2020/21 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
SOEE2690 Managing Biodiversity
10 creditsClass Size: 50
Module manager: David Williams
Email: d.r.williams@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2020/21
Pre-requisite qualifications
This module assumes a basic knowledge of ecology (AS-level Biology or equivalent)This module is approved as a discovery module
Module summary
Biodiversity is the variation of life on earth. In this module we will explore how the term ‘biodiversity’ came about, what it means and why it’s important. We will consider some of the key theories from conservation ecology as they relate to biodiversity management. We will also examine the major contemporary threats to biodiversity, the consequences of biodiversity loss and the steps being taken from international to local scales to halt the losses and manage biodiversity sustainably into the future. Particular reference is made to the role of both political and scientific drivers. You will be expected to draw on the biological and social sciences to develop your understanding of biodiversity management and apply your knowledge to critically evaluate the role of management planning for biodiversity conservation.Objectives
1. To understand the concept of biodiversity and its importance to people2. To understand key theories from conservation ecology in relation to biodiversity management
3. To identify the key challenges to biodiversity and potential consequences of biodiversity loss
4. To explore how agreements, policy and legislation around biodiversity interact from international to local scales
5. To understand the role of management plans in biodiversity conservation
6. To synthesise and apply knowledge in the critical evaluation of management strategies within biodiversity conservation.
Learning outcomes
By the end of this module students will be better able to:
1. Describe the concept of biodiversity and its importance to people
2. Understand key theories from conservation ecology in relation to biodiversity management
3. Assess the key challenges to biodiversity and the potential consequences of biodiversity loss
4. Critically evaluate the interaction of agreements, policy and legislation on biodiversity at international to local scale
5. Understand and critically evaluate management strategies within biodiversity conservation
Skills outcomes
• Knowledge in conservation ecology, environmental management, politics and policy will be developed
• Critical thinking
• Management planning
Syllabus
1. Introduction to biodiversity
2. The importance of biodiversity to humans
3. Theories from conservation ecology as they relate to biodiversity management
4. The current challenges to biodiversity and potential consequences
5. International drivers of biodiversity management
6. Management of biodiversity at national and local scales
7. The importance of management plans
8. The process of management plan development
9. Case studies of biodiversity management (from international to local scales)
Teaching methods
Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
Fieldwork | 1 | 5.00 | 5.00 |
Lecture | 10 | 1.00 | 10.00 |
Tutorial | 2 | 2.00 | 4.00 |
Private study hours | 81.00 | ||
Total Contact hours | 19.00 | ||
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 100.00 |
Private study
20 hours: background reading for lectures (10 x 2 hours)3 hours: background reading for fieldwork
42 hours: preparation and completion of essay
16 hours preparation and completion of poster
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Feedback on student work will be available following submission of the poster (summative assessment) and the subsequent written assignment: critical evaluation of biodiversity conservation issues (summative assessment). Students will also be able to get feedback from the module manager after lectures and during office hours.Methods of assessment
Coursework
Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
Poster Presentation | Group poster (1000 words) | 25.00 |
Essay | 2000 word evaluation of biodiversity conservation issues | 75.00 |
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 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: 08/09/2020 17:33:47
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- Undergraduate module catalogue
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