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BI3806: CONSERVATION IN PRACTICE (2021-2022)

Last modified: 31 May 2022 13:05


Course Overview

The aim of this course is to examine how conservation theory is used in practice to conserve species, ecosystems and habitats, and to inform policy-makers. This is an interactive course that encourages debate and discussion. The course tries to bridge the gap between the theory you will have learnt in second year Conservation Biology and the practical conservation issues of today.  You will be able to meet a range of academics, policy advisers and practitioners from various organisations through a field visit and guest speakers, and we hope this will enhance your awareness and enjoyment of the subject. 

The trip, lectures and discussions will hopefully give you new insights into the professional environmental sector which may influence your career decisions. You will produce a conservation evidence report and a research proposal, which will provide you with the opportunity to develop transferable skills in synthesising information, critical evaluation and research project design.

Course Details

Study Type Undergraduate Level 3
Term Second Term Credit Points 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits)
Campus Aberdeen Sustained Study No
Co-ordinators
  • Dr Louise Ross

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

  • Any Undergraduate Programme (Studied)
  • Either Programme Level 3 or Programme Level 4
  • One of Biology (BI) or Ecology (EK) or Environmental Sciences (EV) or Forestry (FY) or Plant Science (PL) or Zoology (ZO)

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

Are there a limited number of places available?

No

Course Description

This course will include: 

  • exploration of the rationale and approaches to conservation; 
  • discussion of a diversity of approaches to biodiversity conservation from protected areas to rewilding; 
  • exploration of the use of evidence in conservation decision-making; 
  • a focus on conservation paradigms and frameworks, including ecological restoration and ecosystem services; 
  • an insight into relevant social science techniques 
  • introduction to techniques for exploring illegal resource use; 
  • future directions for conservation action including re-introductions and conflict management; 
  • a field trip to explore the challenges of managing a nationally important reserve; 
  • insight into careers in conservation. 


 By the end of this course you should be able to:

  • critically evaluate methods and debate the merits of different approaches used in nature conservation; 
  • critically reflect on values, goals and roles; 
  • synthesise evidence and critically evaluate the effectiveness of conservation actions;
  • design conservation research, management and monitoring projects; 
    critically reflect on current debates in conservation. 

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 30 August 2024 for 1st term courses and 20 December 2024 for 2nd term courses.

Summative Assessments

Evaluation of peers' proposal

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 10
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Feedback

Written individualised feedback; informal feedback in tutorials and during presentations

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Concept note for proposal

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 10
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Feedback

Verbal feedback in tutorial setting, individualised written feedback

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Critical review of conservation issue

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 30
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Feedback

Individualised written feedback

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Grant proposal

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 50
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Feedback

Individualised written feedback on final submission; informal verbal feedback in preparation tutorials

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

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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