Unit information: Wildlife Conservation in 2021/22

Unit name	Wildlife Conservation
Unit code	VETSM0038
Credit points	20
Level of study	M/7
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 2D (weeks 19 - 24)
Unit director	Dr. Carr
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	None
Co-requisites	None
School/department	Bristol Veterinary School
Faculty	Faculty of Health Sciences

Description including Unit Aims

The aim of this unit is to provide students with advanced training in the principles of wildlife conservation. In contrast to other units, where the focus is on wildlife in zoos and rehabilitation centres, this unit will describe the principles and techniques that can be used under free-range (in situ) conditions. Teaching will cover the causes of biodiversity loss; threats to wildlife populations; practical conservation strategies and techniques; designing and managing effective conservation projects; the role of national parks and conservation areas; and the use of new technology (e.g. GIS) to help solve applied wildlife conservation problems.

Intended Learning Outcomes

On completing this unit students should be able to:

• Describe the causes of biodiversity loss, systematically explaining which species are vulnerable to extinction, and why.
• Show a conceptual understanding of the principles of population biology and how these can be applied to biodiversity conservation.
• Appraise the strengths and limitations of various techniques used in the conservation of endangered species.
• Develop realistic solutions to conservation problems that wildlife managers face on a daily basis, factoring in the complex and sometimes unpredictable characteristics of natural systems.
• Demonstrate awareness of new technology that is available to support conservation objectives, such as geographical information systems, remote sensing and satellite tracking.

Teaching Information

This unit will be taught using a blended learning approach. This will include short lectures, group workshops, field trips (virtual or in person), computer-based practicals and self-guided learning and reflection. The students’ understanding of the taught material will be reinforced by the use of case studies and real world examples of conservation problems. E-resources will be provided for this unit through the Blackboard online learning environment.

Assessment Information

The student's performance on this unit will be assessed by:

• One habitat survey report based on an evaluation of field data (50%).
• One written report addressing a wildlife conservation topic (50%).

Resources

If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.

If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. VETSM0038).

How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks, independent learning and assessment activity.

See the Faculty workload statement relating to this unit for more information.

Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit. The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. If you have self-certificated your absence from an assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.