2016/17 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
BLGY3241 Conservation Biology
10 creditsClass Size: 200
Module manager: Dr Hannah Dugdale
Email: H.Dugdale@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2016/17
Module replaces
BLGY3240 Conservation Biology 20 creditsThis module is not approved as a discovery module
Objectives
The aims of this module are as follows:- To briefly discuss the biological principles that underpin the observed diversity and distribution of organisms on the planet.
- To discuss the current patterns and causes of biodiversity loss and the consequences of this loss to ecosystem functioning and services.
- To show how ecological theory informs conservation theory and how this theory is put into practice.
- To illustrate how conservation practice works, or fails to work, in the real world through discussion of a diverse range of case studies.
Learning outcomes
By the end of this module you should:
- have a broad understanding of the mechanisms underlying global patterns in the distribution of animals and plants
- understand the primary mechanisms responsible for biodiversity loss in both theoretical and practical terms
- understand the consequences of this loss to ecosystem functioning and services
- understand how ecological theory has informed conservation theory and practice and how economic and political constraints influence our attempts to conserve biodiversity.
Syllabus
The course begins with an overview of key conservation issues, starting with a look at global patterns in biodiversity and a consideration of the meaning and value of biodiversity. The principle threats to biodiversity will be outlined using examples of recent extinctions and you will be introduced to the special problems of rarity, extinction processes, and the consequences of losses in biodiversity.
This leads on to a discussion of metapopulation ecology, species-area relationships, island biogeography theory and extinction debt and the central role they place in conservation theory. The key mechanisms of biodiversity loss will then be covered in some detail: habitat loss and fragmentation, invasive species and climate change.
We will then examine how ecological theory has informed conservation theory and practice, before using a series of case studies to illustrate conservation in practice.
Topics covered will include survey and monitoring, reserve creation and management, landscape scale conservation, the effects of infrastructural developments such as roads and wind turbines, forest fragmentation and destruction and fisheries.
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| Lecture | 12 | 1.00 | 12.00 |
| Private study hours | 88.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 12.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 100.00 | ||
Private study
88 hours of private study; reading for lectures and revising for the exam.Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Mid module exercise given with formative feedback.Methods of assessment
Exams
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
| Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) | 2 hr 00 mins | 100.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 100.00 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 06/05/2016
Browse Other Catalogues
- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
- Undergraduate programme catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
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