Course coordinator
Professor Martine Maron
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- External
- Attendance mode
- Online
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- The Environment School
This course will provide an overview of key issues related to conservation planning and management. In particular, there will be an emphasis on decision making processes, and the decision support tools used to plan and prioritise action for biodiversity conservation. It will include practical examples of how conservation planning and management are applied, and by whom, from local government, regional, state, and national levels, as well as by individuals, Traditional Owners and non-government organisations.
Lecture material will provide an overview of key issues related to conservation management and planning, which will be examined in more detail through practical exercises that explore real world examples and work through conservation planning and management problems. Case study topics include management of protected areas, management of fire, and systematic spatial planning of protected area networks. In class, students are encouraged to ask questions of the course lecturers/demonstrators to improve their understanding of issues within resource management and environmental planning. This subject provides complementary material to other environmental science and management courses, and is taught in both external and flexible modes.
Course requirements
Assumed background
There are no formal pre-requisite courses that you have to complete. However, it is assumed that you will have a solid grasp of spoken and written English and a basic understanding of biodiversity, conservation, ecological processes and environmental management. A background in environmental science, ecology or conservation is an advantage. It is also important that you bring to the course an open-mind and a willingness to discuss issues.
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
ENVM3220 (co-taught), ENVM2200 or PLAN7112 or 7142 or 7613
Jointly taught details
This course is jointly-taught with:
ENVM3220 shares lectures with ENVM7202 (Int and Ext modes), but tutorials and assessment items are distinct.
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Professor Martine Maron
Professor James Watson
Dr Helen Mayfield
Guest lecturer
Emeritus Professor Marc Hockings
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Aims and outcomes
The course provides an introduction to conservation planning and management. It aims to develop understanding of essential concepts and tools that underlie best-practice planning of conservation actions, and demonstrate real-world conservation management challenges.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Define key terms/concepts/debates associated with conservation planning and management
LO2.
Explain the importance of structured decision-making and spatial and non-spatial planning and prioritisation to conservation
LO3.
Understand the fundamentals of a range of tools commonly used to support planning and prioritisation work in conservation
LO4.
Explain key actors involved in conservation planning and management and their roles
LO5.
Explain how conservation planning and management is applied in a range of real-world situations, including protected areas and the management of fire
LO6.
Prepare a clearly-articulated conservation plan consistent with best-practice principles
LO7.
Examine the importance and nature of different forms of knowledge in conservation planning and management
LO8.
Develop a plan for evaluating effectiveness of protected areas
LO9.
Explain the importance of and potential for Traditional Knowledge to inform and underpin conservation management
LO10.
Apply critical analysis skills to conservation planning and decision-making about conservation management
LO11.
Argue convincingly, drawing from a range of evidence, for particular conservation planning decisions, and critique conservation plans
LO12.
Synthesise disparate forms of evidence to map out the context and scope of a conservation problem, and its links to conservation policy and action at different scales
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Project | Assignment 1: Draft Conservation Action Plan | 15% |
28/03/2025 2:00 pm |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Project | Assignment 2: Full Conservation Action Plan | 45% |
30/05/2025 2:00 pm |
| Examination, Quiz |
Assignment 3: Examination
|
40% |
End of Semester Exam Period 7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025 |
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
Assignment 1: Draft Conservation Action Plan
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Project
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
28/03/2025 2:00 pm
Task description
Notes on Assignments 1 and 2: These assignments involve developing a conservation action plan for a region, following a simplified version of the Conservation Action Plan and Open Conservation methods. The final plan will be submitted as Assignment 2. Assignment 1 involves submitting a draft of the first part of the plan, allowing an opportunity for feedback that you can draw upon to improve the final, complete plan.
Develop a conservation action plan for a region (such as a landscape or a protected area). You may choose any region, but while you should choose a region for which there is a good amount of accessible literature, try to avoid choosing one for which there is already a good conservation action plan that follows the structure we request here, as it is important for your thought processes to be original and not simply rewording a plan that already exists. We will suggest some suitable example regions to consider, if you are unsure of which to choose.
Your conservation action plan should be informed by your understanding of conservation action planning and related approaches, based on the practical sessions, set references, and wider reading. You should use careful literature searches to identify both journal articles and ‘grey’ literature such as reports and existing conservation plans that can inform your understanding of the region, the threats it faces, and conservation actions that may be appropriate and effective.
Note: more information and guidance will be provided in practical classes and via the course Blackboard site during semester.
