Hobart
Introduction
View the Backyard Biodiversity landing page for information on this unit and the Diploma of Sustainable Living.
Backyard Biodiversity is an elective unit offered as part of the Diploma of Sustainable Living.
Biodiversity is a critical component of sustainable living and is central to several of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. At a local scale, biodiversity is important for healthy and sustainable living, and due to the complexity of biodiversity issues in urban areas, requires well informed and strategic management.
Focusing on the biodiversity present in urban areas, especially your own backyard, you will learn about the importance of biodiversity to human and ecosystem health and how biodiversity supports sustainable living. You will develop skills and knowledge in identification, quantification and management of both vertebrate and invertebrate biodiversity, and learn how to modify your environment to facilitate greater biodiversity.
Some of the important and interesting questions we cover in this unit include:
- What is biodiversity, and how does it impact our lives?
- How are animals classified into different groups, and how can that knowledge help us identify backyard animals?
- What are the best observation techniques for different types of animals, and which ones can you use in your own backyard?
- How can you attract the animals you want, while keeping your backyard, your family, your pets and the wildlife, safe?
- How can you help meet the UN Sustainable Development Goals simply by increasing the biodiversity in your garden?
Summary 2020
| Unit name | Backyard Biodiversity |
|---|---|
| Unit code | KPZ006 |
| Credit points | 12.5 |
| Faculty/School | College of Sciences and Engineering School of Natural Sciences |
| Discipline | Zoology |
| Coordinator | Menna Jones |
| Available as student elective? | No |
| Breadth Unit? | No |
Availability
Note
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Units are offered in attending mode unless otherwise indicated (that is attendance is required at the campus identified). A unit identified as offered by distance, that is there is no requirement for attendance, is identified with a nominal enrolment campus. A unit offered to both attending students and by distance from the same campus is identified as having both modes of study.
Special approval is required for enrolment into TNE Program units.
TNE Program units special approval requirements.
* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (see withdrawal dates explained for more information).
Learning Outcomes
Explain the value of biodiversity using the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
Quantify the biodiversity and habitat present in your local environment
Create solutions for living in biodiverse environments
Develop the skills to manage the biodiversity of your local environment
Fees
Teaching
| Teaching Pattern | Online |
|---|---|
| Assessment | 1. Test or quiz 10-15 questions per quiz (30%) 2. Project Proposal 800 words (30%) 3. Field Notes/Report 300 words (20%) 4. Field Notes/Report 400 words (20%) |
| Timetable | View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable |
Textbooks
| Required | None |
|---|
The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.