BI7158 - Conservation Ecology

Aims

This module aims to provide an introduction to cutting edge conservation research and to allow students to build their experience and expertise in subjects and methods used by conservation professionals. During the course, learners will be introduced to a range of ecological approaches that are currently applied to conservation problems. The module explores the importance of landscape patterns of ecological processes as well as cultural, socio-economic and political issues which are an integral part of conservation.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this module students should be able to:

• Effectively use data from the ecological literature and/or species monitoring data to critically evaluate the impact of threats to biodiversity of focal species and habitats
• Critically evaluate the use of ecological frameworks for wildlife and protected area management using specific focal examples
• Synthesise knowledge of ecological principles and conservation biology to recommend and justify conservation actions
• Effectively incorporate human dimensions of wildlife conservation with potential management options available for species and landscapes and critically evaluate appropriate actions

Module content

• Conservation practice;
• Conservation ecology
• Species and habitat management;
• Management of alien invasive species
• Management of wildlife exploitation
• Landscape approaches to conservation
• Social and economic aspects of conservation biology