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BI2509: CONSERVATION BIOLOGY (2021-2022)

Last modified: 31 May 2022 13:05


Course Overview

Lectures and practical classes consider important and controversial conservation issues, encouraging you to discuss and develop your ideas and thinking.  A visit to a local nature reserve introduces the management issues and opportunities facing small urban sites.  An essay provides you with the opportunity to study a Biodiversity Action Plan species of your choice and to analyse critically the work undertaken to conserve it.  Extended problem-solving exercises will develop your skills in diagnosing causes of species decline.  Detailed feedback on written work which will help you consolidate your skills in scientific writing and writing for a more general audience.

Course Details

Study Type Undergraduate Level 2
Session Second Sub Session Credit Points 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits)
Campus Aberdeen Sustained Study Yes
Co-ordinators
  • Dr Clare Trinder

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

  • BI2505 Conservation Biology (Studied)

Are there a limited number of places available?

No

Course Description

This course aims to provide a basic understanding of the principles of conservation biology, using a wide range of case studies ranging from local Scottish habitats and species to those in more diverse tropical systems. It provides an overview of threats and issues facing biodiversity and the range of approaches to enhance populations and the habitats they live in. We focus on scientific aspects of conservation biology but also cover the key legislation, ethical, economic and management frameworks in which practical conservation action is taken.

This course encourages you to question accepted wisdom and your own views on particular issues and to be open to new approaches and ways of thinking about the natural world. Problems based around diagnosing the reasons for declines in species will enhance your capacity for conceptual and creative thinking, ability to identify problems and to apply suitable solutions. Assessments that require writing for a more general audience improve your ability to communicate effectively in different contexts.

Associated Costs

DescriptionValue
Course practicals require the use of a lab coat which can be purchased locally. GBP 15.00

Contact Teaching Time

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers


Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 31 August 2023 for 1st half-session courses and 22 December 2023 for 2nd half-session courses.

Summative Assessments

Alternative Assessment

Practical write ups/tests 5 x 6%
Essay 20%
Open book exam 50%

Alternative Resit Arrangements

Students will repeat whichever elements of the assessment were failed or not completed at first sitting; the marks for elements already passed will be carried forwards.

Formative Assessment

There are no assessments for this course.

Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
FactualRememberILO’s for this course are available in the course guide.

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