UNIVERSITY OF KENT
MODULE SPECIFICATION TEMPLATE
SECTION 1: MODULE SPECIFICATIONS
1.
Title of the module
BI331 The Conservation of Global Biodiversity
2.
School or partner institution which will be responsible for management of the module
Canterbury College
3.
Start date of the module
September 2014
4.
The number of students expected to take the module
15
5.
Modules to be withdrawn on the introduction of this proposed module and consultation with other
relevant Schools and Faculties regarding the withdrawal
None
6.
The level of the module (e.g. Certificate [C], Intermediate [I], Honours [H] or Postgraduate [M])
(I) Intermediate
7.
The number of credits and the ECTS value which the module represents
15 Credits (7.5 ECTs)
8.
Which term(s) the module is to be taught in (or other teaching pattern)
Autumn & Spring
9.
Prerequisite and co-requisite modules
None
10. The programmes of study to which the module contributes
HND Animal Biology and Wildlife Conservation
11. The intended subject specific learning outcomes
11.1
Develop a critical understanding of the principles of the conservation of global
biodiversity
11.2
Understand the value of global biodiversity as a resource
11.3
Understand the impact of production, trade and biotechnology and factors that may
threaten global biodiversity
11.4
Understand the efficacy of legal and practical measures to conserve global biodiversity.
12. The intended generic learning outcomes
12.1
Ability to critically analyse information and utilise the results of that analysis
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UNIVERSITY OF KENT
12.2
Ability to apply underlying concepts and principles in a different context from which they
were first studied
12.3
Numeracy and quantitative skills
12.4
Ability to use established techniques to undertake critical analysis and propose
solutions to problems
12.5
Ability to exercise sound judgement
13. A synopsis of the curriculum
The Indicative content will include a variety of topics from the description below:
This Module aims to provide learners with an understanding of the principles of the conservation
of global biodiversity whilst also affording them the opportunity to examine biodiversity in practice
at a conservation site.
The module will establish and encourage respect for global biodiversity related to national and
international concerns and facilitate the enhancement of knowledge of global legislation and its
application, enforcement and effectiveness, helping the learner to develop an appreciation of
biodiversity as a resource. Within this theoretical framework learners will examine biodiversity in
practice at a conservation site.
Biodiversity is a valuable global resource as well as providing commodities for many industries it
provides human aesthetic and leisure inspiration. This unit explores the mechanisms by which
biotic diversity is generated and the benefits that are associated with increased biodiversity. This
will allow learners to develop an appreciation of the value of biodiversity as a resource in different
environments including marine and island biodiversity. It gives learners an understanding of the
phenomenon of biodiversity and investigates the factors that promote and threaten it.
The module promotes understanding of theoretical frameworks from which to assess the
significance of local, national and international developments on the world’s biodiversity law and
the ethical and moral constraints that potentially impact on animal management. A historical
overview of those principles and practices which have contributed to our contemporary viewpoint
will also be considered. Learners will be able to review global practical conservation schemes
and make informed comments on the extent to which these schemes are able to meet their aims
and objectives in terms of biodiversity.
14. Indicative Reading List
Biodiversity Group Report, (2002) Sustaining the Variety of Life - Five Years of the UK
Biodiversity Action Plan, DEFRA
Jepson (2010) Conservation a Beginners Guide Oneworld Publications
Groom M J, Meffe G K and Carroll C R, (2012) Principals of Conservation Biology, 3rd Revised
Edition Sinauer
McKee J K, (2003) Sparing Nature - The Conflict between Human Population Growth and Earth’s
Biodiversity, Rutgers University Press
McNeely J A and Scherr S J, (2002) Ecoagriculture - Strategies to Feed the World and Save Wild
Biodiversity, Island Press
Oldfield, S (ed),(2013) The Trade in Wildlife – Regulations for Conservation, Routlegdge
Pullins A S, (2002) Conservation Biology, Cambridge University Press
Spicer J (2006) Biodiversity Oneworld Publications
Williams B et al, (2002) Analysis and Management of Animal Populations, Academic Press
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UNIVERSITY OF KENT
Websites
www.bbc.co.uk/nature - BBC
www.defra.gov.uk - Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
www.environment-agency.gov.uk - Environment Agency
www.jncc.gov.uk - Joint Nature Conservation Committee
www.wwf.org.uk - World Wildlife Fund
www.knp.org - Kruger National Park SA
http://www.doc.govt.nz/index.html - New Zealand Department of Conservation
15. Learning and Teaching Methods, including the nature and number of contact hours and the total
study hours which will be expected of students, and how these relate to achievement of the intended
module learning outcomes
This module will be delivered over 15 or 30 weeks
Hours
Subject LOs
Generic LOs
Lectures
20
11.1, 11.2, 11.3, 11.4.
12.1, 12.2, 12.3, 12.4, 12.5
Seminars
20
11.1, 11.2, 11.3, 11.4.
12.1, 12.2, 12.3, 12.4, 12.5
Practical
5
11.1, 11.2, 11.3, 11.4.
12.1, 12.2, 12.3, 12.4, 12.5
Independent study
105
11.1, 11.2, 11.3, 11.4.
