12.5 Dr C J Weston First semester 26 hours lectures, two 1-day field excursions, and three 4-hour field practicals, and twelve hours of self study instruction By completion of the subject the student should:

• Understand the current status of the conservation of Australian forest and woodland communities.
• Have a basic knowledge of the complexities of the issues and of the ecosystems involved.
• Be able to develop a rational and well-argued position on conservation issues concerning Australian forests and woodlands.

Introduction to Australian forest and woodland communities and their conservation. Historical patterns of change in Australian landscapes. Current issues in the conservation of Australian forests and woodlands. Sustainable management in forest and woodland communities and the implications for old growth forests and conservation of forest types and wildlife. A 2-hour written examination at the end of the semester, one major assignment of not more than 3,000 words, and up to four short assignments based on practical work. Primack, R. , Essentials of Conservation Biology. Sinauer, Mass, 1993 Kirkpatrick, J. , A Continent Transformed: Human Impact on the Natural Vegetation of Australis. Oxford University Press, Melbourne, 1994