Programme/Approved Electives for 2020/21
None
Available as a Free Standing Elective
No
LSC-10062 Biodiversity, Ecology and Environment or LSC-20055 Life at the Extremes or equivalent or LSC 20097 Environmental Biology
The module in Conservation Biology takes a practical approach to introduce students to the many threats to Earth's biodiversity and how conservation can be used to protect species, habitats and ecosystems from human-caused extinction. Students will work on a real world ecological consultancy scenario that is independently written up. Through the use of virtual field trips and desk-top studies, students will produce a preliminary ecological assessment for a site of biological and historical importance, demonstrating the often conflicting interests that have to be taken into consideration. Guest speakers from conservation organisations will be used to demonstrate the various practical aspects of conserving nature.
Aims
The module aims to enhance student learning by using an applied evidence-based approach to introduce students to the science and practice of Conservation Biology. The module builds on the Ecology and Environment theme that runs through the degree. The practical nature of this module will prepare students for a career in ecological consultancy.
Talis Aspire Reading ListAny reading lists will be provided by the start of the course.http://lists.lib.keele.ac.uk/modules/lsc-30043/lists
Intended Learning Outcomes
explain the fundamental principles of Conservation Biology: 2critically appraise the role of conservation programmes in maintaining biodiversity over a range of resolutions, from genes to biomes: 2critically review past, current and future threats to biodiversity using real world examples of the biocrisis: 2evaluate the conservation status of a habitat and carry out a preliminary ecological assessment: 2
Scheduled learning/teaching:18 hours of lectures3 hours of Q&A sessions to support lectures9 hours of tutorials (online exercises, Q&A sessions, exam revision support)Independent study:118 hours of private study2 hours examination
LSC-10062 Biodiversity, Ecology and Environment or LSC-20055 Life at the Extremes or equivalent or LSC-20097 Environmental BiologyHuman Biology students must have done ESC-20017 Human Impacts on the Environment or LSC-20097 Environmental Biology. International/transfer students must have a module in ecology or equivalent.
Description of Module Assessment
1: Portfolio weighted 40%Preliminary ecological assessment for a selected site and surrounding environsPortfolio comprises:
1. 2000 word "preliminary ecological assessment report" appraising the conservation value of a site and assessing how biodiversity could be impacted.
2. Desk top study of internet search outputs
2: Open Book Examination weighted 60%Online open book examThe paper will be released on the KLE as a Word document at 9am on the morning of the exam.
The paper will comprise a choice of 2 out of 5 essay-based questions.
Students should answer each question in a separate word document, clearly labelling each question as they provide their answers. Work will be submitted to Turnitin no later than 5pm on the day of release. International students will be asked to notify the School if they need an extension due to different time zones.
Although students have been given significant time to complete this exam script (9am-5pm), we expect most students to spend no more than 2 hrs. Answers should be as accurate and concise as possible.
For essay-based questions, typical answers would be in the range of 500-750 words per question. We recommend that students do not exceed 750 words per essay-based question as we will be assessing the quality of your answer, not the quantity.