Biogeography and Conservation

Module Provider: Geography and Environmental Science
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Module version for: 2016/7

Summary module description:
Biogeography with its focus on the distribution of plants and animals at a range of scales, provides an important theoretical framework within which to evaluate the increasing impact of human activity upon the global biota. The module will examine principles of biogeography, including the historical development of the discipline, the rapidly evolving policy context and recent thinking and techniques in nature conservation using case studies from the UK, Europe and around the world. The focus will be at the landscape scale, in recognition of the increasing importance of landscape for the protection and restoration of species and habitats.

In particular, students will learn about 'valuing nature' as part of the ecosystem approach; mapping and understanding species distribution patterns using the UK National Biodiversity Network database; policy and planning in nature conservation; restoration ecology and current debates about invasive species. The module will include some fieldwork.

Aims:
To examine human impacts on species and habitats at a range of spatial and temporal scales using a combination of case studies and computer-based practicals, and to explore options for protection.

Assessable learning outcomes:
On completion of this module it is expected that a student will:

- Be aware of the range of ideas, techniques and philosophical debates surrounding the conservation of the world?s biota and ecosystems

- Give a reasoned account of the factors that determine the distribution of species and habitats at a range of scales, from the local to the global

- Recognise and evaluate the dynamic nature of ecosystems

- Evaluate the degree of human impact within a policy context and understand the potential for ecosystem restoration at landscape scales

- Demonstrate the importance of the Earth's ecosystems to society and to consider their prospects in a rapidly changing social and physical world

- Learn about the application of spatial techniques in GIS to map, interpret and apply biological/environmental data and apply it to solve problems in nature conservation. A pre-requisite for this Module is GV2SDA.

Additional outcomes:
Students will have the opportunity to use GIS and other software packages for practical coursework.

Outline content:
An introduction on the importance of biogeography is followed by lectures on: species distribution patterns; valuing nature; ecological restoration; invasive species; species and habitat mapping and biological recording; policy and techniques in nature conservation. The Module assessment is 100% coursework.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Lectures, practicals and some fieldwork, plus some IT-based analysis of biological and habitat data from a range of sources.

Contact hours:
Lectures 8
Practicals classes and workshops 12
Guided independent study 80
Total hours by term 100

Summative Assessment Methods:
Report 60
Set exercise 40

Other information on summative assessment:
The module is 100 percent coursework based on, (i) a set online test and, (ii) a practical related to the understanding of species distribution patterns and the protection of species and habitats.

Formative assessment methods:
A number of pieces of formative coursework are set, including habitat mapping from imagery, analysis of species distribution patterns etc. Feedback is provided within the class.

Length of examination:
Requirements for a pass:
A mark of 40% overall

Reassessment arrangements:
Resubmission of coursework in August/September