KE6023 - Applied Ecology and Conservation Management

You will learn through lectures, workshops, practical management, and independent learning.

The timetabled sessions combine lectures, workshops, and field trip. Lectures will focus on research rich examples of contemporary practice and challenges for nature conservation, combined with workshops giving you the experience of working data collection and interpretation. Field trip will take you out to local site to gain first-hand experience of nature conservation site assessment. Your coursework puts you in the role of a nature conservation professional or an environmental consultant, using real data to make decisions or recommendations that inform conservation and management activities or decisions , an “assessment for learning approach” encouraging you to practice skills and build confidence.

Teaching staff operate an ‘open door’ policy for students meaning you can approach them anytime during normal office hours, or via email, to answer questions, receive feedback and support your learning on the module.

You will be supported by feedback from the tutors, including timetable formative feedback session so you can get advice on coursework before you hand it in. In addition, the tutors will respond to individual questions via our open-door policy and email.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

Knowledge & Understanding:

You will be able to
• MLO 1: Research ecological problems in the field using a range of tools, to evaluate the results of surveys and reach justified conclusions grounded in ecological and conservation theory.
• MLO 2: Critically review ecological, environmental, legal, social and economic information to develop practical sustainable management solutions.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• MLO 3: Use, apply and critically assess subject-specialist techniques of data analysis and presentation e.g. nature reserve designations and habitat classification (UK or international), along with widely applicable professional skills of report writing, data handling and presentation.

These skills and methods have been chosen to underpin your employability, both in the precise detail of their use and the confidence gained from experience of using them.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• MLO 4: You will demonstrate professional competencies and a critical, inquisitive and nuanced approach to the conservation of biodiversity, in particular an awareness that people are the key.

You will be assessed using two summative assessments that put you in the position of either a conservation officer or an environmental consultant.

Assessment 1 individual written report (50% of module mark), assessing MLO 1, 2, 3, and 4. Summative feedback is provided by individual feedback written directly onto the finished report.

Assessment 2 individual written report (50% of module mark), assessing MLO 1, 2, 3, and 4. Summative feedback is provided by individual feedback written directly onto the finished report.

KE5014 Fundamentals of Ecology

None

Nature conservation is a challenging mixture of scientific enquiry and professional judgement. This module will give you the expertise, skills, and confidence to work in conservation and make a difference for the future of the planet. All the teaching and assessment is research rich, drawing not only on staff expertise but also encouraging you to see yourselves as conservation professionals. The module builds on advice from employers and makes an ideal link with dissertations and placements. We have many graduates working in conservation, with the RSPB, Environment Agency, Whale and Dolphin Conservation, local government, Wildlife Trusts, and consultancies. This module is a powerful stepping stone into these rewarding careers.