BIMLCR1-Landscape Conservation & Rewilding

Module Provider: School of Biological Sciences
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites: BIMWG2 GIS for Wildlife Managers
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2020/1

Email: c.w.foster@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

This module aims to provide students with a detailed understanding of landscape conservation and rewilding. Sessions will critically discuss the similarities and differences between these two related aspects of conservation practice, in both a domestic and global context, as well as covering a range of relevant theoretical topics in ecology. This module will also enable students to engage with current conservation practitioners.

Summary module description:

This module aims to provide students with a detailed understanding of landscape conservation and rewilding. Sessions will critically discuss the similarities and differences between these two related aspects of conservation practice, in both a domestic and global context, as well as covering a range of relevant theoretical topics in ecology. This module will also enable students to engage with current conservation practitioners.

Aims:

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

• 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.

Assessable learning outcomes:

Additional outcomes:

The module will provide the students with first-hand field experience of rewilding and 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.

Outline content:

Field trips will introduce students to landscape conservation or rewilding projects in the first part of the module.   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 rewilding or landscape conservation. In the spring term students will attend a workshop considering the ra nge of issues that 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 first part of the module will be delivered on field trips to active landscape conservation and rewilding projects. 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:

Each student presents a short seminar introducing an aspect of theory relevant to landscape conservation, with supporting handout materials. This will be in weeks 8 to 10 of the autumn term. This carries 40% of the final mark.



Each student will also participate in a group exercise to formulate a landscape conservation plan. The results of this exercise will form the basis for an individual written report which will carry 60% of the module mark.  

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 50% overall for pass at MSc level.

Reassessment arrangements:

Resubmission of coursework.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 4 April 2020