GV2BC-Biogeography and Conservation
Module Provider: Geography and Environmental Science
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Module version for: 2014/5
Module Convenor: Dr Geoffrey Griffiths
Email: g.h.griffiths@reading.ac.uk
Summary module description:
Biogeography with its focus on the distribution of plants and animals at a range of scales, provides an important theoretical framework within which to evaluate the increasing impact of human activity upon the global biota. The Module will examine underlying principles in biogeography, including the historical development of the discipline, the rapidly evolving policy context and recent thinking and techniques in nature conservation using case studies from the UK, Europe and around the world.
In particular, students will learn about 'valuing nature' as part of the ecosystem approach; mapping and understanding species distribution patterns using the UK National Biodiversity Network database; policy and planning in nature conservation; restoration ecology and current debates about invasive species.
There will be an element of fieldwork on Whiteknights campus and a one day field visit to a site of nature conservation importance in the local region.
Aims:
The aim of the Module is to examine human impacts on species and habitats at a range of spatial and temporal scales, using a combination of case studies and computer-based practicals.
Assessable learning outcomes:
On completion of this Module it is expected that a student will:
- Be aware of the range of ideas, techniques and philosophical debates surrounding the conservation of the world’s biota and ecosystems
- Give a reasoned account of the factors that determine the distribution of species and habitats at a range of scales, from the local to the global
- Recognise and evaluate the dynamic nature of ecosystems
- Evaluate the degree of human impact within a policy context and understand the potential for ecosystem restoration at landscape scales
- Demonstrate the importance of the Earth's ecosystems to society and to consider their prospects in a rapidly changing social and physical world
- Learn about the application of spatial techniques in GIS to map, interpret and apply biological/environmental data and apply ito solve problems in nature conservation. A co-requisite for this Module is GV2SDA.
Additional outcomes:
Students will have the opportunity to use GIS and other internet-based databases as part of the write-up of two related practicals on a conservation problem in the UK.
Outline content:
An introduction on the importance of biogeography is followed by lectures on: species distribution patterns; valuing nature; ecological restoration; invasive species; species and habitat mapping and biological recording; policy and techniques in nature conservation. The Module assessment is 100% coursework.
Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Lectures and practicals, including the application of GIS techniques for nature conservation planning and management. One session will involve the collection of species diversity data on Whiteknights campus and there will be a one day field visit to a local site of nature conservation importance.
Summative Assessment Methods:
| Method |
Percentage |
| Report |
60 |
| Practical skills assessment |
40 |
Other information on summative assessment:
There are two assignments:
- Management Plan based on analysis of data from the National Biodiversity Network and other sources of mapped environmental data (60%, 2000 words)
- Set data analysis exercise based on species diversity data collected on Whiteknights campus (40%, 1000 words)
Penalties for late submission:
Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy.
The following penalties will be applied to coursework which is submitted after the deadline for submission:
- Where the piece of work is submitted up to one calendar week after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for the piece of work will be deducted from the mark;
- Where the piece of work is submitted more than one calendar week after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.
(Please refer to the Undergraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guideUG.aspx)
The Module Convener will apply the following penalties for work submitted late, in accordance with the University policy.
where the piece of work is submitted up to one calendar week after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for the piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.
The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at:
http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.
Requirements for a pass:
A mark of 40% overall
Reassessment arrangements:
Resubmission of coursework in August/September
Last updated: 8 October 2014