Module Specification |
| The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module. |
| Title | Conservation Biology | ||
| Code | LIFE326 | ||
| Coordinator |
Dr J Hodgson Evolution, Ecology and Behaviour Jenny.Hodgson@liverpool.ac.uk |
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| Year | CATS Level | Semester | CATS Value |
| Session 2016-17 | Level 6 FHEQ | Second Semester | 15 |
Pre-requisites before taking this module (other modules and/or general educational/academic requirements): |
| LIFE120 |
Modules for which this module is a pre-requisite: |
Co-requisite modules: |
Linked Modules: |
Teaching Schedule |
| Lectures | Seminars | Tutorials | Lab Practicals | Fieldwork Placement | Other | TOTAL | |
| Study Hours |
19 This refers to timetabled lectures in which key concepts are explained |
5 This refers to timetabled seminars with debates presented by groups of students |
.5 This refers to two short (up to 15 min) one-to-one tutorials; the first providing formative feedback on a coursework draft/plan, and the other providing summative feedback on coursework once marked |
24.5 | |||
| Timetable (if known) |
the seminars will take place in the second half of the semester
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Tutorials will take place before and after the coursework deadline in the middle of the semester
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| Private Study | 125.5 | ||||||
| TOTAL HOURS | 150 | ||||||
Assessment |
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| EXAM | Duration | Timing (Semester) |
% of final mark |
Resit/resubmission opportunity |
Penalty for late submission |
Notes |
| Unseen Written Exam | 120 | Semester 2 | 65 | Yes | Written Examination | |
| CONTINUOUS | Duration | Timing (Semester) |
% of final mark |
Resit/resubmission opportunity |
Penalty for late submission |
Notes |
| Coursework | 1500 words | Semester 2 | 25 | Yes | Standard UoL penalty applies | Essay |
| Coursework | 45 min | Semester 2 | 10 | No reassessment opportunity | Standard UoL penalty applies | Presentation and debate There is no reassessment opportunity, Notes (applying to all assessments) Assessment 2 is an essay, based on primary literature and fully referenced, explaining both sides of a "great conservation debate" topic, selected from five available topics. The deadline is scheduled shortly before the first of the oral debates (assessment 3). Assessment 3 is contribution to a PowerPoint presentation and debate in a group of 3-6 students. Therefore, the assessment cannot be anonymous, and resit is not possible in case of absence. Assessment 3: Over 5 sessions (lecture slots) of the course, there are 10 group presentations - 2 per session; one of 15 minutes "for" the motion, and one of 15 mins "against" the motion. The size of each presenting group depends on total class size. Students in those groups that are not presenting in a particular session are told to read two pieces of preliminary reading ahead of each debate, and to ask questions of each debate team at the end of the two presentations. A group mark is given for the PowerPoint slides and the group performance (overall timing etc.), and an individual mark is given for the performance of each person - both in their presentation and in how they performed during the post-presentation discussion and debate (15 mins). The marking sheet containing marking criteria are included in the course manual, and the students are given instant individual feedback at the end of the debate in which they gave a presentation. |
Aims |
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To develop in students the ability to explore current thinking and research in conservation biology.
To develop in students knowledge and understanding about patterns of biodiversity and to enable them to critically evaluate the evidence supporting alternative explanations for the extinctions or demise of many animal and some plant species. |
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Learning Outcomes |
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To construct justified arguments for the value of conserving biodiversity |
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To evaluate the human activities that affect biodiversity and describe how they act individually and in combination to affect individuals, populations and ecosystems |
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To evaluate, using case studies, the pros and cons of a wide range of conservation interventions, from international legal instruments to local habitat management |
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To analyze where conservation questions can be answered with scientific evidence, and where socio-economic and other types of information are more important |
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Teaching and Learning Strategies |
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Lecture - This refers to timetabled lectures in which key concepts are explained |
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Seminar - This refers to timetabled seminars with debates presented by groups of students the seminars will take place in the second half of the semester |
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Tutorials - This refers to two short (up to 15 min) one-to-one tutorials; the first providing formative feedback on a coursework draft/plan, and the other providing summative feedback on coursework once marked Tutorials will take place before and after the coursework deadline in the middle of the semester |
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Syllabus |
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| 1 |
Biodiversity and biodiversity loss Overexploitation of wildlife populations
Climate change impacts
Habitat loss and disturbance
Conservation genetics
Prioritizing choices of species and protected areas
E
cosystem services
Economics of conservation
Conservation practice in the UK and in developing countries
Lessons from past extinctions
Conservation and agriculture
Species Re-introductions
Accidental introductions |
Recommended Texts |
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Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module. Explanation of Reading List:
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