Module Identifier RS36120  
Module Title SPECIES CONSERVATION  
Academic Year 2007/2008  
Co-ordinator Dr Graham P Harris  
Semester Semester 1  
Other staff Dr Peter Dennis, Dr John M Warren  
Course delivery Lecture   2 x 2 hour lectures per week  
  Seminars / Tutorials   3 x 4 hour seminars/tutorials per semester  
  Other   1 x 4 hour visit  
Assessment
Assessment TypeAssessment Length/DetailsProportion
Semester Assessment Assignment Outcomes assessed: 1, 3, 6, 7  50%
Semester Exam3 Hours Written examination Outcomes assessed: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8  50%
Supplementary Assessment Assignment  50%
Supplementary Exam3 Hours Written examination Students will be re-assessed in the element(s) of assessment that led to failing the module50%

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module, students should be able to:

1.   Identify the key issues concerning species genetic diversity, population genetics and species conservation.

2.   Explain the concepts of extinction and rarity, population dynamics and metapopulations.

3.   Demonstrate the importance of under-pinning scientific and ecological knowledge in the successful implementation of introduction / reintroduction programmes and habitat creation for species conservation.

4.   Evaluate the impact of invasive species on endangered species.

5.   Appraise the approaches to species conservation.

6.   Assess the effectiveness of the legal system in protecting flora and fauna.

7.   Recognise the problems and opportunities in the re-establishment of endangered flora and fauna by drawing on a
range of species conservation case histories/studies.
8.   Create a species conservation plan based on scientific principles, ecological concepts and research.

Aims

This module aims to provide students with the range of background scientific knowledge and ecological concepts that need to be applied to the conservation of endangered floral and faunal species. The module is designed to allow the student to critically evaluate the need for species conservation and the information and methods that need to be applied to species conservation , including the concepts of genetic diversity, population genetics, extinction and rarity, population dynamics, species habitat requirements, introduction/reintroduction, metapopulations, invasive species and habitat creation.   Aspects of the legal system that specifically aim to protect flora and fauna will be identified. The practical ability to formulate species conservation plans from first principles will be developed by critical review of current species conservation action plans and programmes for target species, and the integration of ecological principles and practical knowledge of species population dynamics and genetics

Module Skills

Problem solving Identify factors which might influence potential solutions Evaluate advantages and disadvantages of potential solutions Construct a rational proposal in response to a problem.  
Research skills Write in an academic context  
Communication Read in different contexts and for different purposes Write for different purposes and audiences  
Information Technology Use a spreadsheet package to record and manipulate differing sets of data. Find information on the internet. Access information via an online library system.  
Application of Number Tackle problems involving numbers.  

Reading Lists

Books
** General Text
Begon M, Mortimer M and Thompson D J (1996) Population ecology: a unified study of animals and plantsl Blackwell Science 0632034785
Hanski, I A and Gilpin, M E (eds) (1997) Metapopulation biology: ecology, genetics and evolution Academic Press 0012323445
Loreau M, Naeem S and Inchausti P (2002) Biodiversity and ecosystem functioning: synthesis and perspectives Oxford University Press 0198515715
Meffe, G K and Carroll, C R (1997) Principles of conservation Sinauer Associates Inc 0878935215
Peck, S (1999) Planning for biodiversity: issues and examples Island Press 1559634014
Pimental D (editor) (2002) Biological invasions: economic and environmental costs of alien plant, animal and microbe species CRC Press 0849308364
Ruiz G M and Carlton J T (editors) (2003) Invasive species: vectors and management strategies Island Press 1559639032
UK Biodiversity Group (1998) Tranche 2 Action Plans: Vol 1 Vertebrates and Vascular Plants; Vol 3 Plants and Fungi; Vol 4 Invertebrates English Nature
World Resources Institute (2005) Millenium ecosystem assessment. Ecosystems and human well-being Island Press 1597260401

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 6