The educational value of an All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory

A practical course is described that covers the conceptual scope and practi cal difficulties of biodiversity measurement, especially at the species lev el. Students were introduced to the value and constraints of biodiversity a ssessment through the design and implementation of an All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory in 4 ha of Eucalyptus woodland, The course included two initial discussion sessions, three field visits, three laboratory sessions to sort and catalogue specimens and a final discussion. In total, there were 4 hour s of discussion, 6 hours in the field and 9 hours Of formal laboratory sess ions. Student opinion on the approach was canvassed through a questionnaire ana the potential advantages and costs in terms of learning were evaluated . Although intensive, the course provided field skills, exposure to the var iety and number of organisms in real assemblages and a practical feel for b iological diversity that complemented a lecture series. It is well suited t o early undergraduate teaching, but can be adapted for high-school classes or more advanced undergraduates. Although this type of holistic exercise re quires some bravery on the part of staff, and confidence to let the design evolve under the direction of the students, the pay-off for each student ap pears to be high.