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ESC-40123 - Module Specification
School of Life Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2025/26 Last Updated: 04 December 2025

ESC-40123 - Quantitative Skills for Conservation Ecology
Coordinator: Christian Devenish
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 7
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office: 01782 734414

Programme/Approved Electives for 2025/26

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2025/26

You will study ecological data analysis techniques using R software as well as other dedicated software for conservation ecology computational methods. You will complete guided lab exercises and further self-study tutorials in practical techniques used in the conservation ecology sector. These skills will be put to practical use in other modules on the programme.

Aims
You will develop an advanced level of proficiency in ecological data analysis in R. It will will allow you to gain essential practice in analysing biodiversity data from field surveys and large data bases. You will also develop hand-on experience of state of the art and industry-standard analytical software.

Intended Learning Outcomes

justify and apply advanced ecological and statistical analyses to biodiversity and environmental data for site and species conservation approaches: 1
develop competence in industry standard tools and practical techniques for the conservation ecology sector: 1
demonstrate professional level competence in transferable skills, including data analysis skills and critical thinking: 1

Study hours

30 hrs: 10 x 3hr lectures or class workshops
4 hrs: tutorials or drop-in sessions
40 hrs: 20 x 2hr directed reading
76 hrs: assessment preparation and independent study:
Data analysis practice for assessment (30 hrs)
Tutorials on software tools

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Portfolio weighted 100%
Ecological data analysis
The portfolio will consist of two tasks: First, a computer-based task assessing skills in R statistical software, methods and protocols taught during the module. The students will answer questions on a provided data set. Multiple data sets will be available, with students randomly assigned a data set to answer questions on. The task will be submitted electronically as a zipped folder containing the whole analysis workflow, including scripts, data and output. Second, an applied ecological data analysis with specialist software used during the module. This will be submitted as a word-processed document with analysis description, methods and results (2000 words).

The University undertakes a continuous review of its teaching and research provision to ensure programmes are of a high quality and changes may be made to modules where it is necessary and reasonable to do so. Please be aware that minor changes to modules, such as a change to an individual assessment, can occur up until enrolment, although we endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes. Details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/legalgovernancecompliance/governance/actcharterstatutesordinancesandregulations/studenttermsconditions/

Last Updated: 04 December 2025