BNM6161 Ecology and Conservation Biology

The aim of this module is to provide an understanding of biodiversity, and how ecological theory is applied to the conservation of biodiversity, covering the principles of conservation biology. The module will explore the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning, management strategies for the conservation of populations, communities, ecosystems and landscapes based on ecological theory, and the planning, design, management, and effectiveness of protected areas. Having successfully completed the module, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

1. the concept of biodiversity, and implications of threats to biodiversity for wildlife populations, human populations, and ecosystem functioning.
2. ecological principles and techniques, and how these are applied to solve biodiversity conservation problems
3. the history of, and current trends and contentious issues in conservation biology
4. the policies and laws that support biodiversity conservation
5. describe the main causes for the current decline of biodiversity globally and locally, and the main threats predicted for the future
6. predict or develop hypotheses for the impact of the loss of biodiversity on ecosystem services for a particular system
7. identify and develop realistic, defendable management strategies for the conservation of small or declining populations, species, or threatened ecosystems under different scenarios
8. apply adaptive management strategies
9.  apply concepts of ecological integrity to the assessment of the status of landscapes, ecosystems and communities
10. manipulate indices, solve analytical problems, and assemble a basic population viability analysis mode
11.  develop a monitoring or restoration plan for a threatened or disturbed population or ecosystem

12. articulate what ecological information or data are needed to manage a particular conservation problem

13. select, plan, design and manage protected areas, and networks of protected areas, based on synthesis of science, best practices, and local context