Module Identifier RS34410  
Module Title GLOBAL BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION  
Academic Year 2002/2003  
Co-ordinator Dr Graham P Harris  
Semester Semester 2  
Course delivery Lecture   22 Hours 22 x 1 hour lectures  
  Practical   15 Hours 5 x 3 hour Seminars/visits  
Assessment Semester Exam   2 Hours   50%  
  Semester Assessment   Essay   50%  
  Supplementary Exam   2 Hours   50%  
  Supplementary Assessment   Students will be re-assessed in the element(s) assessment that led to failure.   50%  

Learning outcomes

On completion of the module the students will be able to:

(i)   Identify patterns and use of biodiversity;

(ii)   Explain causes of loss of biodiversity;

(iii)   Identify and evaluate conservation policies;

(iv)   Discuss approaches to valuing biodiversity.

Content

The lecture course considers the nature and extent of biodiversity from the level of genetic diversity to biomes. Approaches to determining the use and values of biodiversity entering into the fields of political ecology and ecological economics. Rates of biodiversity loss and the ecological implications in conjunction with the influential factors creating change are discussed. Techniques for conservation of plant, animal and genetic resources in-situ and ex-situ are considered.   Attention is drawn to the processes of monitoring and review of the efficacy of implementation and enforcement of these approaches. Case studies are used to illustrate the function of economic incentives. International policies, treaties and systems for conserving biodiversity are critically appraised through seminars. The role of local communities in the conservation of global biodiversity is critically assessed.

Aims

To enable students to identify and evaluate the patterns, processes and policies involved in global biodiversity conservation. To enable students to integrate biological, economic and political concepts.

Transferable skills

.1 Independent project work
   This will be developed by the assignment

.4 Writing in an academic context
   The assignment will be an essay written in an academic context with critical evaluation and citations to published material

.7 Self-management
   Students will have to manage their own time in developing the assignment

Reading Lists

Books
Castri F, Younes T (editors). (1996) Biodiversity, science and development towards a new partnership.
IUCN. (1997) Parks for Life 97. Protecting Europe's natural heritage.
Jeffries M J. (1997) Biodiversity and conservation.
Meffe G K, Carroll C R et al. (1997) Principles of Conservation Biology.
Primark, R B. (1993) Essentials of conservation biology.
Spellerberg, I F (ed). (1996) Conservation biology.
Stolton S and Dudley N. (1999) Partnerships for protection.
Swanson T. (1997) Global action for biodiversity.
Wilson E O. (1993) Biodiversity.
WRI, IUCN, UNEP. (1992) Global biodiversity strategy.

Technical Reports
Department of the Environment. (1994) Biodiversity in the UK. Steering group report, Vols 1 and 2.

Journals
Bidiversity and Conservation; British Wildlife; Ecologist; Environmental Law; Globe; Journal of Environmental Law; Journal of Rural Studies; Restoration Ecology; Biological Conservation; Conservation Biology; Environmental Conservation; European Environment; Journal of Applied Ecology;.
Journal of Environmental Management; Oryx; WWF News.