University of the West of England
MODULE SPECIFICATION
(Revised November 2002)
Code: USSJGB-20-3 Title: Applied Conservation Biology Version:
Level: UWE credit rating: ECTS credit rating:
Owning Faculty: Applied Sciences Field:
Valid from: September 2005 Discontinued from:
Pre-requisites: Conservation Biology
Learning outcomes:
- describe in detail the interactions between human activities and conservation strategies, drawing on a range of case studies;
- critically evaluate the range of procedures for limiting future impacts of environmental change on conservation practices;
- develop a species action plan with detailed reference to at least one anthropogenic driver of environmental change;
- evaluate the effectiveness of education and public awareness initiatives in changing public attitudes to biodiversity conservation.
Syllabus outline:
The module will expand upon the core concepts and applications delivered in the Conservation Biology module, with emphasis on the interaction between human activities and conservation. The module will include the following subject areas:
Global environmental change.
The impact of environmental change on species populations and habitats, including climatic and land-use changes, population exploitation and species introductions. Techniques and procedures for limiting the future impact of environmental change and analysis of current conservation practices.
Species Action Plans (SAPs).
Principles of SAP's, procedures and requirements. Students will be required to formulate a detailed species action plan for the written assignment.
UK and International Biodiversity strategy analysis.
Detailed investigation into the UK biodiversity strategy at both national and international levels. Detailed analysis of key UK legislation and policy documents including UK conservation infrastructure and operations (Biological Action Plans (BAPs), Wildlife Trusts, Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), English Nature, Joint Nature Conservation Committee). Global strategies for plant conservation and links to sustainability issues.
Environmental awareness.
Public awareness and understanding of environmental issues. Principles of science communication, conservation campaigning and changing public attitudes to biodiversity conservation.
Elective Topic.
Students will be required to undertake their own investigation of a specific subject area associated with applied conservation biology that is not explicitly taught on the module. The student will then be required to integrate their elective topic into their species action plan and be tested on the subject within the examination. Indicative subject areas include:
Ecotourism
Species re-introduction programmes
Habitat creation or restoration
Alien species
Exotic diseases
Over-exploitation of populations
Teaching and learning methods:
The module is delivered through a portfolio of lectures and workshops, but emphasis will be on student-centred activities, notably the development of the species action plan. The application of key concepts and principles will be explored in depth through analysis of a series of case studies. The module will use UWE's Computer Learning Environment to integrate the student experience with both the taught material and online resources and webpages.
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.
Cronk, C. & Fuller, J. (2001) Plant Invaders. Earthscan, London.
Gaston, K.J. (1996) Biodiversity: A Biology of Numbers and Differences. Blackwell Scientific, Oxford.
Maxted, N, Ford-loyd, B.V. & Hawkes, J.G. (1997) Plant Genetic Conservation. Chapman & Hall, London.
Milner-Gulland, E.J. & Mace, R. (1998) Conservation of Biological Resources. Blackwell Scientific, Oxford.
Journals:
Conservation Biology
Biological Conservation
Journal of Applied Ecology
Online materials:
www.defra.gov.uk - Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
www.jncc.gov.uk - Joint Nature Conservation Committee
www.ukbap.org.uk - UK Biodiversity Action Plan
www.ukcites.gov.uk - Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, UK
www.iucn.org - International Union for the Conservation of Nature
www.marlin.ac.uk - Marine Life Information Network for Britain.
www.iwcoffice.org - International Whaling Commission.
www.ices.dk - International Council for the Exploration of the Seas.
Assessment
Weighting between components A and B (standard modules only) A: 60% B: 40%
ATTEMPT 1
First Assessment Opportunity
Component A (controlled) Element weighting
EX3 |
Examination (3 Hours) |
|
Component B
Description of each element Element weighting
Second Assessment Opportunity (further attendance at taught classes )
Component A
Description of each element Element weighting
EX3 |
Examination (3 Hours) |
|
Component B
Description of each element Element weighting
SECOND (OR SUBSEQUENT) ATTEMPT Attendance at taught classes .
Specification confirmed by …………………………………………………Date ……………………………
(Associate Dean/Programme Director)