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BB30156: Conservation biology

[Page last updated: 04 August 2021]

Academic Year: 2021/2
Owning Department/School: Department of Biology & Biochemistry
Credits: 6 [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
Notional Study Hours: 120
Level: Honours (FHEQ level 6)
Period:
Semester 2
Assessment Summary: EX 70%, SM 30%
Assessment Detail:
  • Seminar (SM 30%)
  • Examination (EX 70%)
Supplementary Assessment:
BB30156 Re-assessment Examination (where allowed by programme regulations)
Requisites: Before taking this module you are advised to take BB20040 AND take BB20041
Aims: To develop an understanding of the practice and theoretical basis of conservation biology, and to explore its drivers, contexts and potential outcomes at local, national and global levels.

Learning Outcomes: After taking this course the student should be able to:
* define the term biodiversity and explain how it is quantified at different spatial, temporal and organismal scales;
* describe the range of threats to biodiversity and how they operate at different nested scales;
* provide an overview of the general aims of conservation and how it is implemented through a framework of local action, NGO strategies and national/ international legislation;
* provide examples to illustrate how theoretical and practical research within the field of conservation biology underpins the planning, implementation and outcomes of conservation action.

Skills: Learning and studying T/F/A, Written communication T/F/A, Oral communication T/F/A, Information handling & retrieval T/F/A, Working independently T/F.

Content: This course comprises of a series of lectures, group discussions; and the students will have a chance to carry out simple research-based projects. The topics will include: Measuring biodiversity and threats; Concepts of conservation and sustainable development; Design and Management of Protected Areas; Evolution, genetics and Conservation; Skills for biodiversity management and conservation biologists; Science to underpin conservation action.

Programme availability:

BB30156 is Optional on the following programmes:

Department of Biology & Biochemistry

Notes:

  • This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2021/22 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2022/23 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2021/22.
  • Programmes and units are subject to change in accordance with normal University procedures.
  • Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.
  • Find out more about these and other important University terms and conditions here.