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Not currently available in 2023

Unit description

Examines issues relating to the management of visitors, Indigenous and cultural heritage of terrestrial and marine environments. Special emphasis is placed on Australian and local (Northern NSW) case studies, techniques for conservation, and practical field experience in developing management plans for local terrestrial or marine protected areas. Students gain 'hands on' skills useful in future careers through interactions with park staff, Indigenous rangers and community organisations.

Unit content

  • Status of global and Australian biodiversity and environments and reasons for establishment of protected areas. 
  • Theory and principles of conservation biology (revision of biology and ecology; units of conservation; classification of threat; population ecology and management; impacts on physical, genetic, species and communities and their management; sustainable environmental use).
  • Types of terrestrial and marine protected area (IUCN Categories; World Heritage Areas; Australian and NSW systems), and management agencies and responsibilities.
  • Marine protected areas, habitat protection and fisheries management.
  • Human cultural heritage conservation and management.
  • Planning processes, management strategies and production of plans of management.
  • Site management and restoration.
  • Education and interpretation in protected areas.
  • Parks and people (human ecology, Indigenous issues, public participation in planning and management, alternative management models (co-management, conservation outside protected areas, private reserves), carrying capacity concepts, economic values, user pays, ecotourism, disaster management and dealing with wildlife issues.
  • Strategic planning and large ecosystem approach, cultural heritage conservation, integrated catchment management and multiple-use managed areas.

Learning outcomes

Unit Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a unit. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes. The unit learning outcomes and graduate attributes are also the basis of evaluating prior learning.

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:
1discuss the major issues and threats to terrestrial and marine biodiversity in Australia and the role of protected areas in biodiversity conservation, recreation, tourism, and protection of cultural heritage
2explain the importance of the integrative basis for management of linked ecosystems and human settlements at various scales, particularly large ecosystem management and integrated catchment management
3apply skills developed to analyse the principles and methods for environmental restoration and apply these to the development of a management plan for a protected area
4analyse and evaluate techniques for education and interpretation and public participation in protected area planning and management processes
5demonstrate the ability to work as part of a team and understanding of group processes.

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

  1. discuss the major issues and threats to terrestrial and marine biodiversity in Australia and the role of protected areas in biodiversity conservation, recreation, tourism, and protection of cultural heritage
  2. explain the importance of the integrative basis for management of linked ecosystems and human settlements at various scales, particularly large ecosystem management and integrated catchment management
  3. apply skills developed to analyse the principles and methods for environmental restoration and apply these to the development of a management plan for a protected area
  4. analyse and evaluate techniques for education and interpretation and public participation in protected area planning and management processes
  5. demonstrate the ability to work as part of a team and understanding of group processes.

Teaching and assessment

Notice

Intensive offerings may or may not be scheduled in every teaching period. Please refer to the timetable for further details.

Southern Cross University employs different teaching methods within units to provide students with the flexibility to choose the mode of learning that best suits them. SCU academics strive to use the latest approaches and, as a result, the learning modes and materials may change. The most current information regarding a unit will be provided to enrolled students at the beginning of the teaching period.

Fee information

Domestic

Commonwealth Supported courses
For information regarding Student Contribution Amounts please visit the Student Contribution Amounts.

Fee paying courses
For postgraduate or undergraduate full fee paying courses please check Domestic Postgraduate Fees OR Domestic Undergraduate Fees

International

Please check the international course and fee list to determine the relevant fees.

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