BI2CSP2: Conservation Science in Practice

Module code: BI2CSP2

Module provider: School of Biological Sciences

Credits: 20

Level: 5

When you’ll be taught: Semester 2

Module convenor: Dr Campbell Murn , email: c.p.murn@reading.ac.uk

Module co-convenor: Miss Vicky Boult, email: v.l.boult@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2025/6

Available to visiting students: Yes

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 3 April 2025

Overview

Module aims and purpose

This module will introduce you to the world of conservation science and its practice. Using examples from the field plus a variety of guest speakers from the modern edge of conservation, the module will provide you with an understanding of the inherent conflicts and challenges associated with nature conservation. You will be encouraged to develop effective tools and methods to accept and address these challenges. By emphasising an evidence-based decision-making framework, you will gain an understanding of how data-driven conclusions can generate conservation solutions at the same time as understanding the realities faced by conservation practitioners in complex modern settings.  

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to: 

1. Recognise the major drivers of successful and failed outcomes for conservation challenges.   
2. Apply a decision-making framework to the challenge of problem-solving in conservation settings 
3. Review, assess and report on a conservation scenario and its chances of success 
4. Demonstrate an understanding of how stakeholder engagement affects conservation planning, processes and outcomes 

Module content

Students will be exposed to a wide, cross-section of topics in conservation, while also challenging many established assumptions around conservation education and communication. This module has a specific emphasis on the use of an evidence-based approach to identify, test and implement solutions for conservation problems. Many of these problems are counter-intuitive, or emotive, and the module uses a wide-range of examples from eagles and elephants to rewilding and invertebrates to highlight key points related to the theory and practice of conservation. The importance of stakeholder perspectives on conservation, and how these can affect decision-making processes in conservation is illustrated using a combination of current and historically-important conservation scenarios.  

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

The learning outcomes will be met through a mixture of lectures, seminars, practical classes, self-directed learning and directed independent study. Appropriate supplementary information and reading lists will be provided on Blackboard. 

Students will also be working together in groups to generate outputs focused on methods such as Red Listing, conservation frameworks and the identification of practical conservation management strategies 

Study hours

At least 42 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.