Programme Specifications

Biosciences with consideration of Environmental Sciences

September 2023

The course will provide students with the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge underpinning the broad field of wildlife conservation and management. Core modules will ensure that students have a firm grounding in conservation biology, including aspects of policy and habitat management, but focused primarily on ecology / whole-organism biology. Optional modules will offer students the chance to specialize in specific areas of wildlife conservation.

Subject specific skills

• To provide students with knowledge of the importance of Planet Earth as the background to biodiversity and conservation. Students will gain an understanding of the geological and evolutionary processes that have shaped key habitats and the interactions between these habitats and the wildlife they support.

• An appreciation of the importance of conserving biodiversity and a range of scales, from genetic diversity to biomes and ecosystems.

• An understanding of approaches to conserving species, habitats and ecosystems.

• An understanding of the relevant policy that underlies biological conservation and environmental management.

• An awareness of the legal, moral, ethical and social elements of conservation alongside other human activities including leisure and agriculture.

Generic and graduate skills

• To develop a critical and analytical approach in all aspects of study and problem solving, including the ability to deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively and be able to communicate their understanding.

• To enable and develop effective teamwork and communication skills, particularly via field and laboratory activities

• To engender a confidence to learn by responding positively and proactively to feedback provided.

• To develop strong communication skills both orally and in writing.

• To show awareness of associated industries, stakeholders needs and impacts

Overall aim of the scheme

The overarching objective of the degree is to give students an holistic course that covers all aspects of wildlife conservation. The programme will be grounded firmly in the background scientific knowledge and ecological concepts that need to be applied to the conservation of endangered flora and fauna.

By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• A1 Planet Earth as the background to biodiversity and conservation

• A2 Evolution and diversity of organisms, habitats and ecosystems

• A3 In situ and ex situ approaches to conservation

• A4 Conservation at both global and local scales

• A5 Relevant policy that underlies biological conservation and environmental management
  
  

Learning and Teaching

• Lectures

• Tutorials

• Case-studies

• Fieldwork

• Laboratory practicals

• Literature-based research

• Computer-assisted learning

• Active and interactive learning

• Research leading to a Dissertation
  
  

Assessment Strategies and Methods

Written examinations and coursework, including:

• Multiple-choice examination questions

• Short-answer examination questions

• Essay-style examination questions

• Oral and poster presentations

• Article and report writing

• Practical write-ups

• Submission of a Dissertation

10.2.1 Intellectual Skills

By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to demonstrate the following:

• B1 Skills needed for academic study and enquiry

• B2 The scientific method, formulation of hypotheses and experimental design

• B3 The application of appropriate analytical methods
  
  

Learning and Teaching

• Lectures

• Tutorials

• Case-studies

• Fieldwork

• Laboratory practicals

• Literature-based research

• Computer-assisted learning

• Active and interactive learning

• Research leading to a Dissertation
  
  

Assessment Strategies and Methods

Written examinations and coursework, including:

• Multiple-choice examination questions

• Short-answer examination questions

• Essay-style examination questions

• Oral and poster presentations

• Article and report writing

• Practical write-ups

• Submission of a Dissertation
  
  

10.2.2 Professional practical skills (where applicable)

By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to:

• C1 Design and apply various appropriate approaches to scientific study

• C2 Conduct and report on field and laboratory investigations

• C3 Identify relevant issues pertaining to health and safety, legislation and ethics

• C4 Design appropriate conservation and management strategies and plans

• C5 Write for a range of audiences, including academics, practitioners, stakeholders and public
  
  

Learning and Teaching

• Laboratory practicals

• Fieldwork

• Class activities / case-studies

• Research leading to a Dissertation
  
  

Assessment Strategies and Methods

• Oral and poster presentations

• Article and report writing

• Practical write-ups

• Submission of a Dissertation

By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to demonstrate the following key skills:

• D1 Problem solving

• D2 General research skills

• D3 Communication

• D4 Personal development, including study skills and career planning

• D5 Teamwork

• D6 Information Technology
  
  

Learning and Teaching

Transferable key skills are an integral component of many modules and related to relevant assessments, including:

• Tutorials / seminars

• Problem-based learning

• Self-directed learning

• Written work

• Individual and group-based project work

• Oral and poster presentation
  
  

Assessment Strategies and Methods

Transferable / key skills are embedded throughout the various assessments. Generic skills include note taking, researching, problem solving, report writing, oral presentation, interview and communication skills.