- Academic Registry
Course & Unit Catalogues


SL30055: Conservation biology

[Page last updated: 09 August 2024]

Academic Year: 2024/25
Owning Department/School: Department of Life Sciences
Credits: 6 [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
Notional Study Hours: 120
Level: Honours (FHEQ level 6)
Period:
Semester 2
Assessment Summary: EX 70%, SM 30%
Assessment Detail:
  • Seminar (SM 30%)
  • Examination (EX 70%)
Supplementary Assessment:
SL30055 Re-assessment Examination (where allowed by programme regulations)
Requisites: Before taking this module you are advised to ( take BB20040 AND take BB20041 ) OR take SL20006
Learning Outcomes: After taking this course the student should be able to:
* define the term biodiversity and explain how it is quantified at different spatial, temporal and organismal scales;
* describe the range of threats to biodiversity and how they operate at different nested scales;
* provide an overview of the general aims of conservation and how it is implemented through a framework of local action, NGO strategies and national/ international legislation;
* provide examples to illustrate how theoretical and practical research within the field of conservation biology underpins the planning, implementation and outcomes of conservation action.


Aims: To develop an understanding of the practice and theoretical basis of conservation biology, and to explore its drivers, contexts and potential outcomes at local, national and global levels.

Skills: Learning and studying T/F/A, Written communication T/F/A, Oral communication T/F/A, Information handling & retrieval T/F/A, Working independently T/F.

Content: This course comprises of a series of lectures, group discussions; and the students will have a chance to carry out simple research-based projects. The topics will include: Measuring biodiversity and threats; Concepts of conservation and sustainable development; Design and Management of Protected Areas; Evolution, genetics and Conservation; Skills for biodiversity management and conservation biologists; Science to underpin conservation action.

Course availability:

SL30055 is Optional on the following courses:

Department of Life Sciences

Notes:

  • This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2024/25 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2025/26 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2024/25.
  • Courses and units are subject to change in accordance with normal University procedures.
  • Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.
  • Find out more about these and other important University terms and conditions here.