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For advice about all aspects of this unit please contact us at DSL@utas.edu.au
Introduction
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. Backyard Biodiversity is offered as an elective unit in the Diploma of Sustainable Living (DSL). You do not have to be a scientist to take this unit, all you need is curiosity for the natural world and the desire to support the native biodiversity of your area.
Summary
| Unit name | Backyard Biodiversity |
| Unit code | KPZ006 |
| Credit points | 12.5 |
| College/School | Sciences and Engineering School of Natural Sciences |
| Discipline | Biological Sciences |
| Coordinator | Professor Menna Jones |
| Available as an elective? | No |
| Delivered By | University of Tasmania |
| Level | Foundation or Enabling |
Sustainable Development Goals
The Unit Coordinator has identified that this unit aligns with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals. We welcome your thoughts and feedback on the alignment of the unit with these goals.
Availability
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
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| Online | Semester 1 |
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| Online | Semester 2 |
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| Online | Trimester |
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- Key:
On-campus- Off-Campus
- International students
- Domestic students
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.
Key Dates
| Study Period | Start date | Census date | WW date | End date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trimester | 1/11/2026 | 23/11/2026 | 23/12/2026 | 13/2/2027 |
| Semester 1 | 22/2/2026 | 16/3/2026 | 19/4/2026 | 13/6/2026 |
| Semester 2 | 5/7/2026 | 27/7/2026 | 30/8/2026 | 24/10/2026 |
* 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 (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).
Unit census dates currently displaying for 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).
Learning Outcomes
- Explain biological, ecological, and sustainability concepts in the context of biodiversity and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
- Quantify the biodiversity and habitat present in your local environment
- Describe habitat modification/s that can increase biodiversity in your local environment
- Apply biodiversity skills and concepts to inform the local management of biodiversity
Fee Information
| Field of Education | Commencing Student Contribution 1,3 | Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3 | Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3 | Domestic Full Fee 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 010900 | $1,192.00 | $1,192.00 | not applicable | $3,575.00 |
- Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
- HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility3
- FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility4
1 Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
2 Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
3 Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
4 Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.
If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.
Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.
Teaching
| Teaching Pattern | This unit is designed for fully online delivery, with a new Module released every two weeks. |
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| Assessment | Assessment Task 1 - Quizzes (x5) (20%)|Assessment Task 2: Backyard biodiversity assessment (20%)|Assessment Task 3: Backyard habitat assessment (20%)|Assessment Task 4: Backyard biodiversity management plan - (40%) |
| Timetable | View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable |
Textbooks
| Required |
All required readings are embedded in the online portal (i.e. the MyLo pages). |
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The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.