BIMLCG-Landscape Conservation and GIS

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

Email: g.j.holloway@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Aims:

This module aims to provide students with the fundamental principles of Geographical Information Systems (GIS), and in particular to demonstrate the application of GIS as an analytical and decision making tool for Environmental Management using real world examples. The GIS skills will also be deployed and further developed as part of wider learning about the principles of landscape conservation

Assessable learning outcomes:

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

• Use ArcGIS software


• Apply GIS analysis techniques to provide solutions to real-life environmental problems


• Produce appropriately labelled GIS maps


• Be familiar with geoprocessing and data input


• Retrieve, describe, discuss critically and integrate information relating to an aspect of ecology, including spatial ecology, and how this relates to landscape conservation and rewilding.

Synthesise information from a variety of sources in order to formulate a report suitable for sharing with non-scientists as the basis for proposed conservation action in a landscape context.

Additional outcomes:

The module will provide the students with first-hand field experience of landscape conservation projects with the opportunity to engage with practitioners. The module will also allow students to extend their report writing, presentation and IT skills, especially those relating to gathering and manipulating spatial data in GIS packages. The assignment will provide the opportunity for students to produce material to showcase their GIS skills to potential employers. 

Outline content:

The material is delivered by external GIS professionals, conservation practitioners as well as University staff. The major concepts and principles of Geographical Information Systems are considered and the main sources and structure of data and databases are presented. GIS principles and applications are taught as an intensive one week course delivered between autumn and spring terms entirely based in a computer laboratory. The examples and approach taken is relevant specifically to conservat ion ecologists and consultants. Field trips will introduce students to landscape conservation during the autumn term.   This will be followed by discussion of the theoretical background of the topic covering topics including spatial ecology, succession and disturbance. Further sessions will consider how this is incorporated into current practice and offer diverse perspectives on landscape conservation. In the spring term students will attend a workshop considering the range of issues t hat might be encountered when setting up a large-scale conservation project, such as evidence gathering, spatial planning and stakeholder engagement.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The GIS component is entirely hands-on with each students having continual access to their own computer. The intensive nature of this element is intended to re-enforce the learning process without distraction from modules running concurrently and outstanding assignment deadlines. The assignment offers the student the opportunity to bundle together the skills acquired during the week into a single, assessable output suitable for displaying their GIS skills at a later date. 

Th e first part of the module will be delivered as field trips to active landscape conservation projects and to experience landscape issues. Theory will be discussed in a series of interactive seminars with student led input. Further material will be presented in lectures and workshops delivered by a combination of Reading University staff and visiting conservation practitioners. 

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Coursework: At the end of the intensive GIS component of the module, students will be required to demonstrate the skill that they have acquired over the week by producing a properly labelled and well-executed GIS map. Each student will also participate in a group exercise to formulate a landscape conservation plan. Each plan will be orally presented to team of experts from external conservation organisations. The results of this exercise will form the basis for an individual and professionally presented written report.



Relative percentage of coursework: 100%

Formative assessment methods:

The module is highly interactive and students will be receiving feedback at all stages throughout. 

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:

Examination in August/September 

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 4 April 2020