UNIVERSITY OF KENT
Module Specification
1 The title of the module:
Further Topics in Conservation Biology (DI518)
3
2 The School which will be responsible for management of the module:
DICE/Anthropology and Conservation
The Start Date of the Module:
2003
4
5
The cohort of students (onwards) to which the module will be applicable:
2008-09 entry
The number of students expected to take the module:
25
6 Modules to be withdrawn on the introduction of this proposed module and consultation with other relevant Schools and Faculties regarding the withdrawal:
None
7 The level of the module (eg Certificate [C], Intermediate [I], Honours [H] or
Postgraduate [M]):
H (FHEQ Level: 6)
8 The number of credits which the module represents:
15
9 Which term(s) the module is to be taught in (or other teaching pattern):
Autumn and Spring
10 Prerequisite and co-requisite modules:
DI508: Skills for Conservation Biologists
11 The programmes of study to which the module contributes:
BSc in Biodiversity Conservation and Management; BSc in Wildlife Conservation
12 The intended subject specific learning outcomes and, as appropriate, their relationship to programme learning outcomes:
At the end of this module, students will have:

been exposed to a wide range of topics that are currently being researched by conservation scientists at DICE and elsewhere

understood the ecological and evolutionary basis of this research, in order to reach effective real world solutions

presented a selection of this research in its wider context for scientifically literate nonspecialists, as if writing for the News and Views section of the international journal Nature .
These specific learning outcomes will have helped to achieve programme learning outcomes by setting cutting-edge research in its wider context, firstly through all that students have learned throughout their programme, and secondly by presenting it as if for a general scientific readership.
Specifically, these relate to programme outcomes A1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 &10, and C4, 5, 6
&7 for the BSc in Biodiversity Conservation and Management and BSc Wildlife
Conservation.

13 The intended generic learning outcomes and, as appropriate, their relationship to programme learning outcomes
At the end of this module students will have experience of: critical analysis of presentations and using their writing skills to inform a general scientific audience. Specifically, these relate to programme outcomes B 1, 2, 3, 5 & 7 and D1, 3, 4, 5 & 6 for the BSc in
Biodiversity Conservation and Management and BSc Wildlife Conservation.
14 A synopsis of the curriculum
Future conservation scientists must keep abreast of new research and discuss emerging issues relevant to conservation, in order to understand their ecological and evolutionary basis and to look for real world solutions. This module exposes students to the wide range of topics that are currently being researched by conservation scientists at DICE and elsewhere, and teaches them to present some of this research for scientifically literate, non-specialists. This is a core module for Stage 3 students, and seeks to help them set much of what they have learned during earlier parts of the programme in its wider context.
15 Indicative Reading List
Recent Issues of the Journal Conservation Biology
Recent Issues of the Journal Biological Conservation
Recent Issues of the Journal Oryx
16 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 learning outcomes:
Students attend the weekly series of DICE Research Seminars held in the Autumn and
Spring terms, comprising 1 hr of contact per week, or 24 contact hrs over the whole module. Students choose their own selection of seminars upon which to write an assignment modelled on the News and Views section of the international journal Nature .
The module achieves its intended learning outcomes by helping students learn about cutting edge research in conservation, and present it for a wide, non-specialist but highly scientifically literate, readership.
17 Assessment methods and how these relate to testing achievement of the intended learning outcomes
Current assessment 100% coursework
18 Implications for learning resources, including staff, library, IT and space:
None
19 A statement confirming that, as far as can be reasonably anticipated, the curriculum, learning and teaching methods and forms of assessment do not present any non-justifiable disadvantage to students with disabilities:
No known disadvantages for disabled students.
Statement by the Director of Learning and Teaching: "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"
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Director of Learning and Teaching
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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"
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Head of School
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Print Name
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Date