Overview

This module introduces students to some of the key theories and concepts underlying conservation science. The module is taught mainly through lectures, along with two field trips to put conservation issues into context. In addition, you will produce industry relevant pieces of coursework, which will develop your employability skills.

Examples of topics covered by this module: 1. Patterns of global biodiversity and global threats to species and habitats (including acknowledgement of ultimate drivers) 2. Ecosystem services, relationship of ecosystem services to biodiversity, externalities, under-supply of public goods, what kind of values does biodiversity/ecosystems have 3. Evidence of extinction crisis and trends in habitat etc 4. Major threats to biodiversity globally (invasive species, habitat loss and fragmentation, overexploitation and pollution/climate change) 5. Tragedy of the open access resources, causes and solutions to over-harvesting 6. Small population biology (including demographic/environmental stochasticity/allele effects/conservation genetics) 7. Island biogeography and applying theory of island biogeography to protected area design. 8. Selection of protected areas 9. Ex-situ conservation (reintroduction/metapopulation management)

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -Grade D- to D+ Assessments: Describe the objectives of the exercise and detail methods used to achieve the objectives. Present the results. Discuss the results using material provided in class. Examination answers: Summarise information given during the module and present it in a way that is relevant to the question.

-good -Grade C- to B+ Assessments: Describe the objectives of the exercise and detail methods used to achieve the objectives in a clear and concise manner. Present results in a clear and organised manner demonstrating understanding of relevant statistical results. Discuss the results largely using material provided in class. Examination answers: Summarise information given during the module and present it in a way that directly answers the question with elements of interpretation and discussion.

-excellent -Grade A- and above Assessments: Describe the objectives of the exercise and detail methods used to achieve the Objectives in a clear and concise manner. Present results in a clear and organised manner demonstrating understanding of relevant statistical results and being critical of their limitations as appropriate. Discuss the results largely using material in excess of that provided in class. Examination answers: Summarise information given during the module, and acquired through background reading/study, and present it in a way that directly answers the question with elements of clear interpretation and discussion.

Learning Outcomes

• Apply knowledge of the principles of species and habitat conservation to inform and engage the general public.

• Critique current conservation approaches with a view to making recommendations for enhanced conservation outcomes (e.g., in relation to appraising viability of populations of conservation concern and the process by which certain areas are selected for protection).

• Develop a multi-layered skillset for effective and visually captivating communication of critical contemporary conservation challenges (e.g., climate change, land use change, invasive species, etc.) to a range of stake-holders.

• Synthesise the multidisciplinary aspects of conservation and apply foundational theoretical knowledge to novel conservation challenges.