Assignment 1: Draft Conservation Action Plan: Defining Your Project
1000 words maximum – 15%
The draft of the first three sections of your conservation plan will be submitted as Assignment 1. You will receive feedback on these sections, allowing you to revise them if necessary before including them in your final conservation plan to be submitted as Assignment 2 later in the semester. It must include the following sections:
1. Project scope & focal conservation targets
- A brief text description and basic map of your region, and the project scope
- A simple, one-sentence statement of the overall vision of your project
- Selection of three focal conservation targets and explanation of why they were chosen
2. Key participants
- Describe and justify who would be the key participants in the development of a conservation action plan for this region, given the selected targets, with text supported by a table
3. Attributes and indicators
- List the proposed indicators (things you can measure) for one to two attributes of each of your targets (such as population size or plant community condition), with a brief justification of why each was selected.
Submission guidelines
Submission of this assessment item will be online. The link to submit will be available on the course Blackboard site.
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.
See the Additional assessment information section further below for information relating to extension and deferral applications.
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 (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).
Assignment 2: Full Conservation Action Plan
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Project
- Weight
- 45%
- Due date
30/05/2025 2:00 pm
Task description
Notes on Assignments 1 and 2: These assignments involve developing a conservation action plan for a region, following a simplified version of the Conservation Action Plan and Open Conservation methods. The final plan will be submitted as Assignment 2. Assignment 1 involves submitting a draft of the first part of the plan, allowing an opportunity for feedback that you can draw upon to improve the final, complete plan.
Develop a conservation action plan for a region (such as a landscape or a protected area). You may choose any region, but while you should choose a region for which there is a good amount of accessible literature, try to avoid choosing one for which there is already a good conservation action plan that follows the structure we request here, as it is important for your thought processes to be original and not simply rewording a plan that already exists. We can suggest some suitable example regions to consider, if you are unsure of which to choose.
Your conservation action plan should be informed by your understanding of conservation action planning and related approaches, based on the practical sessions, set references, and wider reading. You should use careful literature searches to identify both journal articles and ‘grey’ literature such as reports and existing conservation plans that can inform your understanding of the region, the threats it faces, and conservation actions that may be appropriate and effective.
Note: more information and guidance will be provided in practical classes and via the course Blackboard site during semester.
Assignment 2. Full Conservation Action Plan
4000 words maximum in total (including parts 1-8) – 45%
You must include Parts 1-3, as developed in Assignment 1, as the first part of this Assessment item. You may revise the material from Assignment 1 before you submit it as part of Assignment 2. In addition, you must include in your submission Parts 4-8. Thus, Assignment 2 includes the following:
1. Project scope & focal conservation targets
- A brief text description and basic map of your region, and the project scope
- A simple, one-sentence statement of the overall vision of your project
- Selection of three focal conservation targets and explanation of why they were chosen
2. Key participants
- Describe and justify who would be the key participants in the development of a conservation action plan for this region, given the selected targets, with text supported by a table
3. Attributes and indicators
- List the proposed indicators (things you can measure) for one to two attributes of each of your targets (such as population size or plant community condition), with a brief justification of why each was selected.
4. Current and target condition and trend
- Thoroughly review the literature about your targets. For each ecological attribute with its measurable indicator, assess and summarise in a Table:
- Is it in a good, fair, or poor condition?
- Is its condition improving, stable, or declining?
- For each of these judgements, indicate the level of uncertainty.
- What is the goal state and trend for each indicator? Make these desired outcomes as “SMART” as possible.
5. Stresses and critical threats
- Summarise the main stresses that are causing the undesirable state and/or trend of each attribute. In a simple table, classify the threats based on their severity and scope.
- Summarise the main sources or causes of these stresses.
6. Conservation Strategies
- What are the opportunities for actions to reduce the critical threats to each attribute?
- Create a simple, clear conceptual diagram of your hypothesized linkages between indirect threats and opportunities to reduce them, including the critical threats, and focal targets and their attributes.
7. Measures and Monitoring
- What will be monitored to evaluate the progress and success of the plan? This will include your indicators for each attribute, but may also include indicators of stresses/threats.
8. Caveats and limitations
- Briefly summarise any caveats, such as which assumptions are being made? What needs to occur outside of the action the project team can take? What information would you like to have to improve the plan?
Submission guidelines
This assessment item will be submitted online. A submission link will be provided on the course Blackboard site.
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.
See the Additional assessment information section further below for information relating to extension and deferral applications.
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 (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).
Assignment 3: Examination
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination, Quiz
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025
Task description
A 2-hour examination will be held during the end of semester examination period. It will comprise a series of multiple choice, short answer, and longer answer questions.
Hurdle requirements
You must receive a minimum mark of 45% on the Examination to pass this course.Exam details
| 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 |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
See the Additional assessment information section further below for information relating to extension and deferral applications.
