Modiwl DXX-2009:
Conservation Practice
Conservation Practice 2023-24
DXX-2009
2023-24
School of Environmental & Natural Sciences
Module - Semester 2
20 credits
Module Organiser:
Leejiah Dorward
Overview
1) To provide training in some of the skills used by professional conservationists: a) Conservation monitoring (some theory eg type I and type I errors, the concept of power) and introduction to some UK based and international schemes b) Study design and experimental design for conservation biology and ecology (stratification, precision and bias) c) Estimating population size (quadrats, mark and recapture, distance sampling, territory mapping); d) Measuring biodiversity across scales (diversity indices); e) Management planning and measurable indicators of conservation state including, including common standards monitoring and compliance monitoring. f) Understanding human behaviour 2) Understanding conservation responses: a) Buisness and biodiversity b) Biodiversity offsets and Payments for Ecosystem Services c) Landscape scale conservation d) local case studies of real world conservation projects.
Assessment Strategy
Threshold (40-49%): A threshold student should have a basic knowledge of the essential facts and key concepts presented in the module. Written work should demonstrate a basic ability to synthesise and interpret information from lectures, field trips, practicals and readings in a structured and logical manner, and all assessments should demonstrate the general capacity to organise acquired knowledge.
Good (50-69%): A good student should have thorough factual knowledge across all aspects of the module, and be able to cite examples and case studies where appropriate. Written work should demonstrate an ability to think about the subject and to synthesise lecture material, information from practicals and field trips, and some information from background reading into coherent arguments.
Excellent (70-100%): An excellent student should have a high level of detailed factual knowledge across all aspects of the module, and be able to detail examples and case studies where appropriate. Written work should demonstrate an ability to think critically about the subject and to synthesise lecture material, information from practicals and field trips, and information from extensive background reading in support of detailed, developed arguments.
Learning Outcomes
- Apply principles of sampling and experimental design to studies in conservation.
- Discuss and critically evaluate potential responses to biodiversity loss.
- Structure a coherent written argument with reference to the literature.
- Understand and be able to implement common field techniques used by conservation professionals and researchers.
- Understand the fundamentals of conservation management planning.
Assessment method
Exam (Centrally Scheduled)
Assessment type
Summative
Description
Exam
Weighting
50%
Assessment method
Class Test
Assessment type
Summative
Description
Mid-Term Test
Weighting
10%
Due date
26/04/2024
Assessment method
Essay
Assessment type
Summative
Description
Management planning essay with a strict 1,000 word limit (excluding references)
Weighting
40%
Due date
03/05/2024