Conservation Ecology

Successful conservation requires the application of ecological principles and an ability to critically appraise ecological data, including large data sets. Through the use of case studies and theories to examine areas of controversy, this module develops an understanding of best practice for habitat classification and species monitoring.

This module looks at the practical aspects of scientific work, such as designing and analysing experiments and presenting proposals for research and results to prospective employers.

This module develops taxonomic skills by asking you to focus on the processes of identification of species and recognition of key characteristics of selected taxonomic groups. Skills are learned through practical studies in the field and the use of collections and appropriate taxonomic tools.

Ecology provides analytical procedures for studying relationships between organisms and their environment and therefore has an obvious role in both applied conservation management and environmental assessment. Using a series of case studies, guest lectures and related site visits the module familiarises the student with the relevant environmental legislation and discusses the basic science behind ecosystem degradation and management. The module places strong emphasis on the type and level of detail required for describing and evaluating the ecological baseline of an environmental assessment in the UK with potential applications overseas. The module will ultimately inform the student of the techniques that can be used to reliably monitor, detect and allow better management of human impacts on the natural environment.

This module examines the role of international legislation in wildlife conservation and trade, and standard methods for assessing the status of species and habitats, together with a consideration of the role of human-wildlife conflicts in conservation.

This module will enable you to engage in individual or group research under the guidance of a supervisor to pursue a sustained critical inquiry and gain an in-depth understanding of a specific area of

• dietetics
• nutrition
• nutrition epidemiology
• eating behaviour
• food science
• or public health through primary or secondary data collection and analysis.

Research projects typically include some elements of design and planning of some form of data collection, development of new hypotheses, and analysis of findings. Data collection may be laboratory experimentation (human participants, foods/food ingredients),

• questionnaires/surveys
• clinical audits
• or interviews/focus groups.

You will have the opportunity to critically engage with appropriate research methodology (quantitative, qualitative, mixed methods) and academic literature in a reflective, analytical, and critically self-aware fashion.

This module examines the role of international legislation in wildlife conservation and trade, and standard methods for assessing the status of species and habitats, together with a consideration of the role of human-wildlife conflicts in conservation.

This module looks at the practical application of GIS and other computer-based techniques and models as tools to assist in environmental decision making.

Our understanding of basic concepts in molecular biology has given rise to the different ‘omics’ areas of modern research and application (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics etc.). This module will begin by refreshing your understanding of topics such as DNA structure, replication, mutation and repair, and gene expression. We will also explore how the biological concepts have been exploited by scientists to derive and apply the wide array of methodologies that have come to be known collectively by the term “molecular biology”, such as DNA cloning, PCR, quantitative PCR, microarrays and RNA interference. This expanding collection of technologies provides scientists with a fundamental basis for studying biological processes and various aspects of human disease. You'll use several of these techniques, through laboratory-based practical work, to deepen your understanding and illustrate potential applications.

This module explores the systematic process of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) / Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) and the conceptual foundations of effectiveness in order to promote understanding of the development planning and design cycles where EIA / ESIA has greatest potential to shape sustainable outcomes. UK and international legislation and different sector guidance are examined to establish key dimensions of best practice. The module stresses the importance of EIA / ESIA scoping and impact mitigation across a range of biophysical and social components of the environment. Risk reduction strategies and the challenge of uncertainty are considered, along with approaches to assess and manage the cumulative effects of development. Reflecting notions of EIA / ESIA as an on-going management tool, the module considers the role of post-consent monitoring and evaluation. Issues of EIA / ESIA quality and expert competency within professional practice are examined.

Ecosystems provide a number of benefits to humans, which can be conceptualised as 'ecosystem services'. The type and value of these ecosystem services depend at least in part on biodiversity. In this module, we will look at the 'value' of biodiversity by investigating several aspects of biodiversity and how this links into ecosystem services.

The independent study is a module that provides you with an opportunity to address a discipline area that is not formally offered as part of the taught programme or you can expand on a topic area that was superficially covered. In this module we encourage you to create a product output that is potentially useful for the industry of interest.

This module develops taxonomic skills by asking you to focus on the processes of identification of species and recognition of key characteristics of selected taxonomic groups. Skills are learned through practical studies in the field and the use of collections and appropriate taxonomic tools.

We encourage you to conduct your research project with conservation organisations or with one of our research groups. We have good links with a range of national and local conservation organisations and ecological consultancies. On successful completion of this MSc, you will be eligible to apply for graduate membership of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management. With an additional two years' work experience, you will be eligible to apply for associate membership.