1. PROVIDE A COGENT, WELL INFORMED ARGUMENT EXPLAINING YOUR OPINIONS ON WHETHER AND WHY WE SHOULD CONSERVE SPECIES AND HABITATS, UNDERSTANDABLE BY THE LAYPERSON Knowledge and Understanding
Communication

2. CRITICALLY EVALUATE THE APPLICATION OF CONCEPTS, METHODOLOGIES AND THEORIES TO THE CONSERVATION OF BIODIVERSITY
Analysis
Application
Learning

1 Essay 50% 3000
2 Seen exam 50% 1 hour

The essay topics will be from a list relating to Conservation Biology.
The seen exam will consist of two written pieces approx. 30 mins on topics covered during the module.
Full details will be provided in the module handbook and the blackboard course pages available at the start of the module.

Conservation biology has been described as a ‘crisis discipline’ and as one of the most value-laden areas of biology. During this module we will examine both descriptors, and the implications for how we go about conserving biodiversity.

We will look at the various meanings of terms such as biodiversity, conservation and rarity. We will critically examine the role of zoos, biotechnology and species reintroductions as conservation strategies, as well as the role of ecological theories and concepts (e.g. Island Biogeography Theory, metapopulation theory, landscape ecology, population viability analysis). This will include a more general look at the role of theories and models in science. The single-species (e.g. flagship and umbrella species) and habitat-based (e.g. biodiversity hotspots) approaches will be examined.

Having covered the topics outlined above you will be in a better position to evaluate the ethical and pragmatic arguments for nature conservation, including policy decisions and strategic agendas such as ‘Biodiversity Net Gain’, to reach informed opinions.

Is conservation biology a crisis discipline? Join the module to find out and have your say. Of critical importance, conservation of the biodiversity is a major global challenge and one which we are currently losing.
Can we save the day? How can we manage and conserve habitats for species richness and diversity and yet cope with the demands of the growing human population? In this module we look at current debate and innovation in conservation.

A combination of tutor-led lectures and student-led conversation and workshop debate topic is how you will study in this module. Expect to undertake significant reading in relation to this topic and including advanced reviews and research papers. Preparatory work is required for workshop sessions.

Pullin, A. 2003. Conservation Biology
Meffe and Caroll. 1997. Fundamentals of Conservation Biology
Journals: Conservation Biology, Environmental Conservation, Biological Conservation

Suitable rooming for group work and discussion. Full IT facilities including screen casting.