Module Details
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 ADVANCED CONSERVATION BIOLOGY
Code ENVS423
Coordinator Dr CL Parr
Earth, Ocean and Ecological Sciences
Kate.Parr@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2013-14 M Level Second Semester 15

Aims

The aim of this module is to provide students with:

  • have a clear and critical appreciation of why the conservation of biodiversity is important.
  • understand the processes that lead to species extinctions including the effect of man
  • have an understanding of the strategies used in conservation planning, in situ, ex situ, and form global to local
  • have an insight into the science of restoration ecology
  • be able to apply scientific rigour when critically assessing the options available for conservation action in any given case
  • be able to present balanced, critical written and spoken accounts of scientific issues; and evaluate your own and others' performance and working standards.
  • gain team-building skills but will also be able to plan and execute work independently.
Restoration targets and conservation options in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

  •  Demonstrate an understanding of human interactions on the biodiversity
  •  Understand the different roles that natural and anthropogenic factors play in the process of species extinction
  •  Demonstrate knowledge of a series of key case studies which will illustrate interactions between human activities and terrestrial and marine ecosystems.
  • Critically analyse and assess previously published materials and synthesize into an appropriate case study.
  • Present and run workshops

Syllabus
Overview 

The selection of topics covered by staff will vary dependent on personal interests, but will cover a range of topics and ways in which humans have impacted upon the environment and how these impacts can be mitigated.


Teaching and Learning Strategies

This module will integrate lectures with 6 student-led workshops where they will present and discuss a case study on the conservation of a species or ecosystem.


Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 20

 6

       6

 32
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 118
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
             
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
3 x Case-study reports (1750 words), each worth 33%  2   Semester 2  100  Yes  Standard university penalty applies (section 6 of the Code of Practice on Assessment)  You will be required to participate in all six workshops, but can choose three reports to write up for assessment purposes.  

Recommended Texts

No specific text is recommended for this module, but students may wish to consider viewing:

Green, B.H. (1996). Countryside conservation. Spon, London. [QH77.G7.G79]

Pullin, A.S. (2002). Conservation Biology. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.  [QH75.P98]

Primack, R.B. (2006). Essentials of Conservation Biology.  Sinauer Associates, Sunderland, Mass.   (HCL QH75.P75.4).