This module will make use of a series of case studies and lectures/workshops by staff and external speakers to introduce students to a range of practical considerations relevant to ecological project management and the working life of a professional ecologist. Topics to be covered will typically include: costing and tendering for consultancy projects, working with wildlife legislation, the role of the ecologist in Environmental Impact Assessment and Public Inquiries, public consultation, producing reports to a professional standard, working with volunteers/contractors and project management. We introduce students to the concept of entrepreneurship through external speakers who have their own consultancy companies.

- 40% 15-minute individual presentation of a fully-costed ecological survey tender.
To assess outcome 1

- 60% 3000-word assignment on environmental impact assessment, development mitigation, and relevant legislation.
To assess outcome 2

Additional Assessment Details (including formative feedback / assessment):
Students may submit a draft copy of the written assessment for formative feedback.

The framework of this module will be provided by a series of tutorials/workshops with case study examples as appropriate (16 hrs). Additional information will be provided in the form of a series of guest lectures by practitioners (8 hrs).

126h of preparation for assignments including reading, production of reports and power-point presentations, rehearsal of tender presentation

Anonymous (2006) Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment in the United Kingdom, Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management pp.67 (free web download http://www.ieem.org.uk/ecia/index.htm)
Anonymous (undated) Guidance on Survey Methodology, Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management pp.46 (free web download http://www.ieem.net/ecia/references.html)
Hayes, C., Whitehurst, J. et al. (2001) Great crested newt mitigation guidelines, Natural England pp.75 (free web download http://naturalengland.etraderstores.com/NaturalEnglandShop/newt1)
Sutherland, W.J. (2006) Ecological Census Techniques, Blackwell, Oxford

External speakers
Laptop and data projector
Library