Fundamentals of Biodiversity

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

1. Understand the various aspects and levels of biodiversity
2. Understand the current divers of biodiversity loss
3. Understand the fundamental processes involved in both traditional and molecular taxonomy

Much of the coverage and research around the topic of 'biodiversity' focuses on the current drivers of biodiversity loss, but there is an equally pressing crisis among the scientific community, that of the 'naming crisis.' i.e. Taxonomy. How is biodiversity to be measured and managed if we don't what is out there? This module sets out to equip students with both traditional and molecular taxonomic skills to help address this skills gap. During the module, students will learn about various approaches to taxonomy, systematics and classification, as well as the underpinning concepts of how we define biodiversity, from its various aspects and levels (genomes, species, habitats, ecosystems etc.), to its value, and the prevailing global threats to biodiversity. Students will also critique biodiversity management strategies, as outlined in various aspects of policy.

The module has two core aims:
1. To allow development o both traditional and molecular ID skills.
2. To understand the concepts of how we define biodiversity, why it is important and how we can attempt to manage it.

A lecture series will cover various approaches to taxonomy, systematics and classification, how we define biodiversity- from its various aspects and levels (genomes, species, habitats, ecosystems etc.), to its value, and its prevailing global threats.
There will be three workshops: Traditional ID workshop; Molecular barcoding workshop; Biodiversity policy workshop.

This module is at CQFW Level 7