BIOL332-19S2 (C) Semester Two 2019

Genetics, Evolution and Ecology of Invasive Species

15 points

Details:
Start Date: Monday, 15 July 2019
End Date: Sunday, 10 November 2019
Withdrawal Dates
Last Day to withdraw from this course:
  • Without financial penalty (full fee refund): Friday, 26 July 2019
  • Without academic penalty (including no fee refund): Friday, 27 September 2019

Description

An introduction to the genetics and evolution of biological invasions, including the use of molecular tools to answer applied questions regarding the source, spread, and effects of introduced organisms within an ecological context.

Goals of the course
To introduce students to the genetics and evolution of invasive species, to develop an understanding of the evolution of invasiveness and to provide skills in the use of molecular tools to answer applied questions regarding the source and spread of introduced organisms.

Learning Outcomes

The Student will:
1. An appreciation of the scale of biological invasions in New Zealand
2. The ability to interpret and evaluate primary literature using molecular tools in
invasion biology
3. Understand the application of molecular tools to identify species, source populations,
individuals and invasion routes from genetic data
4. An appreciation of the role of genetic variation in biological invasions
5. An understanding of the importance of hybridisation in the invasion process
6. An understanding of the impact of invasive species on the genetics and evolution of
non-invasive species.

Transferable Skills Register
Synthesising information. In everyday life and in many job situations you will be required to
read information from different sources, construct your own understanding and shape your
own viewpoint. In the lectures and research proposal assessment you will develop your
abilities to identify the essential elements of research outputs.

Preparation of a research grant proposal. Obtaining funding is a requirement in all fields of
science. In the research proposal assessment you will learn how to prepare a grant
application in which you will request funding for a novel research project. This will involve
developing skills in formulating clear objectives, preparing a concise review of the literature
to support the proposal, and a detailed summary of the methods you plan to use to complete
the proposed study.

Prerequisites

Course Coordinator

For further information see School of Biological Sciences Head of Department

Assessment

Assessment Due Date Percentage 
Final Exam 40%
Final research proposal 25%
Initial research proposal outline 15%
In class Test 20%

Notes

Feedback from Previous Course Surveys:

Student ratings 2014
1. This was a well organised course 5.0
2. Course helped to stimulate my interest 4.7
3. Workload appropriate 4.3
4. Opportunities for active student participation 4.3
5. Feedback was helpful and timely 5.0
6. Overall, this was a good quality course 4.3

The following issues were raised in written feedback by students at the end of the course. The
responses were collated by the course coordinator and common responses scored. Action taken in response to feedback is indicated in CAPITALS.

Which aspects of this course were most positive?
The research proposal was challenging but a good experience.
I enjoyed the project topic and thought it was a good way to learn about preparing proposals,
which will be useful in my professional life as a scientist.
Really good lecturers. Approachable and friendly.
The summary (review) lectures were incredibly helpful.

How could this course be enhanced to assist your learning?
Offering a 'tutorial' or something in which to ask questions/more explanation about the
proposal would be really helpful. WE HAVE ADDED A TUTORIAL SECTION, IN PART TO ADDRESS THIS.

Indicative Fees

Domestic fee $883.00

International fee $4,000.00

* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.

For further information see School of Biological Sciences .

All BIOL332 Occurrences

  • BIOL332-19S2 (C) Semester Two 2019
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