Core Module Information
Module title: Biodiversity and Conservation

SCQF level: 11:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10

Module code: ENV11100
Module leader: Jason Gilchrist
School School of Applied Sciences
Subject area group: Life Sciences
Prerequisites

There are no pre-requisites for this module to be added

Description of module content:

Why should we conserve biodiversity? Indeed, what is it? This module looks at levels and patterns of biodiversity and how they are measured using estimators & indices. You will use R to carry out biodiversity measurement and consider how to use such data to prioritise areas for protection. You will study aspects of conservation biology such as speciation and extinction and debate the challenges around reintroduction programmes and conservation in the face of anthropogenic pressures on biodiversity.

Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Critically assess the value and practicalities of conserving areas.

LO2: Evaluate data collection and analysis methods within the fields of biodiversity and conservation.

LO3: Utilise R to analyse data, calculate biodiversity indices and effectively present results; demonstrate effective discrimination, appraisal and interpretation.

LO4: Evaluate a biodiversity dataset and justify practical and effective conservation recommendations.

LO5: Appraise and justify the value of relevant biodiversity conservation literature.

Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2024/5, Trimester 2, In Person,
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: In Person
Location of delivery: SIGHTHILL
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Jason Gilchrist
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Face To Face Lecture 38 Through the lectures, you will gain a critical overview of the relevant concepts with examples from a diversity of taxonomic groups and environments. The lectures also enable personalisation, interaction, collaboration, and active learning by facilitating group work, incorporating critical review, problem-solving, and discussion.
Face To Face Practical classes and workshops 5 The in-person workshop sessions enable support for statistics via R, and incorporate problem-solving, collaboration and discussion.
Independent Learning Practical classes and workshops 2 The online workshop session is an introductory/revision session on R, and incorporates statistics, problem-solving, collaboration and discussion.
Online Guided independent study 148 Throughout the trimester, you are expected to structure in time to prepare for upcoming scheduled sessions, reflect upon the learning you have undertaken in your scheduled sessions, conduct homework exercises provided, prepare for your oral presentation (Slam). You are encouraged to read more widely around the topics you are studying and engage with Moodle activities and resources. You will need to ensure that you invest sufficient time to plan, prepare for and conduct your assessment tasks.
Independent Learning Tutorial 1 The online tutorial session is a Question and Answer format session in support of the assessment.
Independent Learning Seminar 6 The online seminar sessions enable personalisation, critical review, and oral presentation (communication) via a science slam [short entertaining presentation on chosen topic followed by questions from class]. You will learn via your own presentation (preparation and delivery) and from the presentations of other students (via their delivery).
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Report 100 1~2~3~4~5 Week 12 , WORDS= 2500 words The summative assessment puts the student in the context of a professional ecological consultant and therefore facilitates the development and practise of employer-focussed skills. You are required to present a report incorporating analysis of a biodiversity dataset and making conservation/management recommendations. The assessment incorporates literature search, written communication, word processing and referencing, with data manipulation and analysis. In the assessment you should aim to demonstrate a professional level of competence in quantitative skills and communication/presentation skills. Structure: Abstract, Methods, Results, Recommendations, with an Appendix including annotated R-code. Formative assessment is built into the data analysis tutorials, where there are problem-solving exercises with feedback to students.
Component 1 subtotal: 100
Component 2 subtotal: 0
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
Contact your module leader