12.1, 12.2, 12.3, 12.4, 12.5
Total hours
150
Comments: All of the learning opportunities contained in this module are designed to enable the
students to achieve the subject specific and generic learning outcomes.
Lecture: A didactic or student centred oral presentation, delivered to or with a group of students.
Seminar: A student led discussion.
Practical: Learners will be given access to conservation sites to assess biodiversity.
There will be one and a half hours of class contact time per week consisting of an appropriate mix
lectures, and /or seminars and/or practical work. Seminars will typically include discussions,
problem-solving and case studies to which students will be expected to contribute both as
individuals and as part of a group.
The focus of the lectures will be on subject specific learning outcomes 11(1-4) and generic
learning outcomes 12 (1-5).The seminars on a combination of subject specific learning outcomes
11(1-4) and generic learning outcomes 12 (1-5), and the practical sessions on a combination of
subject specific learning outcomes 11(1-4) and generic learning outcomes 12 (1-5).
16. Assessment methods and how these relate to testing achievement of the intended module learning
outcomes
Essay
Weighting
Subject LOs
Generic LOs
50%
11.1, 11.2, 11.3
12.1, 12.2, 12.3, 12.4, 12.5
Students will complete an individual written assignment requiring them to critically discuss the value
of biodiversity as a resource and the effects of production, trade and biotechnology.
Exam
50%
11.1 -11.4
12.1, 12.2, 12.3, 12.4, 12.5
Students will complete an examination focusing on the critical evaluation of a case study involving
legal and practical measures to conserve global biodiversity.
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UNIVERSITY OF KENT
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of
this unit a learner will:
1 Develop a critical understanding of the
principles of the conservation of global
biodiversity
Assessment criteria for pass
The learner can:
1.1 Critically examine the factors within an
ecosystem that result in biodiversity
1.2 Identify examples of adaption and specialisation
that increase global biodiversity
2.1 Compare ethical, aesthetic, utilitarian, tourism
and ecological values of examples of biodiversity in
the context of their relevant ecosystems
2.2 Evaluate island biodiversity with reference to
endemic wildlife species
2.3 Identify and critically examine the main threats
to coral reefs
3.1 examine the impact of production, trade and
biotechnology on global biodiversity
3.2 Critically evaluate methods used to increase
wildlife species biodiversity within its natural habitat
4.1 Critically evaluate a range of legislative and
practical measures to conserve global biodiversity
4.2 Evaluate the success of one or more global
conservation schemes in meeting its aims with
respect to biodiversity
2 Understand the value of biodiversity
including island biodiversity and coral reefs.
3 Understand the impact of production, trade
and biotechnology and factors that may
threaten global biodiversity
4 Understand the efficacy of legal and
practical measures to conserve global
biodiversity.
17. Implications for learning resources, including staff, library, IT and space
There are adequate classrooms and resources available in the HE centre opened in September
2013. There is a dedicated HE, IT room and additionally library resources in the College LRC
where texts will be available.
18. The Collaborative Partner recognises and has embedded the expectations of current disability
equality legislation, and supports students with a declared disability or special educational need in its
teaching. Within this module we will make reasonable adjustments wherever necessary, including
additional or substitute materials, teaching modes or assessment methods for students who have
declared and discussed their learning support needs. Arrangements for students with declared
disabilities will be made on an individual basis, in consultation with the Collaborative Partner’s
disability/dyslexia support service, and specialist support will be provided where needed.
19. Campus(es) where module will be delivered:
Canterbury College
If the module is part of a programme in a Partner College or Validated Institution, please complete
the following:
20. Partner College/Validated Institution: Canterbury College
21. University School responsible for the programme: Faculty of Sciences
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UNIVERSITY OF KENT
SECTION 2: MODULE IS PART OF A PROGRAMME OF STUDY IN A UNIVERSITY SCHOOL
Statement by the School Director of Learning and Teaching/School Director of Graduate Studies
(as appropriate): "I confirm I have been consulted on the above module proposal and have given advice
on the correct procedures and required content of module proposals"
................................................................
..............................................
Director of Learning and Teaching/Director of
Graduate Studies (delete as applicable)
Date
…………………………………………………
Print Name
Statement by the Head of School: "I confirm that the School has approved the introduction of the
module and, where the module is proposed by School staff, will be responsible for its resourcing"
.................................................................
..............................................
Head of School
Date
…………………………………………………….
Print Name
SECTION 3: MODULE IS PART OF A PROGRAMME IN A PARTNER COLLEGE OR VALIDATED
INSTITUTION
(Where the module is proposed by a Partner College/Validated Institution)
Statement by the Nominated Officer of the College/Validated Institution (delete as applicable): "I
confirm that the College/Validated Institution (delete as applicable) has approved the introduction of the
module and will be responsible for its resourcing"
.................................................................
..............................................
Nominated Responsible Officer of Partner
College/Validated Institution
Date
………… ……………………………………….
Print Name
……… ………..
Post
… ……………………………………….
Partner College/Validated Institution
Module Specification Template
Last updated February 2013
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