for wildlife conservation, the role of scientists in wildlife conservation. |
Practical |
Practical session 4 (human wildlife interactions projects) Lecturer: Kark, Tutors Poster session preparation and Q&A session |
|
Week 7 (08 Sep - 14 Sep) |
Lecture |
Conservation Genetics: Introduction Lecturer: Ebert Introduction & risk of inbreeding |
Practical |
Using pedigrees as a tool Lecturer: Ebert Using pedigrees as a tool in conservation management |
|
Week 8 (15 Sep - 21 Sep) |
Lecture |
Conservation Genetics: Population size and drift Lecturer: Ebert Population size and drift |
Practical |
Investigating population biol Lecturer: Ebert, TA Investigating population biology with genetic tools |
|
Week 9 (22 Sep - 28 Sep) |
Lecture |
Conservation Genetics: Gene flow Lecturer: Ebert |
Practical |
Using genetic information Lecturer: Ebert Using genetic information to manage wildlife populations |
|
Week 10 (06 Oct - 12 Oct) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Public holiday no lecture/prac |
Not Timetabled |
Career pathways session (online) Pre-recorded career pathways session with Professor Salit Kark further information will be provided on Blackboard |
|
Week 11 (13 Oct - 19 Oct) |
Lecture |
Cons Genetics: Management decision making Lecturer: Ebert |
Practical |
Conservation Genetics Lecturer: Ebert Cons Genetics: Advanced technologies |
|
Week 12 (20 Oct - 26 Oct) |
Lecture |
Resilience, resistance and adaptation to fire Lecturer: Fisher Species resilience, resistance, and adaptation to fire |
Practical |
Fire and conservation Lecturer: Fisher, Tutors Workshop on threatened species recovery & planning for future fires |
|
Week 13 (27 Oct - 02 Nov) |
Lecture |
Cultural burning and fire & habitat Lecturer: Fisher Cultural burning and history of bushfire in Australia |
Workshop |
Managing fire for conservation outcomes, exam revision Lecturer: Fisher Prevention of severe bushfires - what works? |
Additional learning activity information
This course starts in Week 3 due to program reasons. The Practical sessions will include team work, which requires attendance (in person or external).
Policies and procedures
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:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments for Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.