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: Work of a very poor quality showing a very limited understanding of subject matter and a very low level of appreciation of issues covered in lecture and laboratory programs.ﾠ The minimum percentage required for a grade of 1 is: 0% |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Work of poor quality showing a very limited understanding of subject matter and a low level of appreciation of issues covered in lecture and laboratory programs. The minimum percentage required for a grade of 2 is: 30% |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Fail: Falls short of satisfying all basic requirements for a Pass.ﾠ The minimum percentage required for a grade of 3 is: 45% |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Work of fair quality demonstrating a basic understanding of most aspects of subject matter and a modest appreciation of issues covered in lecture and laboratory programs, but with serious deficiencies in some areas, at least good laboratory skills and a sound ability to interpret experimental results.ﾠ The minimum percentage required for a grade of 4 is: 50% |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Work of a good quality demonstrating a good understanding of most subject matter and a competent level of appreciation of issues covered in lecture and laboratory programs, although possibly with some lapses and inadequacies, at least good laboratory skills and a sound ability to interpret experimental results.ﾠ The minimum percentage required for a grade of 5 is: 65% |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Work of a very good quality demonstrating a strong understanding of a wide, but not complete, range of subject matter and a good level of appreciation of issues, although not necessarily of the finer points, covered in lecture and laboratory programs, very good laboratory skills and a very good ability to interpret experimental results.ﾠ The minimum percentage required for a grade of 6 is: 75% |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Work of exceptional quality showing a deep understanding of a wide range of subject matter and a clear appreciation of issues covered in lecture and laboratory programs, very good laboratory skills and a very good ability to interpret experimental results.ﾠ The minimum percentage required for a grade of 7 is: 85% |
Supplementary assessment
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.
Additional assessment information
Assessment Submission
It is the responsibility of the student to ensure the on time, correct and complete submission of all assessment items.ﾠ
Please ensure you receive and save the submission confirmation for all submitted items, you may be asked to produce this as evidence of your submission.ﾠ
Turnitin
All written assessment must be submitted via the appropriate Turnitin submission portal, which can be found within the Blackboard site. You are responsible for ensuring that your submission is complete. It is wise to re-enter the Turnitin portal and confirm that your submission is there and that it has not been altered during the submission process.ﾠ
By submitting work through Turnitin you are deemed to have accepted the following declaration “I certify that this assignment is my own work and has not been submitted, either previously or concurrently, in whole or in part, to this University or any other educational institution, for marking or assessment”.ﾠ
In the case of a Blackboard outage, please contact the Course Coordinator as soon as possible to confirm the outage with ITS.ﾠ
Artificial Intelligence use (AI)
The assessment tasks in this course evaluate students’ abilities, skills, and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Applications for Extensions to Assessment Due Dates
Extension requests are submitted online via my.UQ – applying for an extension. Extension requests received in any other way will not be approved. Additional details associated with extension requests, including acceptable and unacceptable reasons, may be found at my.UQ.
Please note:
- Requests for an extension to an assessment due date must be submitted through your my.UQ portal and you must provide documentation of your circumstances, as soon as it becomes evident that an extension is needed. Your application must be submitted on or before the assessment item's due date and time.
- Applications for extension can take time to be processed so you should continue to work on your assessment item while awaiting a decision. We recommend that you submit any completed work by the due date, and this will be marked if your application is not approved. Should your application be approved, then you will be able to resubmit by the agreed revised due date.
- If an extension is approved, you will be notified via your my.UQ portal and the new date and time for submission provided. It is important that you check the revised date as it may differ from the date that you requested.
- If the basis of the application is a medical condition, applications should be accompanied by a medical certificate dated prior to the assignment due date. If you are unable to provide documentation to support your application by the due date and time you must still submit your application on time and attach a written statement (Word document) outlining why you cannot provide the documentation. You must then upload the documentation to the portal within 24 hours.
- If an extension is being sought on the basis of exceptional circumstances, it must be accompanied by supporting documentation (eg. Statutory declaration).
- For extensions based on a SAP you may be granted a maximum of 7 days (if no earlier maximum timeframe applies). See the Extension or Deferral availability section of each assessment for timeframes. Your SAP is all that is required as documentation to support your application. However, additional extension requests for the assessment item will require the submission of additional supporting documentation e.g., a medical certificate. All extension requests must be received by the assessment due date and time.
- An extension for an assessment item due within the teaching period in which the course is offered, must not exceed four weeks in total. If you are incapacitated for a period exceeding four weeks of the teaching period, you are advised to apply for Removal of Course.
