Last modified: 23 Jul 2024 11:10
Lectures and practical classes consider important and controversial conservation issues, encouraging you to discuss and develop your ideas and thinking. A visit to a local nature reserve introduces the management issues and opportunities facing small urban sites. An essay provides you with the opportunity to study a Biodiversity Action Plan species of your choice and to analyse critically the work undertaken to conserve it. Extended problem-solving exercises will develop your skills in diagnosing causes of species decline. Detailed feedback on written work which will help you consolidate your skills in scientific writing and writing for a more general audience.
| Study Type | Undergraduate | Level | 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term | Second Term | Credit Points | 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits) |
| Campus | Aberdeen | Sustained Study | Yes |
| Co-ordinators |
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This course aims to provide a basic understanding of the principles of conservation biology, using a wide range of case studies ranging from local Scottish habitats and species to those in more diverse tropical systems. It provides an overview of threats and issues facing biodiversity and the range of approaches to enhance populations and the habitats they live in. We focus on scientific aspects of conservation biology but also cover the key legislation, ethical, economic and management frameworks in which practical conservation action is taken.
This course encourages you to question accepted wisdom and your own views on particular issues and to be open to new approaches and ways of thinking about the natural world. Problems based around diagnosing the reasons for declines in species will enhance your capacity for conceptual and creative thinking, ability to identify problems and to apply suitable solutions. Assessments that require writing for a more general audience improve your ability to communicate effectively in different contexts.
By the end of the course, students should
Taught topics include:
(note that these may vary slightly from year to year)
Values of biodiversity
Role of ethics in nature conservation
Factors negatively affecting species (eg disease, inbreeding depression, over-exploitation, habitat loss, fragmentation)
Approaches to increase populations of declining species (eg reintroductions, ex-situ approaches, habitat restoration, site management, site monitoring, use of national and international legislation, agri-environment schemes)
| Description | Value |
|---|---|
| Course practicals require the use of a lab coat which can be purchased locally. | 15.0000 |
Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 50 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | Feedback Weeks | |||
| Feedback |
Open book exam in exam hall |
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
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| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 20 | |
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| Assessment Weeks | Feedback Weeks | |||
| Feedback | Word Count | |||
| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
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| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 30 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | Feedback Weeks | |||
| Feedback |
5 practical reports worth 6% each. Students will receive regular written feedback on each practical report before the start of the next practical class. Students who are identified as having difficulty in correctly completing the on-line tests will be invited to meet members of the course team to identify difficulties and discuss solutions. |
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
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There are no assessments for this course.
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | Feedback Weeks | |||
| Feedback |
Students will repeat whichever elements of the assessment were failed or not completed at first sitting; the marks for elements already passed will be carried forwards. |
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
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| Factual | Remember | ILO’s for this course are available in the course guide. |
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