Module BIOL3331: CONSERVATION BIOLOGY

Department: BIOLOGICAL AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES

BIOL3331: CONSERVATION BIOLOGY

Prerequisites

• None.

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• To introduce students to the broad range of issues and considerations relevant to the conservation of species.
• To conduct a supervised investigation of an area within Biological Sciences where knowledge obtained by laboratory experimentation, field work or literature search is important.

Content

• Why conserve biodiversity? Distribution and abundance.
• Effective population size, genetic diversity and individual fitness.
• Phylogenetic diversity and uniqueness.
• Extinctions.
• Species vulnerability.
• Keystone species, mutualisms.
• Characteristics of invasive plant species and invaded ecosystems.
• Consequences of plant invasions on biodiversity, human health and quality of life.
• Mammalian introductions.
• Insect pest control.
• Habitat structure.
• Population structure and demographics: Population bottlenecks.
• Global environmental change.
• Impacts of land use and natural resource exploitation upon habitat availability and quality.
• Atmospheric pollutants: acidification, nitrogen enrichment, enhance UV-B exposure and climate change.
• Quantifying diversity: Global biodiversity hotspots: Minimising impact.
• Protected areas.
• Conserving genetic diversity: species action plans.
• Zoos.
• Botanic gardens.
• Wildlife utilisation and ecotourism.
• Restoration of degraded land and creation of habitats.
• Project - a supervised investigation of an area within Biological Sciences where knowledge obtained by laboratory experimentation or database information retrieval and analysis is important.

Learning Outcomes

• By the end of this module each student should be able to: Provide sufficient background information to set the field in context with related fields in biology.
• To explain the importance of conserving biodiversity.
• To define the risks to the future survival of species.
• To explain the interdependence of species.
• To review the impact of human populations on endangered species.
• To review the various measures that can be undertaken to preserve diversity and protect species and their habitats.

• Extract, compile and review relevant scientific information from sources and evaluate them critically.
• Acquire, interpret and critically analyse experimental and field data and present the results effectively.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Taught Component: Teaching and learning in this component is primarily through the means of lectures.
• Additionally the students will be expected to undertake a research project.
• Skills will be acquired through the analysis and presentation of data.
• Knowledge will be formatively assessed through the use of a literature review associated with their project.
• Understanding will be summatively assessed by means of a written examination.
• Project Component: Teaching and learning in this component is primarily through a directed literature search.
• Skills will be acquired through searching, retrieval and presentation of data.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Literature review associated with the project.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University