Module Information

Module Identifier
BR33420
Module Title
Global Biodiversity Conservation
Academic Year
2022/2023
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 1
Other Staff

Course Delivery

 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment Essay  40%
Semester Exam 3 Hours   60%
Supplementary Assessment Students must take elements of assessment equivalent to those that led to failure of the module.  40%
Supplementary Exam 3 Hours   Students must take elements of assessment equivalent to those that led to failure of the module.  60%

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 ecosystem degradation, and evaluate their implications.

3 Critically discuss the approaches to valuing biodiversity and ecosystem services.

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, ecosystem degradation and the ecological implications in conjunction with factors creating change are discussed. Approaches to determining the use and values of biodiversity and associated ecosystem services are outlined entering into the fields of political ecology, conservation ethics and religion, and ecological economics. 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. Predicting future trends in biodiversity and options for reducing loss are discussed.

Content

Definitions and patterns of biodiversity.
Measuring biodiversity and monitoring change.
Loss of biodiversity and ecosystem change.
Implications of biodiversity loss.
Valuing the benefits of biodiversity and ecosystem services.
Millennium Ecosystem Assessment(MEA) and The Economics of
Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB).
Role of indigenous peoples in biodiversity conservation.
Commercial use of biodiversity and traditional knowledge.
Community involvement in biodiversity conservation-case studies.
Global biodiversity policies / Rio and Johannesburg.
Predicting future trends in biodiversity.
Options and prospects of reducing biodiversity loss.

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Application of Number
Communication Read in different contexts and for different purposes. Write for different purposes and audiences.
Improving own Learning and Performance
Information Technology Present information and data.
Personal Development and Career planning
Problem solving Identify factors which might influence potential solutions. Evaluate advantages and disadvantages of potential solutions.
Research skills Produce academically appropriate reports.
Subject Specific Skills
Team work

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 6