BI2CSP2: Conservation Science in Practice

Module code: BI2CSP2

Module provider: School of Biological Sciences

Credits: 20

Level: Level 2 (Intermediate)

When you'll be taught: Semester 2

Module convenor: Dr Campbell Murn, email: c.p.murn@reading.ac.uk

Module co-convenor: Miss Vicky Boult, email: v.l.boult@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2024/5

Available to visiting students: Yes

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 21 May 2024

Overview

Module aims and purpose

This module will introduce you to the world of conservation science and its practice. Using examples from the field plus a variety of guest speakers from the modern edge of conservation, the module will provide you with an understanding of the inherent conflicts and challenges associated with nature conservation. You will be encouraged to develop effective tools and methods to accept and address these challenges. By emphasising an evidence-based decision-making framework, you will gain an understanding of how data-driven conclusions can generate conservation solutions at the same time as understanding the realities faced by conservation practitioners in complex modern settings.  

Module learning outcomes

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

1. Recognise the major drivers of successful and failed outcomes for conservation challenges.   
2. Apply a decision-making framework to the challenge of problem-solving in conservation settings 
3. Review, assess and report on a conservation scenario and its chances of success 
4. Demonstrate an understanding of how stakeholder engagement affects conservation planning, processes and outcomes 

Module content

Students will be exposed to a wide, cross-section of topics in conservation, while also challenging many established assumptions around conservation education and communication. This module has a specific emphasis on the use of an evidence-based approach to identify, test and implement solutions for conservation problems. Many of these problems are counter-intuitive, or emotive, and the module uses a wide-range of examples from eagles and elephants to rewilding and invertebrates to highlight key points related to the theory and practice of conservation. The importance of stakeholder perspectives on conservation, and how these can affect decision-making processes in conservation is illustrated using a combination of current and historically-important conservation scenarios.  

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

The learning outcomes will be met through a mixture of lectures, seminars, practical classes, self-directed learning and directed independent study. Appropriate supplementary information and reading lists will be provided on Blackboard. 

Students will also be working together in groups to generate outputs focused on methods such as Red Listing, conservation frameworks and the identification of practical conservation management strategies 

Study hours

At least 42 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.

Please note the independent study hours above are notional numbers of hours; each student will approach studying in different ways. We would advise you to reflect on your learning and the number of hours you are allocating to these tasks.

Semester 1 The hours in this column may include hours during the Christmas holiday period.

Semester 2 The hours in this column may include hours during the Easter holiday period.

Summer The hours in this column will take place during the summer holidays and may be at the start and/or end of the module.

Assessment

Requirements for a pass

Students need to achieve an overall module mark of 40% to pass this module.

Summative assessment

Penalties for late submission of summative assessment

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

Assessments with numerical marks

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of three working days;
• the mark awarded due to the imposition of the penalty shall not fall below the threshold pass mark, namely 40% in the case of modules at Levels 4-6 (i.e. undergraduate modules for Parts 1-3) and 50% in the case of Level 7 modules offered as part of an Integrated Masters or taught postgraduate degree programme;
• where the piece of work is awarded a mark below the threshold pass mark prior to any penalty being imposed, and is submitted up to three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline), no penalty shall be imposed;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

Assessments marked Pass/Fail

• where the piece of work is submitted within three working days of the deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): no penalty will be applied;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): a grade of Fail will be awarded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/qap/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf

You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Formative assessment

Formative assessment is any task or activity which creates feedback (or feedforward) for you about your learning, but which does not contribute towards your overall module mark.

Working in groups (during Practical sessions) students will present material and receive feedback from lecturers and fellow students 

Reassessment

Additional costs