Study-Unit Description

Study-Unit Description


CODE IES5015

 
TITLE Conservation Planning

 
UM LEVEL 05 - Postgraduate Modular Diploma or Degree Course

 
MQF LEVEL 7

 
ECTS CREDITS 6

 
DEPARTMENT Institute of Earth Systems

 
DESCRIPTION This study-unit focuses on the conservation of terrestrial and marine biodiversity as an essential element of sustainability. The unit first outlines the current state of biodiversity worldwide, highlighting patterns and trends in relation to genetic, species and ecosystem diversity, and flagging major points of concern. Options for mitigating the driving forces of biodiversity loss will be critically discussed in terms of their feasibility. The unit will also outline fundamental conservation biology considerations that should underpin conservation initiatives. The unit will also review a variety of in situ and ex situ conservation options, as well as essential elements of conservation planning strategies for terrestrial and marine ecosystems. Conservation in the built environment and in protected natural areas will be addressed. Illustrative case studies will be referred to throughout the unit.

Study-unit Aims:

This unit aims to do the following:
- To familiarize students with the important role of biodiversity conservation as a core element of sustainability;
- To highlight the various threats to biodiversity and the options available for mitigating these;
- To explain fundamental tenets of conservation biology;
- To introduce students to the science of taxonomy and to biodiversity analysis techniques;
- To explain the important role of in situ protection and the complementary role of ex situ initiatives;
- To explain the core elements of conservation planning strategies;
- To illustrate the distinction in conservation planning challenges and strategies as they apply to the built environment and natural protected areas.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Knowledge & Understanding:
By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:

- Describe the reasons for biodiversity loss and the rationale for biodiversity conservation;
- Describe at least one major habitat and identify key considerations for its management and/or restoration;
- Understand approaches for genetic, species and ecosystem conservation;
- Understand the relevance of conservation biology theories for habitat management;
- Distinguish between different types of protected areas;
- Explain key elements of conservation planning and management.

2. Skills:
By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:

- Apply conservation biology principles in conservation management decisions;
- Critically evaluate habitat management plans;
- Use scientific data for making conservation management decisions.

Main Text/s and any supplementary readings:

Margules, C., & Sarkar, S. (2007). Systematic Conservation Planning. UK: Cambridge University Press.

 
STUDY-UNIT TYPE

 
METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
Assessment Component/s Sept. Asst Session Weighting
Examination (2 Hours) Yes 20%
Presentation (20 Minutes) No 30%
Portfolio No 50%

 
LECTURER/S Joseph A. Borg
Joseph Buhagiar
Louis Francis Cassar
Belinda Gambin

 

 
The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints.
Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice.
It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2023/4. It may be subject to change in subsequent years.

https://www.um.edu.mt/course/studyunit