1. Handbook
  2. Subjects
  3. Ecological Restoration

Ecological Restoration (FRST90034)

Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

You’re viewing the 2019 Handbook:
Or view archived Handbooks
You’re currently viewing the 2019 version of this subject

Overview

Availability
September
FeesLook up fees

Ecological Restoration examines the principles and practices needed to restore terrestrial ecosystems in a range of modified landscapes from settled to agricultural to forested. Its focus is ecological, although consideration is also given to socio-economic factors that influence restoration programs. Lectures and field trips explore ecological principles and projects from site to landscape scales, encompassing biodiversity values and ecosystem services. The subject is delivered as a two-week intensive, including a four-day field-based component run from the Creswick campus, followed by an overnight field trip to north-eastern Victoria, and then three final days at the Parkville campus.

Intended learning outcomes

At the end of this subject students will have an advanced understanding of:



  • Recognise the drivers and consequences of environmental degradation, and the associated need for ecological restoration.
  • Describe the principles that underpin sound ecological restoration with a focus on ecology and with a strong awareness of the social and economic aspects of ecological restoration.
  • Apply inter-disciplinary skills and knowledge to develop sound and realistic goals for ecological restoration at site to landscape scales.
  • Develop practical skills and strategies for ecological restoration including harnessing natural processes and planning for climate change.
  • Assess the uncertainties of ecological restoration and develop strategies for addressing those uncertainties.
  • Explain what constitutes successful ecological restoration and the associated ecological, social and economic benefits.

Generic skills

  • Capacity for independent critical thought, rational inquiry, and self-directed learning and research
  • Ability to synthesise environmental knowledge and propose solutions in applied situations
  • Ability to communicate complex environmental knowledge and research effectively to a range of audiences
  • Ability to work effectively in cross-disciplinary teams
  • Ability to plan work, use time effectively, and manage small projects
  • Technical skills for professional practice and research in field of specialisation

Last updated: 11 October 2023