Tackling conservation problems at the species level of organisation is both attractive and popular. In order to achieve this, it is important to understand how 'species' are defined and how they have evolved and gone extinct over evolutionary time scales. Certain species may be used to provide political or financial leverage in conservation programmes, while others may play fundamental roles in whole ecosystem restoration. Assigning priorities in species conservation is essential to the planning process when resources are in short supply, and various quantitative and qualitative methods of achieving this will be presented, including the IUCN Red List system. A variety of protocols for captive breeding, health monitoring, translocation and reintroduction are applied in species conservation. Coverage of these topics will lead into an appraisal of the role of conservation genetics in species conservation planning, and how genetic and population parameters can be used to build predictive models of extinction risk. These topics will also be considered alongside established evolutionary theory that underpins population biology. Associated topics will include population assessment, evolutionary phylogenetic diversity and the population genetic mechanisms of natural selection, genetic drift and inbreeding, together with an understanding of molecular genetic techniques and how to interpret genetic data. The module will also draw together these various approaches by appraising the structure, function and implementation of conservation programmes and the role of organisations such as NGOs and zoos.
Private Study: 160
Contact Hours: 40
Total: 200
Compulsory for:
MSc Conservation Biology
Optional for:
MSc in Conservation Science
Funding application (2,500 words) (50%)
Laboratory report (3,500 words, excluding references) (50%)
Reassessment Details:
100% coursework
The University is committed to ensuring that core reading materials are in accessible electronic format in line with the Kent Inclusive Practices.
The most up to date reading list for each module can be found on the university's reading list pages.
Understand the concept of the species as a unit for conservation action and how this relates to conservation at the habitat/ecosystem level;
Demonstrate an understanding of key processes that underpin population biology and population viability within a conservation context;
Understand the main evolutionary processes that influence species and populations and how they evolve and interact to influence threatened populations;
Understand how to measure extinction risk, and comprehend species conservation within an evolutionary phylogenetic context;
Understand recovery programme design, including translocations, captive breeding and use of surrogate species.
Integrate information from different disciplines.
Demonstrate independent study skills: time management, organisation and assimilation of information.
Demonstrate skills in literature searching and the ability to synthesise materials within coherent theoretical frameworks.
Demonstrate critical analysis and reflection.
Present reports containing balanced arguments supported by qualitative and quantitative evidence.
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