- If you have been ill or unable to attend class for more than 4 weeks, you are advised to carefully consider whether you are capable of successfully completing your courses this semester. You might be eligible to withdraw without academic penalty - seek advice from the Faculty that administers your program.
- Students may be asked to submit evidence of work completed to date. Lack of adequate progress on your assessment item may result in an extension being denied.
- There are no provisions for exemption from an assessment item within UQ rules. If you are unable to submit an assessment piece then, under special circumstances, you may be granted an exemption, but may be required to submit alternative assessment to ensure all learning outcomes are met.
Applications to defer an exam
In certain circumstances you can apply to take a deferred examination for in-semester and end-of-semester exams. You'll need to demonstrate through supporting documentation how unavoidable circumstances prevented you from sitting your exam. If you can’t, you can apply for a one-off discretionary deferred exam.
Deferred Exam requests are submitted online via mySi-net. Requests received in any other way will not be approved. Additional details associated with deferred examinations, including acceptable and unacceptable reasons may be found at my.UQ.
Please note:
- Applications can be submitted no later than 5 calendar days after the date of the original exam.
- There are no provisions to defer a deferred exam. You need to be available to sit your deferred examination.
- Your deferred examination request(s) must have a status of "submitted" in mySI-net to be assessed.
- All applications for deferred in-semester examinations are assessed by the relevant school. Applications for deferred end-of-semester examinations are assessed by the Academic Services Division.
- You’ll receive an email to your student email account when the status of your application is updated.
- If you have a medical condition, mental health condition or disability and require alternative arrangements for your deferred exam you’ll need to complete the online alternative exam arrangements through my.UQ. This is in addition to your deferred examinations request. You need to submit this request on the same day as your request for a deferred exam or supplementary assessment. Contact Student Services if you need assistance completing your alternative exam arrangements request.
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
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
A list of key readings, videos, and other resources will be provided each week, with access to most provided directly on the course blackboard site.
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 |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (24 Feb - 02 Mar) |
Lecture |
Introduction Introduction to conservation planning and management |
Week 2 (03 Mar - 09 Mar) |
Lecture |
Who does conservation? Non-government actors in conservation and what they do |
Tutorial |
Introduction to Conservation Action Planning |
|
Week 3 (10 Mar - 16 Mar) |
Lecture |
Who does conservation? Government actors in conservation and what they do |
Tutorial |
Conservation Action Planning Guidance on Assignment 1: selecting focal conservation targets |
|
Week 4 (17 Mar - 23 Mar) |
Lecture |
Deciding what to do, when, and where Project prioritisation |
Tutorial |
Project prioritisation exercise |
|
Week 5 (24 Mar - 30 Mar) |
Lecture |
Deciding what to do, when, and where Spatial planning |
Tutorial |
Last minute help on Assignment 1 optional drop in sessions during regular tutorial times or by arrangement. Please note, if your tutorials are scheduled on a Friday, we will set alternative times earlier in the week for this week, to ensure you have the chance to receive assistance prior to the due date. |
|
Week 6 (31 Mar - 06 Apr) |
Lecture |
Indigenous land and sea management Traditional management of country in Australia |
Tutorial |
Indigenous land and sea management Cultural burning and species management |
|
Week 7 (07 Apr - 13 Apr) |
Lecture |
Evidence and data in conservation management What and whose data and knowledge are used, and how? |
Tutorial |
Feedback on Assignment 1 and Guidance for Assignment 2 |
|
Week 8 (14 Apr - 20 Apr) |
Lecture |
Protected area management effectiveness Evaluating the performance of protected areas |
Not Timetabled |
Managing protected areas No formal tutorials will run this week, due to a public holiday, but a self-directed exercise will be set relating to protected area management. |
|
Week 9 (28 Apr - 04 May) |
Lecture |
Managing fire for conservation Challenges and responses |
Tutorial |
Managing fire for conservation |
|
Week 10 (05 May - 11 May) |
Tutorial |
Building conceptual models Developing skills and support for a key element of Assignment 2 |
Week 11 (12 May - 18 May) |
Lecture |
Funding models for conservation management Making conservation sustainable |
Tutorial |
TBC TBC |
|
Week 12 (19 May - 25 May) |
Lecture |
Conservation in practice Case studies and examples |
Tutorial |
Dilemmas in conservation interventions Managing competing values |
|
Week 13 (26 May - 01 Jun) |
Lecture |
Overview and synthesis Tying it all together, and exam preparation |
Tutorial |
Last minute help on assignment 3 Optional drop-in sessions during regular tutorial times or by arrangement. If your regular scheduled tutorial time is on Friday, this week we will make alternative times earlier in the week for you to access your tutor for assistance. |
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 - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.