Module Identifier RS32210  
Module Title GLOBAL BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION  
Academic Year 2007/2008  
Co-ordinator Dr Graham P Harris  
Semester Semester 2  
Other staff Dr Peter Dennis  
Course delivery Lecture   1 x 2 hour lecture per week  
  Practical   3 x 3 hour practicals per semester  
Assessment
Assessment TypeAssessment Length/DetailsProportion
Semester Assessment COURSEWORK - 2500 WORD ESSAY  50%
Semester Exam2 Hours WRITTEN EXAMINATION  50%
Supplementary Exam3 Hours WRITTEN EXAMINATION  100%

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
1. Identify patterns and use of biodiversity.

2. Explain the causes of biodiversity loss and evaluate their implications.

3   Critically discuss the approaches to valuing biodiversity.

4. Identify and critically evaluate conservation policies at the local, national and global level.

Brief description

The module considers the nature and extent of biodiversity from the level of genetic diversity to biomes. Methods of measuring and monitoring change in biodiversity at different levels are introduced. Rates of biodiversity loss and the ecological implications in conjunction with factors creating change are discussed. Approaches to determining the use and values of biodiversity are outlined entering into the fields of political ecology, conservation ethics and religion, and ecological economics. In-situ techniques for conservation of plant, animal and genetic resources are considered with particular reference to the processes of monitoring and review of the efficacy of implementation and enforcement of this approach. The role of local communities/indigenous peoples and the use of Traditional Knowledge in the conservation of global biodiversity is assessed. International policies, treaties and systems for conserving biodiversity are critically appraised.

Content

Module Skills

Problem solving Identify factors which might influence potential solutions Evaluate advantages and disadvantages of potential solutions  
Research skills Produce academically appropriate reports  
Communication Read in different contexts and for different purposes Write for different purposes and audiences  
Information Technology Present information and data  

Reading Lists

Books
** General Text
Garrod, G and Willis, K G (1999) Economics valuation of the environment: methods and case studies Edward Elgar 1858986831
Laird, S A (editor) (2002) Biodiversity and Traditional Knowledge: Equitable partnerships in practice Earthscan Publications 1853836982
Louke, E (2002) Biodiversity and human rights: the international rules for the protection of biodiversity Transnational Publishers 1571052267
Meffe, G K and Carroll, C R et al (1997) Principles of Conservation Sinauer Associates 0878935215
Stolton, S and Dudley, N (1999) Partnerships for protection Earthscan Publications 1853836095
Tuxill, J and Nabham, G P (2001) People, plants and protected areas: a guide to in-situ management Earthscan 1853837822
United Nations Environment Programme (1995) Global biodiversity assessment United Nations 0521564816
World Resources Institute (2005) Millenium Ecosystem Assessment. Ecosystems and human well-being Island Press 1597260401
ten Kate, K and Laird, S A (1999) The commercial use of biodiversity: access to genetic resources and benefit sharing Earthscan Publications 1853833347

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 6