Module Descriptors
WILDLIFE CRIME
BIOL50247
Key Facts
Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Sciences
Level 5
15 credits
Contact
Leader: John Dover
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 34
Independent Study Hours: 116
Total Learning Hours: 150
Assessment
  • PRACTICAL IN EXAMINATION CONDITIONS weighted at 30%
  • REPORT weighted at 70%
Module Details
Module Learning Strategies
This module will be delivered as a mix of lectures, practicals and guest lectures from professionals involved in the control of wildlife crime. Practical work and lectures will be delivered flexibly within 10x3h sessions to allow effective use of time (e.g. when delivering practicals which, after setting-up, require long processing times before results can be harvested). A further 4 hours will be used for guest lectures and/or visits. He Independent Study time will be used to carry out activities and research, and to prepare for the assessment.
Module Indicative Content
1. The legislation, nature, and extent of wildlife crime will be reviewed in the UK and Internationally
2. Measures put in place to control wildlife crime will be examined and their effectiveness assessed
3. Students will gain knowledge of, and practice with techniques, used in the identification of animal and plant material useful in the prosecution of wildlife crime (e.g. molecular techniques, identification of animal hair)
Module Additional Assessment Details
Students will be required to complete 2 pieces of summative assessment.
A one-hour practical test which will assess outcome 2
A 3000 word report which will assess outcome 1

Students will be provided with formative assessment and feedback via tutor feedback in practical sessions
Module Resources
Suitably equipped laboratory.
Access to the `Partnership for action against wildlife crime? website:
http://www.defra.gov.uk/paw/default.htm
Module Texts
Taylor, M.B. (1998) Wildlife Crime: A Guide to Wildlife Law Enforcement in the UK. The Stationery Office.
Frankham, R.; Ballou, J.D. & Briscoe, D.A. (2004) Introduction to Conservation Genetics. CUP, Cambridge
Reid, C. T. (2002) Nature Conservation Law. Sweet & Maxwell
Vantassel, S. (2003) Wildlife Forensic Field Manual. Wildlife Damage Control, Springfield MA