BIMEC2-Vertebrate Conservation

Module Provider: School of Biological Sciences
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2020/1

Email: manuela.gonzalez@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module aims to provide students with detailed understanding of a variety of important aspects of vertebrate conservation at the species and habitat levels. Sessions discuss the different threats affecting vertebrates and methods available for assessment and management.

Aims:

This module aims to provide students with detailed understanding of a variety of important aspects of conservation of vertebrates at species and habitat level.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module it is expected that the student will be able to:

• Describe and discuss critically the state of current research and practice in the conservation of vertebrates


• Research and present structured critical reviews of many elements of conservation with reference to the development and/or implementation of measures to conserve of vertebrates and their habitats.

Additional outcomes:

The module will provide the students with an opportunity to develop their written and oral presentational skills, focusing on long oral presentations and science communication writing.

Outline content:

The material is delivered by external speakers, lectures, student seminars and discussion. A variety of topics are covered including the diversity and conservation status of vertebrates, the key factors impacting the group such as diseases, overharvesting and habitat loss, and tools and methods available to assess, manage and protect vertebrate biodiversity such as habitat management and management at the landscape and community scale. 

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Information is delivered using a variety of techniques and facilities. Lectures are not delivered in a formal manner and involve a continuous opportunity for discussion. In view of this, long sessions are booked to always ensure that topics can be discussed in sufficient detail. A number of sessions include 'brain-storming' elements and debates.

Students will practice science communication writing (for example using a blog entry format).

Each student will also give a seminar lasting approximately 45 minutes on a topic provided by the module convenor. The students can choose whichever medium they feel appropriate to deliver the material, but more often than not this consists of a Powerpoint presentation. Students will also be asked to provide feedback to their peers.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

• Coursework: Students independently write a structured review of one aspect of a topic.


• Seminar: students will deliver a seminar to the class for assessment.


• Coursework: Feedback notes associated with students’ seminars.

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:
Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy. Please refer to page 5 of the Postgraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guidePG.aspx

Assessment requirements for a pass:

A mark of at least 50%.

Reassessment arrangements:

Resubmission of coursework

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 4 April 2020