Define conditions and resources in an ecological context: Define ecology, ecosystem, habitat, biome. Soil factors (texture, structure, pH, moisture content, nutrient status), topographic factors (slope aspect, altitude), impact of man. Biotic versus abiotic, light, water, salinity, temperature, space, mates, prey, food.

Examine species interactions: Predation, competition (interspecific and intraspecific), mutualism, parasitism, commensalism.
Investigate sources of energy and production of matter: Solar radiation, temperature, chemical energy, autotrophs, heterotrophs, decomposers, Net Primary Production (NPP) & Gross Primary Production (GPP), global patterns in NPP (terrestrial and marine). Photosynthesis and chemosynthesis.

Flow of energy and matter through an ecosystem: nutrient cycles, biogeochemical cycles, pyramids of numbers, pyramids of biomass, pyramids of energy, organic matter build-up, food chains and food webs.

Introduction to Biodiversity – definition, importance, measuring and monitoring. Causes of loss (fragmentation, habitat destruction, pollution, climate change, over harvest, invasive species)

Concept of niche: Niche boundaries, resource and interaction limitations on boundaries, fundamental and realised niches.

Succession: Pioneer versus climax species and characteristics, Connell and Slayter theories, physical and biological changes to conditions and resources.

Practical data collection techniques and wildlife surveys: Phase 1 Habitat surveys, Diversity, point quadrats, frame quadrats, transect sampling, mark-recapture, random/systematic sampling, hypothesis and null hypothesis. Importance of consistency and accuracy in measuring and monitoring.

Calculations of biodiversity – Simpson’s diversity Index, Biological Monitoring Working Party scoring, displaying data and survey results.

Habitat Management – National and international level cooperation and habitat protection schemes, history and change in use of landscape. Impact of long-term monitoring.

Evaluation and Analysis of local and National Conservation projects – habitat based vs species based, specific case studies.

Produce a report (70%) that demonstrates knowledge and understanding of ecological concepts and investigates the species present in a nominated area. The report needs to illustrate an understanding of a range of ecological survey techniques and data analysis and make conclusions about the health of the habitat surveyed (LO’s 1, 2 and 3).

A written assessment in the form of an essay (30%) investigating a conservation project within the UK highlighting the positive and negative aspects and suggests viable and actionable improvements that could be made to the project (LO 4).

The module will also involve a range of formative assessment techniques to assess learning and progress throughout the module including self, peer and tutor evaluation, targeted questioning and critical analysis of techniques and skills.

Although this intended as a face to face delivery module, there is opportunity and expectation that there is flexibility in the delivery of the theory elements and use of online and remote learning will be available as required

This module will be delivered via classroom sessions (60 hrs over 1 semester) that will deliver theory via a range of methods such as traditional lectures, group activities, guest speakers, individual tasks, questioning, role play, modelling, kinaesthetic activities, short research tasks and tutorials and seminars to develop underpinning knowledge and understanding and will include practical sessions involving animal observations, on and off-site field work and visits.

On top of this it is expected that students will partake in at least 140 hours of independent learning for this module. This will include, but is not limited to, preparation for classroom sessions (20hrs), extending classroom notes via extended reading and research (50 hrs), completion of tasks leading from classroom sessions and VLE based tasks (30hrs) and researching, planning and producing assignments (40 hrs).

Technology enhanced learning: All module material will be made available electronically on a Microsoft Teams based virtual learning environment. This will include the ability for students to access some lectures remotely - either live or via asynchronous delivery of voiced over slides, screen capture demonstrations or in house produced training videos. This will also allow formative tasks and in class exercises to be completed and reviewed live. It will allow the linking of technology based supplementary material including, but not limited to, journal links, live seminars and conferences, you tube videos, animal live webcams at zoos and wild areas, online software such as Google Map layers and MINITAB. Use of collaborative learning platforms (e.g. Google whiteboard), Quizizz and other interactive learning, progress and assessment tools and the internet in general will also be used to enhance learning. The college has bookable laptops for student use in all teaching blocks for students that do not have their own hardware to access this material in classroom based sessions. Students will also have their own ProPortal page that can be used to monitor and track their pastoral and academic progress, career development and personal targets and is managed by the tutor through ProMonitor.
Work placements are logged and tracked through Grofar, within which, students, tutors and placement mentors can communicate and track learning.

1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of fundamental ecological principles.

Knowledge and Understanding
Learning

2. Perform an ecological survey to investigate the biodiversity of a nominated habitat.

Enquiry
Application

3. Display and analyse the results of an ecological survey.

Analysis
Communication
Reflection

4. Investigate regional and national conservation projects and discuss their impact and effectiveness on species, habitats and biodiversity

Knowledge and Understanding
Learning

ITC Facilities with internet access
Staffordshire University Library
Well-equipped classroom facilities
Rodbaston Animal Zone
~150 hectare managed college owned estate of mixed arable and livestock farmland, ancient woodland, wetlands, ponds, pools and grasslands
Appropriately equipped laboratory
Virtual Learning Environment
Learning Support Centre
Industry Links

Essential Reading

Morrison, M. L., Mathewson, H, A. (2021) Wildlife Habitat Conservation: Concepts, Challenges and Solutions. John Hopkins University Press. Reprint Edition

Recommended Reading

Sutherland, W. J (Ed) Brotherton, P., Davies, Z., Ockendon, N., Pettorelli, N. & Vickery, J.(2020) Conservation Research, Policy and Practice (Ecological Reviews). Cambridge University Press

Fa, Funk and O’Connell (2011) Zoo Conservation Biology. Cambridge University Press

Hambler & Canney (2013) Conservation. Cambridge University Press


Journals
Conservation Biology
Zoology
Zoo Biology
International Zoo Yearbook
Behavioural Ecology
Animal Behaviour
The UFAW Journal – Animal Welfare