University of the West of England
MODULE SPECIFICATION
(Revised November 2002)
Code: USSJGA-20-2 Title: Conservation Biology Version:
Level: UWE credit rating: ECTS credit rating:
Owning Faculty: Health and Life Sciences Field: Applied Sciences
Valid from: September 2004 Discontinued from:
Pre-requisites: USSJNS-40-1 Living World
Learning outcomes:
- discuss the importance of biodiversity and the need for its conservation;
- recognise those factors that make individual species or populations vulnerable to extinction;
- make reasoned, practical suggestions for the conservation of biodiversity at a range of levels (e.g. population, species, habitat);
- compare and contrast a range of conservation strategies.
Syllabus outline:
Introduction to Conservation Biology
What is Conservation Biology? Historical origins. Ethical issues - why conserve? Biological diversity at a genetic, species and community level. Trophic complexity and stability. Keystone species. Global distribution of biodiversity.
Losses of biological diversity
Past rates of extinction. Island biography and modern extinction rates. Local extinctions. Vulnerablility to extinction - fitness and viability of populations.
Causes of extinctions
Habitat destruction, fragmentation, degradation and pollution. Overexploitation. Exotic species, introductions and disease.
Conservation at the population level
Genetic variability. Metapopulation analysis. Monitoring populations. Population viability analysis. Diagnosis of declines. Treatment of declines.
Conservation at a habitat level
Sensitive habitats. Establishing protected areas. Designing protected areas - reserve size, edge effects and fragmentation, wildlife corridors.
Ex-situ conservation strategies
Zoos. Botanical gardens. Aquaria. Seed banks.
Teaching and learning methods:
The key themes will be delivered through a series of lectures supported by tutorials and workshops, including computer workshops where appropriate. The practical aspects of conservation biology will be explored via a series of visits to organisatons involved in ex-situ conservation (e.g. Bristol Zoo, Bristol Botanic gardens, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, National Marine Aquarium) and use will be made of the ARKive database of UK and International endangered species both to illustrate key themes and as a research tool for student-centred learning acitivites. The module will be fully suported by the University's Computer Learning Environment.
Reading Strategy
All students will be encouraged to make full use of the print and electronic resources available to them through membership of the University. These include a range of electronic journals and a wide variety of resources available through web sites and information gateways. The University Library’s web pages provide access to subject relevant resources and services, and to the library catalogue. Many resources can be accessed remotely. Students will be presented with opportunities within the curriculum to develop their information retrieval and evaluation skills in order to identify such resources effectively.
This guidance will be available either in the module handbook, via the module information on UWEonline or through any other vehicle deemed appropriate by the module/programme leaders.
Primack, R.B. (1993) Essentials of Conservation Biology. Sinauer Associates Inc., Massachusetts, USA.
Caughley, G. & Gunn, A. (1995) Conservation Biology in Theory and Practice. Blackwell Scientific, Oxford.
Hunter, M.L. & Sulzer, A. (1995) Fundamentals of Conservation Biology. Blackwell Scientific, Oxford.
Jeffries, M.J. (1997) Biodiversity and Conservation. Routledge, London.
Meffe, G.K., and others (1994) Principles of Conservation Biology. Sinauer Associates Inc., Massachusetts, USA.
Spellerberg, I.F. (ed) (1996) Conservation Biology. Longman, Harlow, UK.
Gibbs, J.P. and others (1998) Problem-solving in Conservation Biology and Wildlife Management: Exercises for Class, Field and Laboratory. Blackwell Scientific, Oxford.
Journals:
Biological Conservation
Journal of Applied Ecology
Websites:
ARKive - www.arkive.org
UK BAP - www.ukbap.org.uk
International Union for the Conservation of Nature - www.iucn.org
Marlin: The Marine Life Information Network - www.marlin.ac.uk
Marine Conservation Society - www.mcsuk.org
Assessment
Weighting between components A and B (standard modules only) A: 50% B: 50%
ATTEMPT 1
First Assessment Opportunity
Component A (controlled) Element weighting
EX2 |
Examination (2 Hours) |
1 |
Component B
Description of each element Element weighting
3 | ||
WA1 |
2 | |
Second Assessment Opportunity (further attendance at taught classes )
Component A
Description of each element Element weighting
EX2 |
Examination (2 Hours) |
1 |
Component B
Description of each element Element weighting
1 | ||
SECOND (OR SUBSEQUENT) ATTEMPT Attendance at taught classes .
Specification confirmed by …………………………………………………Date ……………………………
(Associate Dean/Programme Director)