Programme Specifications
Biodiversity and Conservation Management
Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:
N/A
Information provided by Department of Geography and Earth Sciences:
Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:
Biosciences, Nov 2015 (now including 2020/21 Updates)
Information provided by Department of Geography and Earth Sciences:
Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:
September 2023
Information provided by Department of Geography and Earth Sciences:
Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:
This programme aims to provide its graduates with the skills and knowledge to meet and exceed the generic statements as outlined in the Biosciences Benchmark Statement. Given the focus of the postgraduate degree there will an emphasis on biodiversity and conservation learning and knowledge. The programme aims to:
• Provide opportunities for students to further develop their interest, knowledge and understanding with a specialisation in biodiversity and conservation management.
• Provide the skills necessary to allow students to undertake work and research within the areas of biodiversity and conservation management as well as allowing them to adapt and respond to change, and to engage in life-long learning.
• Develop in students an appreciation of the social responsibilities of graduates in biological sciences in general, and in the area of biodiversity and conservation biology in particular as well as associated fields like climate change.
Information provided by Department of Geography and Earth Sciences:
Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:
These are focused on producing skilled conservation scientists who will be capable of applying their skills and knowledge the associated problems related to biodiversity loss and subsequent conservation management.
Information provided by Department of Geography and Earth Sciences:
Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:
A1 Taxonomic knowledge of the diversity of organisms in the natural world as well as their form and function
A2 Knowledge of the ecological monitoring for conservation purposes
A3 Knowledge of ecological and conservation management strategies on natural populations, communities, habitats and ecosystems
A4 An awareness of policy and relevant to the field of environmental law
A5 An ability to critically analyse and evaluate the effects of human interactions on natural populations and ecosystems, as well as proposed evidence-based solutions
Learning and Teaching
Lectures; practical laboratory and field classes, including workshops and seminars; small group tutorials; problem based learning; self-directed study and research; oral and poster presentations; research projects; peer and collaborative learning; feedback from coursework assignments
Assessment Strategies and Methods
Laboratory and fieldwork reports; dissertation thesis; essays; data interpretation exercises; oral and poster presentations.
Information provided by Department of Geography and Earth Sciences:
Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:
10.2.1 Intellectual Skills
By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to demonstrate:
B1 Experience and competence in a broad range of practical skills and techniques used in the biodiversity and conservation research
B2 The application of the scientific method including the development of hypotheses, appropriate experimental design, data collection, data analysis and presentation and the ability to critically evaluate the results in the light of current scientific understanding.
B3 The ability to record data accurately and to carry out basic data manipulation, including statistical analysis as well as an appreciation of the use of bio/ecoinformatics in the analysis of large datasets.
B4 The ability to plan and execute a body of work within a framework in which qualities such as time management, problem solving, and independence are evident
B5 The ability to synthesise and critically evaluate biosciences literature from a variety of sources and communicate the principles through written and oral means using appropriate citations, ensuring academic integrity and the avoidance of plagiarism whether intentional or not.
Learning and Teaching
Lectures; workshops and seminars; small group tutorials; self-directed study and research; laboratory and fieldtrips; research projects; problem-based learning; peer and collaborative learning; oral and poster presentations; feedback from coursework assignments.
Assessment Strategies and Methods
Laboratory and fieldwork reports; dissertation thesis; essays; data interpretation exercises; oral and poster presentations; online activities.
10.2.2 Professional practical skills / Discipline Specific Skills
By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to demonstrate:
C1 Safe working practices in the laboratory and/or the field
C2 A wide variety of laboratory and field skills and techniques used by professionals working within the fields of conservation and management
C3 The ability to obtain, record, collate and analyse data using appropriate techniques in the field and/or laboratory, working individually or in a group as is most appropriate for the subject under study
C4 The ability to work with students to practically achieve a common goal
Learning and Teaching
Field and laboratory practicals; residential field courses; peer and collaborative learning; research projects; oral and poster presentations; feedback from coursework assignments.
Assessment Strategies and Methods
Laboratory and fieldwork reports; dissertation thesis; oral and poster presentations.
Information provided by Department of Geography and Earth Sciences:
Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:
By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to demonstrate:
D1 The skills for independent life-long working e.g. time management, independent and group working, critical analysis, problem solving, good written and spoken communication skills, organisational and knowledge transfer/exchange skills
D2 The ability to identify and work towards targets for personal and professional career development
D3 Use of the internet and other electronic sources to identify, critically evaluate and communicate sources of information
D4 The ability to work in a cross-disciplinary way to achieve common goals
Learning and Teaching
Lectures; workshops and seminars; small group tutorials; self-directed study and research; laboratory and fieldtrips; research projects; problem-based learning; peer and collaborative learning; oral and poster presentations; feedback from coursework assignments.
Assessment Strategies and Methods
Laboratory and fieldwork reports; dissertation thesis; essays; data interpretation exercises; oral and poster presentations; online activities.
Information provided by Department of Geography and Earth Sciences:
MSC Biodiversity and Conservation Management [J790]
Academic Year: 2023/2024 scheme - available from 2023/2024
Duration (studying Full-Time): 1 yearsM.Sc. Dissertation