BIO2040 Conservation biology
Faculty of Science
BIO2040 Conservation biology is a level 2, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Science, offered in 2026 in Semester 2 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites and unlocks 3 units, leading on to 9 units in all.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2026
- Semester 2
- Clayton
- Assessment
- No exam
- 6 tasks
This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Requisites
Before BIO2040
No prerequisites or corequisites besides the enrolment rules below.
After BIO2040
3 units list BIO2040 as a prerequisite or corequisite.
Enrolment rules
PREREQUISITE: Enrolment in the Bachelor of Environmental Engineering or Master of Environment and Sustainability or 24 credit points of level one units.
PROHIBITION: ENV2726, BIO2042
Overview
This unit deals with threats to the environment associated with human activities and potential solutions to redress their impacts. Recent losses of biota have been caused by habitat loss and degradation, climate change and pollution, the introduction of exotic species and overexploitation of natural resources. Science-based conservation measures are explored that may reduce loss of biodiversity/ecosystem function, including habitat preservation and restoration, combating climate change, and intensive conservation of species. We analyse how conservation efforts may involve trade-offs with biological, economic, social and political factors.
Offerings in 2026
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Second semester | Clayton | Blended |
Assessment
- ePortfolio - Part 1Portfolio15%
- ePortfolio - Part 2Portfolio15%
- ePortfolio - Part 3Portfolio15%
- ePortfolio - Part 4Portfolio15%
- Preparation quizzesQuiz / Test20%
- Post-class quizzesQuiz / Test20%
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Identify and describe the key environmental issues facing humankind and outline the role that humans play in environmental degradation and species extinction;
- 2
Evaluate and compare the conservation techniques that can be used to restore habitats and ecosystem function;
- 3
Appraise the special problems involved in attempting to conserve endangered species;
- 4
Integrate complex political, economic and social issues to formulate effective conservation outcomes;
- 5
Present and communicate conservation issues to the general public and other stakeholders in written and oral formats.
Workload and teaching
- Practical activities30 hours
- Teaching approachRole play
- Teaching approachActive learning
The workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours spread across the semester (roughly 12 hours per week) comprising:
- One 2.5 hour teaching session per week involving tutorials, practical activities and class discussions and
- 9.5 hours of online activities and self directed study in preparation and reflection of the weekly teaching sessions, and completion of the assessment tasks and assignments.
The Conservation Forum is designed to build skills for understanding a conservation issue, what kinds of stakeholders have responsibility and interest in conservation management decisions, and how decisions are arrived at about how to balance various views, costs and benefits. You will be allocated to a stakeholder, whose position you will adopt and defend in negotiations about the conservation issue.
The unit involves a single teaching session each week, which incorporates a range of teaching approaches, including lectures, tutorials and practicals. All teaching approaches used are highly interactive. A core component of each teaching session are a series of small group discussions which involve peer-assisted learning and interaction with teaching staff. These small group discussions involve debates, problem solving, and discussion of key issues in conservation biology.
Learning resources
Required resources
Bring your own device
Where it fits
BIO2040 is part of 6 areas of study in the 2026 handbook.
- ECOLOGY06Biology elective unitsEcology and conservation biologyNo reviews yet
- ECOLOGY08Level 2 and 3 unitsEcology and conservation biologyNo reviews yet
- ECOLOGY09Level 2 and 3 unitsEcology and conservation biologyNo reviews yet
- ENVIRENG03Environmental engineering technical electivesEnvironmental engineeringNo reviews yet
- ENVIROSC04Level 2 unitsEnvironmental scienceNo reviews yet
- ENVIRSEC02Part B. Specialisation preparatory studiesEnvironmental securityNo reviews yet
Contacts
- Unit Coordinators
- Professor David Chapple
- Chief Examiners
- Professor David Chapple
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for BIO2040?
BIO2040 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
What can I take after BIO2040?
BIO2040 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 3 units, including BIO2011, BIO3020 and BIO3111. Those lead on to 9 units in all.
When is BIO2040 offered?
In 2026, BIO2040 runs in Semester 2 at Clayton.
Does BIO2040 have an exam?
No. BIO2040 has 6 assessment tasks and no exam.
Which majors and minors include BIO2040?
BIO2040 is part of Ecology and conservation biology; Environmental engineering; Environmental science; and Environmental security.