ESC-40113 - Module Specification
School of Geography, Geology and the Environment
Faculty of Natural Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2024/25

You will study the principles underpinning ecology and conservation and apply these throughout the module in fieldwork and lab exercises, addressing the needs of current key issues faced by practitioners. The module culminates in an Easter vacation field course that brings together your learning for conceptually underpinned application in a focused context. Skills will include ecological techniques, species identification and habitat classification methods, mapping, planning, risk assessment, and health and safety. You will develop Information Technology, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), data handling, critical thinking, team working and project management skills through application.

This module aims to develop an advanced level of skill, knowledge and understanding in the practical application of ecology and conservation principles through lectures, lab exercises, field visits and an Easter vacation field course.

Intended Learning Outcomes

apply an advanced level of ecological skills for planning and implementing ecological projects: 1,2
demonstrate critical awareness and detailed knowledge of current key issues in ecology and conservation: 1
demonstrate an advanced level of understanding of core ecological and conservation approaches and how they are applied in various contexts: 1,2
critically reflect on theoretically underpinned and evidence-based practice and how disciplines combine in applied ecology and conservation: 2
demonstrate professional level competence in transferable skills, including Information Technology, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), critical thinking and team working: 1,2

Study hours

40 hrs: 20 x 2hr lectures or class workshops
32 hrs: 4 field visits
8 hrs: tutorials or drop-in sessions
48hrs: field course
40 hrs: 20 x 2hr directed reading
132 hrs: assessment preparation and independent study (indicative timings):
Assessment preparation:
Literature search for assessment (20 hrs)
Additional data search for assessment (12)
Data analysis for assessment (30 hrs)
Creating maps for assessment (10 hrs)
Writing assessment (30 hrs)

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment