Biodiversity and Conservation

This module studies patterns in biodiversity, interlinkages between climate change and biodiversity loss, species extinctions, and factors which make species vulnerable to extinction. Students will learn to prioritise species in terms of endangerment and chose appropriate management strategies to ensure the long-term survival of species. Students will be aware of contrasting value systems and stakeholder issues when making management decisions. The module is delivered through a combination of lectures, practical classes and fieldtrips.

1. Understand the criteria for the establishment of protected areas and the principles underlying their management.

2. Identify contrasting values among stakeholders where biodiversity is threatened.

3. Evaluate the need for ex-situ conservation of rare and endangered species

4. Assess whether a species is at risk of extinction, categorise that risk and identify the significant threats to it.

5. Understand the interlinkage between climate crisis and biodiversity loss and identify nature based solutions to mitigate this loss

6. Critically assess ecological restoration theory and models used to conserve vulnerable habitats and species