The activities of humans are resulting in an accelerating rate of extinction of biodiversity. Many species in the tropics are becoming extinct even before they have been described by science, while many more are threatened worldwide, including in the UK. This module will consider the need for biodiversity conservation and how this relates to environmental law and policy. Methods (theoretical and practical) for selecting both marine and terrestrial protected areas will be discussed. Habitat disturbance and/or loss along with other threats to biodiversity will be considered including global climate and ecosystem change.
Learning outcomes:
To pass this module students will need to be able to:
1. discuss the value of biodiversity and ecosystem services;
2. discuss the key issues affecting the health of rivers and streams in the UK;
3. discuss environmental legislation in the context or marine and terrestrial habitats;
4. explain the theoretical and practical methods for the selection and management of marine and terrestrial protected areas for conservation;
5. discuss the history and current roles of the modern day zoo;
6. develop key skills in reading and evaluating scientific papers, information retrieval, essay writing and independent learning;
7. demonstrate competence in written communication and data analysis and interpretation.
- Module Supervisor: Leanne Hepburn