Environmental Forestry

New Zealand primary production systems; Ecosystem services from primary production systems; Cultural services provided by forests; Soil and water conservation and management; Biodiversity conservation and management; Policy, regulation, certification; Sustainable use of native forests for production; Management planning and monitoring.

30 points

Subject to approval to the Chair, Forestry Board of Studies

FORE444, FORE445, BIOL379

Evolutionary Ecology

Aims to equip ecology students with the evolutionary biology underpinning the dicipline. Students will advance their knowledge of current issues and approaches in evolutionary ecology, particularly those of relevance to global change. The course has a focus on phenotypic evolution and processes occurring at the interface of ecology and evolution.

15 points

Subject to approval of the Head of School.

BIOL478

Community Ecology

To develop skills in the critique of literature and formulation and testing of hypotheses within the field of community ecology.

15 points

Subject to approval of the Head of School.

BIOL471

Freshwater Ecology

Aims to develop students as professional freshwater ecologists. Students will advance their knowledge of current issues and approaches in freshwater ecology, particularly the concepts that underpin understanding of freshwater ecosystems and the application of research to management and conservation issues in New Zealand. Has a focus on the skills needed by professionals working in freshwater-related areas of research, consultancy and management.

15 points

Subject to approval of the Head of School.

BIOL472

Conservation Biology

This course covers aspects of biology that are useful in applied conservation situations. In other words, how can ecologists help to preserve biodiversity? Topics covered include: what is rarity; extinction rates past and present; limiting factors in endangered species management; adaptive management of NZ species; reserve design in theory and practice; conservation and climate change. This course complements BIOL429 which looks at conservation genetics.

15 points

Subject to approval of the Head of School.

BIOL474

Global Change Biology

This course will address selected major issues concerning the role of biological processes in the Earth System and the impact on these of human activities (global change). Discussion will include carbon and nutrient cycling in terrestrial and marine ecosystems, the impacts of past and future climate change on biota, the significance of biodiversity loss on ecosystem processes and strategies to mitigate climate change.

15 points

Subject to approval of the Head of School.

BIOL479

Marine Biology and Ecology

This course focuses on current issues in marine biology and ecology. It includes a critical assessment of experimental approaches, ecological and physiological processes affecting the structure of marine communities and the application of research to current issues.

15 points

BIOL212 and BIOL384

BIOL473