| CODE | IES5021 | ||||||||||||||||
| TITLE | Biodiversity Conservation: Theory and Application | ||||||||||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 05 - Postgraduate Modular Diploma or Degree Course | ||||||||||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 7 | ||||||||||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 5 | ||||||||||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Institute of Earth Systems | ||||||||||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | This study-unit focuses on the conservation of terrestrial and marine biodiversity. The study-unit will first outline fundamental conservation biology considerations that should underpin conservation initiatives. The study-unit will also review a variety of in situ and ex situ conservation options, as well as essential elements of conservation planning strategies. The current state of biodiversity worldwide will be critically analysed, together with patterns and trends in relation to genetic, species and ecosystem diversity. Options for mitigating the driving forces of biodiversity loss will also be evaluated in terms of their feasibility. Study-Unit Aims: This study-unit aims to: - Explain fundamental tenets of conservation biology; - Introduce students to the science of taxonomy and to biodiversity analysis techniques; - Explain the core elements of conservation planning strategies; - Explain the important role of in situ protection and the complementary role of ex situ initiatives; - Highlight the various threats to biodiversity and the options available for mitigating these. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Identify and critically evaluate the relative importance of different factors contributing to biodiversity loss; - Apply conservation biology theories to practical habitat management scenarios; - Differentiate between conservation requirements of different key habitats; - Appraise the feasibility of applying different in-situ/ex-situ conservation options; - Distinguish between different types of protected areas and assess their respective management challenges. 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; - Critically evaluate the success of conservation initiatives; - Use scientific data for making conservation management decisions. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: Margules, C., & Sarker, S. (2007). Systematic Conservation Planning. UK: Cambridge University Press. Groves, C.R., & Game, E.T (2015). Conservation planning: Informed decisions for a healthier planet. W.H. Freeman. |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Fieldwork, Lab Sessions, Lectures & Seminar | ||||||||||||||||
| METHOD OF ASSESSMENT |
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| LECTURER/S | Joseph A. Borg Louis Francis Cassar (Co-ord.) Elisabeth Conrad Belinda Gambin |
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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. |
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